Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu (2N/3D)
Adventure Tours Peru
12 people
3 Days
Huchuy Qosqo, also known as the Little Cusco, is an archaeological site situated north of Cuzco, Peru.
Originally serving as an administrative and military center near Pisaq, it boasts intriguing constructions in its surrounding area.
One can marvel at Inca structures characterized by meticulous stonework, including Collcas—grain-storage facilities designed to store and preserve food, reflecting its significance as a key agricultural hub for corn production.
Its Quechua name, translating to Little Cusco, signifies its association with the renowned city. Positioned at an elevation of 3650 meters (11,800 feet), it towers above the town of Lamay and the Sacred Valley, which lies at an altitude of 3000 meters.
The site acquired its present name in the 20th century, having been previously known as Kakya Qawani. According to Pedro de Cieza de León’s Second Chronicle of Peru, Viracocha, the Eighth Inca, is credited with constructing the palaces on the site.
Amidst various structures, constructed with both stone and adobe, is a notable kallanka—a grand hall measuring 40 meters in length.
The site features a remarkable Inca-built irrigation channel stretching approximately 800 meters, providing water to the area. Notably, Huchuy Qosqo is not accessible by public road.
Itinerary
Day 1: CUSCO – TAMBOMACHAY – QORICOCHA LAKE – PATABAMBA COMMUNITY
We will collect you from your hotel approximately at 6:30 AM and transport you to Tambomachay (3700 MASL – 12139 FASL) within Sacsayhuaman Park, signaling the commencement of our trek.
Subsequently, we’ll ascend the mountainside for roughly 2 hours until reaching our initial pass of the day (4100 MASL – 13451 FASL). At this point, panoramic views of various Inca sites and the city of Cuzco unfolding below will be at your disposal.
Following a well-earned break, we’ll descend into the adjacent valley, exploring a small village named Quesser Grande, before retracing our steps up the opposite side of the valley for another 2 hours to attain our second pass (4300 MASL – 14107 FASL). Descending thereafter to Lake Qoricocha (Golden Water), we’ll trace the lake’s periphery to connect with the trail guiding us to the initial night’s encampment at Patabamba village (3848 MASL – 12795 FASL). This final stretch will encompass approximately 2 hours.
Day 2: PATABAMBA | HUCHUYQOSQO – LAMAY – AGUAS CALIENTES
This route will initially guide you to the quaint village of Sihua and then ascend to the Pukamarca pass (4150 MASL – 13615 FASL), providing a scenic overlook of the village bearing the same name. At this vantage point, you’ll enjoy a splendid view of the Urubamba mountain range and the Sacred Valley. Following the summit, a 2km/0.6-mile (approximately 30-minute) downhill trek awaits, leading you to the Pumamarka Community for lunch.
Continuing your journey, you’ll proceed to the Puma Puncu canyon (“the puma door”). Following an original Incan trail, restored as part of the Qapacñan project, you’ll traverse to the secluded and enigmatic Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo (“the little Cusco”), perched above the Sacred Valley of the Incas at 3600 MASL / 11811 FASL.
Once on the site, your guide will guide you through and showcase the remarkable Inca buildings, including sacred temples, storage facilities, Inca terraces for agriculture, and the Inca reservoir used for water storage during the dry season.
After your guided exploration of the site, we will embark on a 2-hour downhill walk to the village of Lamay (2800 MASL – 9186 FASL) in the Sacred Valley, from where we’ll catch a bus to Ollantaytambo. Subsequently, we’ll take a train to Aguas Calientes (the village below Machu Picchu), where we’ll spend the night in a hostel.
Day 3: THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY – MACHU PICCHU
Today’s Highlights: Anticipation will build as we embark on an early morning hike through the forest, aiming to reach Machu Picchu ahead of the crowds, including Inca Trail trekkers. This unique opportunity allows ample time to explore the breathtaking World Wonder and witness a spectacular sunrise from this once-in-a-lifetime vantage point.
During a two-hour guided tour, your group will delve into the mystical history of the ruins. Following this, you have the option to ascend Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (with pre-booked tickets) or stroll to the Sun Gate without additional charges.
The climax of our trek unfolds today at Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rising early after a rejuvenating night at our hostel, we aim to beat the crowds, reaching the summit before 17:00 PM, when the Machu Picchu entrance check point closes.
Whether opting for a hike or a bus ride (optional at $12.00), we’ll enter the concealed Royal Citadel of the Incas.
A two-hour guided tour will lead us through this ancient city, exploring temples, terraces, palaces, priest’s houses, the sundial, the industrial sector, and farming fields. Marvel at the ingenious engineering of the Incas, a mystery that still partially eludes us today.
Despite lacking modern tools, steel, or iron, the inhabitants organized this community sustainably on a mountainside, channeling water through canals. Initially overgrown and in disrepair when shown to Hiram Bingham, it has been meticulously cleaned, restored, and is now globally cherished and protected.
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu’s Mt?
Post-tour, you’re free to ascend Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (book tickets in advance), each requiring approximately a 3-hour round-trip hike.
Alternatively, opt for a lower-impact trek to the Sun Gate, the main entrance from the Inca Trail (a 2 or 2.5-hour round-trip).
Exploring the Incan Bridge is another option. You’ll have over 7 hours to relish the enchanting city before descending to Aguas Calientes for a 16:22 hrs train ride (subject to availability) to Ollantaytambo.
Our group will be picked up by a private bus and dropped off at your Cusco hotel around 20:00 hrs. Rest your weary feet and body now, but rest assured, your heart will continue soaring for weeks and years to come!
Included
- Transport
- Meals
- Bi-lingual guide
- Entrance Fees
- First aid kit
- Oxygen cans
Not Included
- Sleeping bags, you might get them rented from us US$ 5 per day
- Extra expenditure during the trek, such as: soda, alcoholic drinks, extra snacks, tickets for the hot Springs in Aguas Calientes
- Travel Insurance and things of a personal nature – laundry and telephone calls, personal taxis, souvenirs etc.
Packing List
- Umbrella
- Sunscreen
- T-Shirt
- Entrance Fees
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TripAdvisor Reviews
At Peru Jungle Trips, we work every day to exceed our travelers’ expectations. The reviews on TripAdvisor reflect the commitment, dedication, and quality we bring to every journey through Peru. Thanks to our clients’ trust, we continue creating unique experiences surrounded by nature and Andean culture.
Much of our enjoyment of the challenge was thanks to our guide, Dario. He not only accompanied us throughout the trek but also brought us closer to the culture and history of the Inca Trail in a way that made each stage much more meaningful.
We also want to give special thanks to Fredy, our second guide, who was always attentive and, along with Dario, ensured our safety and comfort at all times.
But above all, we want to say a few words to the 13 porters who made our expedition possible. Their effort, kindness, and dedication deeply impressed us. Without them, completing the Inca Trail would not have been possible. We have immense admiration and respect for the entire team that worked behind the scenes on this experience.
And we can't forget our amazing cook, who ensured we regained our strength each day by preparing delicious, hearty, and comforting meals. After each day's trek, finding a meal like that was a true reward.
All the equipment provided by the company was in excellent condition and perfectly suited to the challenge: spacious tents, comfortable sleeping mats, and cold-weather sleeping bags that kept us warm at night.
We returned home with incredible memories and, above all, with profound admiration for everyone who made this experience possible. Thank you to the entire team for accompanying us, taking care of us, and making this Inca Trail an experience we will never forget.
Eleftheria 😊
I was in Cusco and wanted to visit the jungle originally thinking Tambopata, overwhelmed with options. My desire was to visit the Amazon and be deep in the jungle with few people. I walked into the office and met Pedro who talked with me for over half an hour explaining different options. Ultimately, Pedro told me that Manu National Park is the place to be in the jungle with few people. Pedro helped me book a 6 day tour in Manu National Park 2 days later.
It is hard to describe how special Manu national park was. The trees, the wildlife, the river, seeing uncontacted Natives, and hearing all of the jungle sounds.
I would not have experienced Manu National Park without Pedro and Peru Jungle Trips.
I highly recommend this business!
Also thank you Celia for your kindness and the Poncho :)
Thanks to the entire team because it was a wonderful experience.
Don't miss the tour to the Ballestas Islands and the dunes in Ica. Carlos, the man who drove the buggy, was very nice and super friendly, taking our photos and everything!
Thank you, thank you.
In the reserve we could find many types of fauna and the guide gave information at all times and knew many species.
From the moment I arrived in Peru, Peru Jungle Trips made everything feel effortless and personal. Pedro, the owner, greeted me at the airport with a warm, open energy that immediately set the tone for the rest of the journey. He thoughtfully organized both parts of my trip, first to Cusco and Machu Picchu, then deep into the Amazon jungle, handling every detail with care, sincerity.
What made it even more special was the consistency throughout the experience. Every driver and guide I encountered shared the same heartfelt energy. They were easy to find, always on time, and carried a calm presence that helped everything feel aligned. It allowed me to move through the journey with ease and actually enjoy the experience without stressing over logistics.
Then there was Kevin, my guide in the jungle, who took the experience to another level. With a sacred presence and deep knowledge of the land, he didn’t just show me the jungle, he helped me connect with it. He was a kind and gentle spirit, who was fully present. His guidance felt personal and grounded.
Peru Jungle Trips is more than a travel service. It is an experience curated by people who genuinely care. I’m grateful to have found it, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for something meaningful and real❤️
