3 Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu
The 3-Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu combines two days of high-altitude hiking with a final guided visit to the Inca citadel. Starting in Cusco, the route follows an Andean trail from Tambomachay to the Quencco campsite, continues through the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site, and descends to Lamay before connecting with the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
This moderate trek is recommended for active travelers who want an alternative to the Classic Inca Trail and are comfortable hiking for approximately five to seven hours per day. The route reaches about 4,100 meters (13,451 feet) and includes one night of camping followed by one night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
The service includes guided trekking, camping support, meals during the hiking portion, transportation, scheduled entrance tickets, train and bus travel, and accommodation. Small-group and private departures are available.
What sets this itinerary apart is its balance between hiking and comfort. You cross quiet highland landscapes, spend time at Huchuy Qosqo, and sleep in a hotel before visiting Machu Picchu. Our Cusco-based team coordinates the trek, transfers, train journey, accommodation, tickets, and return transportation as one connected service.
Tour Highlights
- Begin the trek near Tambomachay outside Cusco
- Cross open highland landscapes at elevations up to 4,100 meters
- Walk past mountain wetlands, lagoons, and traditional farming areas
- Spend one night camping near the Quencco community
- Visit the terraces, stone buildings, and storehouses of Huchuy Qosqo
- Enjoy elevated views across the Sacred Valley
- Descend from Huchuy Qosqo to the village of Lamay
- Travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Rest overnight in a hotel before the Machu Picchu visit
- Tour Machu Picchu with a professional guide along the assigned circuit
Itinerary
Huchuy Qosqo Trek Itinerary
Click any day to expand/collapse
Day 1
Cusco – Tambomachay – Quencco Campsite
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drive to the trailhead near Tambomachay. After meeting the trekking team and completing a short safety briefing, we begin the first day’s hike.
The trail climbs steadily through high-altitude grasslands, wetlands, and open valleys. As the route gains elevation, you will see the mountains surrounding Cusco and, when the weather is clear, distant snow-covered peaks.
We stop for lunch along the trail before continuing across rolling Andean terrain. The final section leads toward Quencco, where the team prepares the campsite and dinner.
The elevation makes this day physically demanding, even though the trail does not require technical climbing. A slow pace, regular hydration, and previous acclimatization are important.
Day 1 details
- Starting elevation: Approximately 3,700 m / 12,139 ft
- Highest point: Approximately 4,100 m / 13,451 ft
- Walking distance: Approximately 14 km / 8.6 mi
- Hiking time: Approximately 6–7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate with high-altitude sections
- Accommodation: Tent camping near Quencco
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
- Cusco
- Tambomachay
- High-Andean pass
- Quencco
Day 2
Quencco – Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Aguas Calientes
After an early breakfast, we leave the campsite and complete a short ascent before beginning the descent toward Huchuy Qosqo. The trail opens to wide views of the Sacred Valley and the surrounding mountain range.
At Huchuy Qosqo, your guide leads a detailed visit through the archaeological complex. You will see agricultural terraces, stone and adobe buildings, water channels, and storage structures while learning about the site’s role during the Inca period.
After the visit, we descend toward Lamay. This section can be steep and demanding on the knees, so trekking poles are recommended.
Our vehicle meets us in Lamay and takes us to Ollantaytambo. From there, we board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, where you will check into your hotel and rest before the Machu Picchu visit.
Day 2 details
- Starting elevation: Approximately 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- Highest point: Approximately 4,000 m / 13,123 ft
- Walking distance: Approximately 12 km / 7.4 mi
- Hiking time: Approximately 5–6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Quencco
- Huchuy Qosqo
- Lamay
- Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes train route
Day 3
Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, we take the shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Your guide leads an approximately two-hour visit along the circuit assigned to your entrance ticket. The exact viewpoints and archaeological sectors depend on the route available at the time of booking.
After the visit, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes. You will have time for lunch at your own expense before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo.
Our driver will meet you at the station for the final ground transfer to Cusco. Arrival at your hotel is expected at approximately 7:00 p.m., depending on the confirmed train schedule and traffic.
Day 3 details
- Aguas Calientes elevation: Approximately 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
- Machu Picchu elevation: Approximately 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Guided visit: Approximately 2 hours
- Walking level: Moderate walking on stone paths and steps
- Meals: Breakfast
- Expected arrival in Cusco: Approximately 7:00 p.m.
- Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu
- Ollantaytambo
- Cusco
Inclusions
What Is Included
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
- Transportation from Cusco to the Tambomachay trailhead
- Transportation from Lamay to Ollantaytambo
- Return transfer from Ollantaytambo station to your Cusco hotel
- Professional English- or Spanish-speaking guide
- One night of tent camping near Quencco
- Camping tent and foam sleeping mat
- Trekking chef and meal preparation
- Two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners
- Pack animals and handlers for group camping equipment and food
- One hotel night in Aguas Calientes
- Round-trip tourist train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
- Round-trip shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket for the assigned circuit
What Is Not Included
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Lunch and dinner on Day 3
- Cold-weather sleeping bag
- Trekking poles
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ticket
- Personal pack animal or additional luggage service
- Hotel accommodation in Cusco
- Travel and medical insurance
- Additional snacks and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Optional gratuities for the guide, chef, driver, and handlers
Sleeping bags and trekking poles may be available to rent. Request them before departure so the team can confirm availability and rental prices.
Packing List
Packing List
Documents and Personal Items
- Original passport used for the reservation
- Valid student identification when a student discount was confirmed
- Cash in Peruvian soles
- Personal medication
- Travel insurance details
- Phone or camera
- Portable charger
Clothing
- Broken-in hiking boots with reliable grip
- Moisture-wicking shirts
- Hiking pants
- Thermal base layer
- Fleece or warm sweater
- Insulated jacket
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat or cap
- Hiking socks
- Change of clothes for Aguas Calientes
Hiking and Overnight Equipment
- Small daypack with rain cover
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
- Sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain temperatures
- Trekking poles with rubber tips
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm with sun protection
- Blister treatment
- Personal toiletries
- Hand sanitizer
Leave large suitcases at your Cusco hotel. Bring only the trekking luggage allowance confirmed by our team before departure.
Price
Tour Prices
Prices are listed in US dollars and apply per person.
Small-Group Tour
| Number of travelers | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2–3 people | US$500 |
| 4 or more people | US$480 |
| Eligible children or students | US$460 |
The small-group service may be shared with other confirmed travelers. The group follows the scheduled itinerary and a pace managed by the guide.
Private Tour
| Number of travelers | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2–3 people | US$650 |
| 4 or more people | US$600 |
| Eligible children or students | US$590 |
The private service operates for your party. The guide can adjust the walking pace and rest stops within the planned route, transportation schedule, and safety requirements.
Pricing conditions
- A minimum of two travelers is required.
- Prices are per person.
- Child and student rates require confirmation and valid documentation.
- Optional mountain tickets and equipment rentals are not included.
- All services remain subject to availability when the reservation is processed.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Huchuy Qosqo Trek reach Machu Picchu on foot?
No. The hiking portion finishes in Lamay, followed by ground transportation to Ollantaytambo and a train to Aguas Calientes. Machu Picchu is visited by shuttle bus on Day 3.
Is this the same route as the Classic Inca Trail?
No. This trek follows a different route through Tambomachay, Quencco, and Huchuy Qosqo. It does not pass through Km 82, Wiñay Wayna, or the Sun Gate.
How difficult is the trek?
The trek is moderate but physically demanding because of the elevation. You should be prepared to walk for five to seven hours on consecutive days over uneven trails and sustained ascents or descents.
What is the total hiking distance?
The planned hiking distance is approximately 26 kilometers or 16 miles across the first two days. The final day includes additional walking inside Machu Picchu according to the assigned circuit.
What is the highest point?
The highest planned point is approximately 4,100 meters or 13,451 feet on Day 1. Proper acclimatization is more important than previous technical climbing experience.
Is it possible to do the Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu (3 days) if I am traveling in a group?
Yes, the Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu (3 days) is ideal for groups. Many tour operators offer group packages, which can make the experience more affordable and enriching. Additionally, traveling in a group allows you to share this unique experience with friends or family.
How many days should I acclimatize?
Spend at least two or three full days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before departure. Travelers arriving directly from sea level should not begin this trek immediately.
Where will I sleep?
You will spend the first night camping near Quencco and the second night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes. The package does not include hotel accommodation in Cusco.
Does this trek require a Classic Inca Trail permit?
No Classic Inca Trail permit is required because the route does not use the regulated trail from Km 82. However, a separate, name-specific entrance ticket is required for Machu Picchu.
Which Machu Picchu circuit is included?
The circuit depends on availability when the ticket is purchased. Your confirmation should identify the assigned route once the reservation has been completed.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, if tickets remain available and the entrance time is compatible with the itinerary. These mountains require separate tickets and should be requested when booking.
Is the trek suitable for children?
The recommended minimum age is 12. Children should be active, properly acclimatized, comfortable with camping, and able to walk for several hours at elevation.
Can a solo traveler book?
A solo traveler may join an existing confirmed departure. The service requires a minimum of two participants to operate.
Concierge & Local Guide
Available in Cusco
John Taqquere
Local Tour Guide
Travel specialist in Machu Picchu
“I grew up surrounded by the Andes, and I love sharing the history, traditions, and hidden stories of my home with travelers from around the world.”Text John Taqquere on WhatsApp → (opens in a new tab)
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