qoricicha lake
Day 01
way to huchuy qosqo
Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: CUSCO – PATABAMBA – HUCHUY QOSQO.
Highlight of the day: Marvel at towering in views of snow-capped Andean peaks and lagoons on the Huchuy Qosqo trail through the Sacred Valley, and soak in views of awe-inspiring ruins sites, .
Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu 3 days. We begin the tour with an early morning pick-up at your hotel (7:30 am) and drive straight to Patabamba (3,800 m.), the trailhead to start our trekking. At this point, we’ll continue through the Andean landscapes and over to the “Pukamarca Pass” (3,800 m.), hiking along a path that leads to the town of Cauca, where we come across the archaeological remains and natural crops, such as “Tarwi”, and an abundance of cactus. We continue onward to the Pukamarca Pass (Elev. 4200 m.), where we may take pleasure from the surrounding sceneries and huge mountains for instance; Veronica, Pitusiray, Chicon, and San Juan.
Continuing along the path where we descend towards a lovely remote Andean town, “Pukamarca” (Elev. 4,010 m). Here we’ll stop for a short break.
As we get moving, we will hike declining unto a mystical ancient path that leads us to the “Leon Punku” ravine. This will lead us unto a very narrow corridor, between some colossal rock walls, where we will discover some Incan remains and various primal bridges and Incan stairs (some of the best Inca Stairs anywhere) leading us to a Canyon.
This Canyon is absolutely magical and its’ geological formations are impressive (surrounded by majestic rocks and boulders) leading us directly to the river “Huchuy Qosqo” (Elev. 3600 m). Upon arriving at the ruins, we’ll have a brief historical account of the area and you’ll retire to your accommodations for the night. Includes dinner and sleep-over at a typical native homestay, along the side of the Huchuy Qosqo ruins.
DETAILS
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Homestay in Huchuyqosqo
- Highest Altitude: 4,200m.
- Lowest Altitude: 3,500m
- Hiking Distance: 13km approx.
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate.
L,D
Meals
CAMPING
Accommodation
DIFFICULT
Difficulty
13km / 7 MILES
Walking Distance
4200 MASL / 15324 FEETS
Highest Elevation
3600 MASL / 11534 FEETS
Campsite Elevation
Day 2
Day 2: HUCHUY QOSQO – LAMAY- OLLANTAYTAMBO- AGUAS CALIENTES
Highlight of the day: Explore the Huchuy Qosqo and Machu Picchu Inca sites perched atop a spectacular Urubamba Valley,.
Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca Archaeological Complex that is perched precariously on the side of a mountain with imposing architecture that includes a large open ceremonial center. At this point, you’ll enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, the Vilcanota River, and the snow-capped mountain range.
At the Archaeological Complex, we will receive a guided tour as we make our way around the ruins. Next, we’ll make our way down the mountain to Lamay (3,000 m/ 9,840 ft.) Lamay is a town dedicated to agriculture and cattle raising. In the afternoon, we’ll be driven to Ollantaytambo, where we will board an afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride is absolutely gorgeous, enjoying the renowned geographical beauty of Peru’s landscape. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, all passengers will be shown to their respective accommodations.
DETAILS
- Meals: Breakfast: Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Private hostel
- Highest Altitude: 3500m
- Lowest Altitude: 2040m
- Hiking Distance: 8km approx.
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
B,L,D
Meals
HOTEL
Accommodation
MOERATE
Difficulty
8 KM / 3 MILES
Walking Distance
3600 MASL 10532 FEETS
Highest Elevation
2000 MASL / 6534 FEETS
Campsite Elevation
Day 3
Day 3: MACHU PICCHU (THE SACRED CITY OF CUSCO) – CUSCO
Highlight of the day: ENYOY ONE OF THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD .
Today is the most important day of your expedition and we’ll make the most of it. We’ll start the day with a hearty breakfast (5:30 a.m.) before taking one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. The Hotel will have your bags prepared upon your return from the tour.
The bus ride takes 30 minutes to reach the top of Machu Picchu. Once you arrive, your guide will escort you to Machu Picchu. We will situate ourselves in a beautiful location to watch the sunrise and take photos. You’ll have 2 ½ hours with your Guide to lead you through the citadel of Machu Picchu, imparting onto you the history and culture of the Incas.
At the end of the tour, you will have time for your own exploration of the Citadel.
If you have reserved a visit to “HUAYNAPICHHU” (tickets $ 25.00 per person/limited to 400 per day – NOT INCLUDED), you’ll begin your hike at 7:00 – 10:00 a.m., please coordinate with the Trek Leader for your visit depending on Municipality’s programmed time.
After finishing our visit, we will return to our bus descending to Aguas Calientes arriving around 3:00 pm (as our train usually leaves at 4:20 p.m.). We’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo for two hours, followed by a two-hour drive to your hotel in Cusco.
B
Meals
CUSCO
Accommodation
EASY
Difficulty
JUST BY BUS
Walking Distance
2400 MASL / 7634 FEETS
Highest Elevation
3400 MASL / 1053 FEETS
Campsite Elevation
Inclusions
Huchuy Qosqo Trek To Machu Picchu 3 Days
- Bilingual English-speaking tour guide (additional tour guide for groups of nine people or more)
- Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
- TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT TO HOTEL
- SLEEPING BAG
- HIKING POLES
- BLANKET
- TRANSFER FROM HOTEL TO AIRPORT
- Four-person tent for every 2 people.
- Chef
- Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
- Horse to transport 8 kg of your gear
- Duffle bag for your gear
- Excellent meals:
- Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, and rice, foods that are rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking. (Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request)
- Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, coca, biscuits, popcorn).
- Boiled water provided from 2nd day (for drinking)
- Wake up to coca tea in your tent
- Buckets of hot water for washing in your tent every day
- Biodegradable soap and hand cleansing gel
- Oxygen Tank & First aid kit
- One-night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Round trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Tips: Guide, Cook, Horseman.
- Water on Day 1
- $ 75 Waynapicchu Mountain (walk to the top without a guide, the trail is well marked).
- First breakfast and last lunch
Pricing
Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2022 through January 2023. All prices quoted are $USD
- group service: $400 per person
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need for extra Porter hire!).
Discounts:
- Student Discount 20$ dollars
- Under 15 years will pay as a student: US$20.00
- Under 7 years Discount: US$35.00
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
- Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance)
Trip Details
Trip Details Huchuy Qosqo Trek To Machu Picchu 3 Days
- Tour Name: Huchuy Qosqo Trek To Machu Picchu 3 days
- Tour/Trek Duration: 3 Days/2 Nights
- Location/Terrain: huchuy Qosqo Inca site, Snow-capped, Lagoons
- Accommodation: beautiful campsites
- Acclimatization: Due to the high altitude, we recommend 2 days in Cusco before embarking on our Huchuy Qosqo Trek To Machu Picchu 3 days hike
- Adventure Rating Very Strenuous trek
- Activities: Trekking/ Camping
- Altitude: 5150m/13,139ft
- Departures: every day with 2 or more people
- Customizable: Yes!
What to Pack
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Bathing Suit for the thermal waters
- Couple Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º Celcius.
- Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
- A small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
What To Bring
- A good day pack: such as Eagle Creek Afar Backpack (Appropriate pack to carry your personal belongings.)
- Original passport (International Student Identity Card “ISIC” if applicable)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not required
- Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support)
- 3 pairs of trekking pants (not jeans), 1 hiking, 1 cotton–which is just enough. Please spray both pairs with an insect repellent spray before the trip.
- Layers for variable temperatures especially at night.
- 1 rain jacket: The first night the temperature can be as low as – 5 degrees Celsius/23 degrees Fahrenheit. A rain jacket can be helpful because there are rainy days even in the dry season!
- 1 warm/winter jacket (Thermals: wool socks/gloves, scarf and woolen hat for cold nights).
- 4 pairs of underwear, 6 pairs of socks (Bamboo or cotton/nylon-blend socks dry faster than 100 percent cotton, which lose their softness when air-dried.) It is nice to have a couple of extra pairs of socks to change into at night when you’re not hiking. Also, we recommend bringing both heavy hiking socks and lighter socks as well as the weather is variable, so you want to make sure you’re not too cold or too hot.
- 4 t-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts
- 1 good sleeping bag liner which is super lightweight and easy to pack. This does its job!
- Travel-size tissues and wet wipes.
- Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness. Several people on the hike have varying degrees of altitude sickness and both of these remedies (in addition to the coca tea) are very helpful in alleviating the symptoms.
- Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).
- Bug spray with 30% DEET in it–which you need, but it doesn’t work very well. The issue with Cusco outdoor is that most of the bugs are not mosquitoes. They are these small flies you can’t even see that leave weird bites that first look like you pricked your finger and then blow up into itchy red bumps. Unfortunately, these bugs seem to bite you no matter what kind of spray you put on, so bringing some anti-itch ointment could be helpful.
- Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as Camelback
- Water (Only for the first day of the hike, as we will provide you with water throughout the rest of the hike).
- Camera
- A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries
- Bandages or moleskin
- Flip flops to change into at night. Your toes will thank you!
- Toiletries
- Medication (Imodium AD or something for your stomach) because some people get an upset stomach on the trek. Also, Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen can be helpful to help with aches and pains after 8-10 hours of hiking each day.
- Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes
- Something to read in the evenings
- Extra money for drinks, tips in Soles for cooks, horsemen, guides. (USD$60-70).
- Emergency money at least 300-450 extra soles (USD$ 220)
