Description of the Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3 days
The 3-Day Huchuy Qosqo trek is a family-friendly adventure that offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and scenic beauty, ideal for travelers of all ages. Unlike more strenuous treks in the region, this route features gentle trails and lower altitudes, making it suitable for children and those new to hiking. The journey begins near Cusco and winds through picturesque Andean valleys, charming villages and ancient Inca pathways. Along the way, families can enjoy breathtaking views, interact with local communities and learn about Inca history at the impressive Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site. Visit to the majestic Sacred Valley and take the train to the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, providing a well-rounded and enriching experience that is both active and educational.
Huchuy Qosqo trek 3 Days at a Glance
The Huchuy Qosqo 3 Day Trek is one of the short cultural routes that Cusco has to offer, less crowded and an alternative way to reach Machu Picchu, stunning landscapes and authenticity awaits you. The perfect short hike to experience high Andean passes, gorgeous views and traditional villages. The highlight of this trek is the beautiful Archeological site of Huchuy Qosqo. Enjoy the beauty of the Andes a cultural immersion and adventure in just a 3 unforgettable days.
Day 1: Cusco — Tambomachay — Qoricocha Lake — Pukamarca
Your journey begins in Cusco, with a short drive to Tambomachay, the starting point of the trek. Hike through expansive Andean landscapes, passing rural villages and picturesque lagoons while enjoying panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. After crossing a high mountain pass, arrive at Pucamarca, where you’ll camp surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery.
Our experience starts with a short drive to Tambomachay, our trail head. First day to breath fresh Andean air, as we walk stunning landscapes surround us, it will take 4 hours to get to our lunch spot in Q’ellwacocha Lake, followed by 3 hours more of hiking to get to Pukamarca, our campsite.
Day 2: Pukamarca — Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Aguas Calientes
Early breakfast and boots on, we hike 3 hours to Huchuy Qosqo, explore this ancien site with your guide, then we hike down towars Lamay town, where our lunch will happen. Later we drive towards Ollantaytambo for our train to Aguas Calientes, we spend the night here.
Day 3: Machu Picchu — Aguas Calientes — Cusco
The glorious day to explore the greatest Incan Monument “Machu Picchu“, your guide will walk you through the site on a comprenhensive informative tour, we visit circuit 2. Later, we make our way back to Cusco, arriving at your accommodation by 7:30 pm.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco — Tambomachay — Qoricocha Lake — Pukamarca
Pick up from your hotel reception will be at 6 am. Please be ready and waiting with your day pack and duffle bag. Firstly, we drive up to the Tambomachay archeological Inca Site just outside of Cusco. This site is known as the temple to the water. There are interesting aqueducts, canals and fountains, translated means “place of rest”. This is our trailhead, from where we will hike up to Sicllaccasa pass, witnessing beautiful landscapes and vast grasslands. At the pass (4100 masl / 13186 ft) feel a deep peace while contemplating the Cusco valley below while hearing from the guide momentous events that took place when the Spanish invaded the area. Enjoy the outstanding views of farmlands and the mountainous landscapes.
You will then hike for three more hours along a restored Inca Trail, ascending and descending through beautiful Andean ambiance. We will reach Pukamarca located at 3,800 mt / 12,467 ft. Tonight we’ll camp here, then your Wayna Team will serve you an afternoon tea followed by a delicious dinner, and rest for the next day adventure.
- Campsite Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- Distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles
- Duration: 7 hours
- Meals: Snacks, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Pukamarca — Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Aguas Calientes
This morning be woken by our team early with a hot drink before the breakfast. Relatively a moderate day, we will hike for around 3 Hours towards Huchuyc Qosqo. Have an informative guided tour of the ruins, hear stories about the Inca civilization and the uses of Huchuy Qosqo. Following will be some spare time to explore and gaze at the gorgeous Urubamba Mountain range.
Next, we hike downhill for about 1½ hours to the town of Lamay. Walk through a beautifully lush ravine filled with bird life and exotic plants. Once in Lamay take advantage and have a look around this quaint little village. Lamay is a quiet farming village not known to foreigners. Lunch will be enjoyed in the beautiful countryside surrounded by the Andes. After lunch drive to Ollantaytambo Train Station. Board the train for a 2-hour ride through the valley to the wonderful little town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival a representative from Wayna Trekkers will be ready to take you to your hotel. Enjoy a wonderful dinner with your guide and your trekking companions.
- Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,560 ft
- Hiking Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Duration: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Tara Hotel, Gringo Bills or Ferre.
- Difficulty : Easy
Day 3: Machu Picchu — Aguas Calientes — Cusco
In the early morning after breakfast, walk to the bus station and take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, to be at the site when it opens. On arrival if we are lucky, we will see the stunning sunrise over Machu Picchu. Have a 2-hour guided tour of the site during which the guide will explain the history of the Inca citadel (The tour will be extended according to your questions) and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. As part of your tour to Machu Picchu visit the Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, Three Gates building, Sacred Rock, and the Temple of the Condor, among other locations. This circuit includes a visit to the agricultural sector, where you can get a classic view of Machu Picchu.
After your tour, board the bus to return to Aguas Calientes, where you can have a great lunch at one of the many restaurants in the village. After lunch you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where our driver will bring you back to Cusco – Hotel.
- Machupicchu guided tour: 2 – 3 hours
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
- Difficulty: Easy
What is included in the Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3 Days?
IT INCLUDES
- Briefing at Wayna Trekkers’ office 5:00 PM the night before
- Hotel Pick-up the first morning of the trek
- Private shuttle From Cusco to the trailhead
- Duffle bag for your belongings up to 7 kg, for extra clothes, sleeping bags, etc.
- Plastic rain poncho and day pack rain cover
- 4 Season Tents (two person per tent)
- Foam mattresses and pillows
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners (Optional: dietary restrictions, vegetarian or vegan notice us in advance)
- First-aid kit, and oxygen tank
- Boiled purified water, (our chef will fill up your bottles, camelback or any container – after every meal)
- Hot water for washing purposes
- Tourist Expedition train ticket from Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes & Vice versa
- Machu Picchu entrance fee
- Dining tents with tables and chairs
- Chef and cooking equipment
- Guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Round trip bus ticket From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes & Vice versa
- Hotel at Aguas Calientes 3* (last night only)
- 18% tax
NOT INCLUDED
- Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain: Both at cost $70 USD. Must be booked and confirmed in advance (Ideally, at the time of booking), because permits are selling out quickly.
- First breakfast and Last lunch.
- Tips for Wayna Trekkers’ crew
EXTRAS
- Single Tent Supplement – $ 30 USD
- Sleeping bag – $20 USD
- Air Mattress – $15 USD
- Walking sticks – $15 USD
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes (Book in advance)
- Vistadome Train – $60 USD
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
- Machupicchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
PRICES:
Group prices
$500 USD Per person.
***For groups of 4+ travelers, $20 USD discount each. (Applies for the group service only)
Private services additional:
$100 USD PP
Student Discount
- $30 USD off per person Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17 years old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17 years old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.
- $40 USD off per person, for kids under 11 years old, this discount will be applied by default. Send passport copy at the booking time.
Please send all information to info@waynatrekkers.com
Add On’s:
- Single Tent Supplement – $ 30 USD (Preferably notice us at time of booking)
- Single room at 3* Hotel – $35 USD per night (Preferably notice us at time of booking)
- Sleeping bag – $15 USD
- Air Mattress – $15 USD
- Walking sticks – $10 USD
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes $100 USD (Book in advance)
- Vistadome Train – $60 USD
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
- Machu Picchu Mountain – $70 USD (Book in advance)
WHAT TO BRING FOR THE HUCHUYQOSQO TREK 3 DAY
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original passport (the same used for booking your trek)
- Valid University card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 L (Camelbacks are encouraged)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Wayna Trekkers)
- Headlamp: essential
- Good raincoat and pants
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Wool hat and gloves
- Fleece or warm layers
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Personal First Aid kit, personal medications and items of person nature.
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
THE DUFFEL BAG
We provide a duffel bag at the briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter, who will carry up to 7 kgs/15lbs including sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. In these 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
WHAT TO PUT IN THE BAG
- 2 T-Shirts
- 1 hiking pant
- 2 sets of undergarments
- 2 sets of hiking socks
- Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quick dry towel. We provide a small one, you might prefer something larger
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD
TOILETRIES
- Face cleanser, moisturizer & after sun cream
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 25 to 30L for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu.
Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, we will then provide you with cold boiled water at every mealtime. Please bring your canteens.
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp
- Wool hat and gloves
- Rain gear
- Fleece or warm layer
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Personal First Aid kit, personal medications and items of person nature.
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Valuables (passport, money etc.)
Please read the following information.
Booking
We need you to fill out a booking form which includes all the information needed for the trip. Our system will ask you for $190 USD deposit per person for booking rights(all payments are subject to a 5.5% transaction fee). If you are more than 2 hikers, you can pay separately. Once we received your deposit we go ahead with your permits and will send a formal confirmation to your email.
Arrival to Cusco.
You will be picked up by one of our team members and be driven to your hotel. For this complimentary service ensure you send your flight details at least two weeks in advance. You have to exit the airport or bus terminal; your driver cannot enter inside.
Acclimatization to the altitude:
High altitude starts to have an effect on our bodies from between 1,500m – 2,000m (4921ft – 6561ft) when our bodies start to react differently to make up for the changes in oxygen levels. As you get higher, the air gets thinner, so with every breath there is less oxygen for your body. Your body gradually adapts to getting less oxygen – you breathe faster and deeper and the body produces more red blood cells. This takes time so this is why if you go from low to high altitude too quickly, you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness until your body acclimatizes.
The Cusco region is generally set at very high elevations. The city of Cusco stands at a staggering 3 399m/ 11 152ft. On the other hand, the Huchuy Qosqo Trek has varying degrees of elevations, Highest is the Pukamarca pass at 4,100 mt / 13,451 ft, the lowest point in Lamay at 2900 mt/9514 ft. So, altitudes sickness is to be expected when hiking the Huchuy Qosqo Trek. However, people react differently to altitude sickness and it can present itself in a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include: headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, poor appetite, dizziness and disturbed sleep and in extreme cases, loss of oxygen.
There are number of ways to deal with altitude sickness. Firstly, you need to acclimate, by spending a few days in the Sacred Valley or Cusco. The body does adjust to the thin air; it just needs time. There are a number of day tours you can participate in before your hike, that don’t require much exertion. Secondly, get lots of sleep, relax and take it easy. Another option is to watch what you consume, try to avoid alcohol and drugs and also drink lots of water and coca tea. Keep your meals light, high in calories with lots of carbs. Lastly, we recommend visiting your doctor before traveling to Peru and ask for recommendations for medication that can help with altitude sickness.
These are the recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED.
Get in Shape!
Being physically fit will certainly help you to enjoy everything this famous trail has to offer. You do not have to be an athlete, but we do recommend that you are active and build endurance. There are a few ways to achieve this. You could join a health club a couple of months leading to the trek. Another option is to participate in an aerobic group activity; aerobics are known for increasing endurance. If you prefer the outdoors, walking or running for 10kms/6 miles day would suffice.
Briefing.
We have set your pre-trek talk the night before your trek at 5:00 PM at your hotel or at our office.
Luggage.
Some people change hotels after hiking, therefore we offer a free secure luggage store while trekking. Please advise at the briefing.
How do I pay my remaining balance?
You can pay the rest of your bill upon arrival to Cusco at our office with a card or cash if you want to avoid any extra high credit card fees. Our representative will show you the invoice confirmed at the booking time. Otherwise, you can pay through on card, but you have to pay 5.5% service fee charged by the Payment Gateways.
