The Huchuy Qosqo & Machu Picchu 3-day, 2-night trek is a high-Andean expedition crossing a 4,300 m (14,108 ft) pass ⛰️ to the rarely visited Inca palace of Huchuy Qosqo, with overnight camping under the stars and a guided tour of Machu Picchu 🏛️.
This route combines mountain trekking with archaeological and cultural immersion in a less-traveled area of the Sacred Valley. On the first day, the group departs from Cusco toward the Tambomachay community, gradually ascending to the high-Andean pass at 4,300 meters where our guide Edwin monitors the acclimatization pace. From there, the trail descends to the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo, an Inca palace complex featuring agricultural terraces, storage deposits (qolqas), and finely carved stone walls. The night is spent at an authorized campsite with cooking equipment and tents provided by the agency. On the second day, the trek continues descending into the Sacred Valley to Lamay, followed by a train transfer to Aguas Calientes. The third day culminates with a guided visit to Machu Picchu and a return by train to Ollantaytambo.
If you are looking for a longer adventure with cycling and rafting, the Inka Jungle Premium is the most complete 4-day option. For a high-altitude glacier trek, the Salkantay Trek 5D/4N is the most demanding expedition in the catalog.
| Feature | Huchuy Qosqo 3D/2N | Salkantay Trek 5D/4N |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 days / 2 nights | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Max Altitude | 4,300 m (14,108 ft) | 4,630 m (15,190 ft) |
| Difficulty | Moderate | High (demanding) |
| Accommodation | Camping + hostel in Aguas Calientes | Lodges and camping along the route |
| Ideal For | Travelers with limited time seeking Inca archaeology | Experienced trekkers seeking high-altitude glacier terrain |
We will pick you up at your hotel around 6:00 a.m. to begin our hike from Tambomachay to Huchuy Qosqo. On the way, you will enjoy the beauty of the high Andean villages and the Qoricocha lagoon, home to a variety of wildlife. We will pass by Pampamarca, a lookout point with spectacular views. After a quick lunch, we will continue our trek to Leon Punku, where you will find unique rock formations. Finally, we will arrive at Huchuy Qosqo to enjoy a delicious dinner and a night of camping.
After breakfast, we head to Huchuy Qosqo for a guided tour, enjoying panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the surrounding majestic mountains such as Chicon, Pitusiray, Sawasiray, Waccaywilca and Veronica. Then, we descend to Lamay for approximately 2 hours, where lunch awaits us. Finally, we transfer to Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a cozy hotel.
After breakfast, we head to the citadel of Machu Picchu for a guided tour of approximately 2 hours. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore the citadel before returning by bus to Aguas Calientes and taking the train back to Ollantaytambo and then to Cusco.
Note: If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you must book at least three months in advance due to limited availability. This activity is optional and has an additional cost of US $70.00.
Features and details of the Huchuy Qosqo & Machu Picchu tour:.
Cusco
6:00 am
