Huchuy Qosqo means little Cusco in Quechua. It is an Incan ruin perched on a hilltop overlooking the Sacred Valley of Incas. This was a royal estate of the eighth emperor of the Inca empire, Viracocha.
Unlike Salkantay Trek or Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Huchuy Qosqo Peru Trek to Machu Picchu is not as popular. Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu offers an off the beaten track experience. This is the shortest trek to Machu Picchu.
Huchuy Qosqo means little Cusco in Quechua. It is an Incan ruin perched on a hilltop overlooking the Sacred Valley of Incas. This was a royal estate of the eighth emperor of the Inca empire, Viracocha.
The Incas did not impose a tax system, instead, they controlled the land and labor. This allowed the Incan emperors to obtain a large amount of wealth and power which was inherited by their descendants.
Later during Viracocha’s rule, he faced a revolt from the Chanca people. He took refuge in Huchuy Qosqo and handed over the throne of the Cusco region to his son, Pachacuti. Pachacuti in turn dethroned his father and took over his throne.
On his death, Viracocha’s mummified corpse was stored in Huchuy Qosqo. When the Spanish troops led by Gonzalo Pizarro looted the site, they burnt the mummy of Viracocha.
Huchuy Qosqo Peru Trek is one of the most beautiful treks. On this three-day trek, you will be able to see the beauty of the Andean landscapes. You will also get an insight into the life and culture of the Andean community.
This is a high-altitude trek. It is highly recommended to spend at least 4 days in Cusco City before the trek to avoid altitude sickness. The highest point of the trek is at 4100 meters above sea level.
Huchuy Qosqo is a part of the Peruvian Andes. It is subject to two seasons, dry season and rainy season. Since most of the trek is through dirt roads, it could get slippery during the monsoon.
We offer this experience both as a private tour or as a small group tour.
At 6:00 AM, we will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then in our private transport, we will be driving you to Tambomachay. It is 20 minutes away from Cusco City. Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu begins here.
We will begin the experience with a two hours uphill hike to our first pass at 13451 ft/4100 m. From the summit, you will get a panoramic view of the valley rimmed with the Urubamba mountain range. We will have free time to take photos and admire the views.
Once you have had your fill of this view, we will descend to the lunch camp. It normally takes three hours.
After relishing a local Andean meal, we will be hiking through some beautiful terrains to our campsite in Quencco (11811 ft/3600 m).
After breakfast, we will begin hiking up the hill for almost an hour and a half. We will then descend for two hours to our lunch camp. Our lunch camp is closer to the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo at 1811 ft/ 3600 metres.
From here, you will get a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and snow capped Andean peaks.
After lunch, we will be giving you a detailed tour of the Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological complex. We will be visiting some of the prominent sites. Our local expert will walk you through the ancient Inca buildings, sacred temples, storehouses, and Inca terraces for their agriculture and the Inca reservoir.
After the tour, we will descend for an hour and a half to the village of Lamay. Here we will be taking our private transport for a short drive to Ollantaytambo. Here you will be boarding the train to Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu.
Our local representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. You will have the rest of the day to explore the town of Aguas Calientes.
If you love history then the Machu Picchu Museum is a great place to visit. The museum highlights pre-Inca times with a collection of Inca artifacts. The Orchid Gardens is another location to visit which is about a 30 minute walk from Aguas Calientes.
The site has a rustic feel filled with a variety of beautiful orchids on display. Or enjoy the rest of the day relaxing in the thermal waters of the Hot Springs, in Aguas Calientes.
Early in the morning, we will be boarding the tourist bus for a thirty minutes ride up the hill to visit Machu Picchu.
The tour guide will be meeting you at the entrance of the citadel and will assist you in clearing the security control to enter the citadel. Please note that you will have to show your Entrance ticket and original passport that you have used at the time of booking.
We will then give you a detailed two hours guided tour. During the tour, we will take you to the most important temples and enclosures. After the tour, you will have free time for exploring Machu Picchu on your own.
We will then direct you to the trailhead of Huayna Picchu mountain.
After the full day trip of Machu Picchu, you will be taking a bus back to Aguas Calientes. Here you will board the train to Ollantaytambo train station. Here, our representative will be meeting you and will be driving you back to Cusco. We will arrive at Cusco City at around 7:00 p.m.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
Departure Time
4:30 a.m.
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu (3 days) is a 3-day trek that connects the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo with the famous Inca city of Machu Picchu. It is a less crowded, more intimate alternative to the Inca Trail, perfect for those seeking a unique experience surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, local culture, and the ancient history of the Andes.
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu is a moderately difficult trek recommended for people in good physical condition with some trekking experience. While it is not as challenging as the Inca Trail, the high altitudes and some steep sections can pose a challenge for less experienced trekkers.
During the Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu 3 days, trekkers enjoy a fascinating journey through the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site, spectacular mountain landscapes, local communities, and the famous view of Machu Picchu. Along the way, you can appreciate the biodiversity of the Andes and the living culture of the Andean communities.
For the Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu (3 days), we recommend bringing comfortable, breathable clothing, sturdy trekking boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light backpack with essentials (water, snacks, camera). Camping equipment and meals are provided by the tour operators.
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu (3 days) covers a distance of approximately 25 to 30 kilometers (15 to 18 miles). The trek is split over three days, with the first day covering 10 to 12 km from the Valley of Lares or Ollantaytambo to the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo. The second day also covers 10 to 12 km as trekkers make their way toward Ollantaytambo. On the third day, the distance is shorter, with the focus on reaching Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo and then ascending to Machu Picchu itself. The trek is moderate in length but can be challenging due to the high altitude and rugged terrain.
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.
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Posted on zinougymJune 25, 2025Verified Extraordinary experience We did the 2 days and 1 night Inca trail. I was really surprised that everything was perfect from start to finish. We were first met to explain each step of the journey in detail. The staff is punctual. Everything was fluid and so well organized. Lunch box very good. Our guide Luis was perfect, kind, passionate, we received good explanations (no too much or little). It was nice to spend these 2 days with him.Really great experience and very high quality! I can only highly recommend! +++Posted on Elba KJune 25, 2025Verified Best tour Waooo really best tour and service . Everything was perfect . I highly recommend it . The organization was top notch . The tour guide Willy was the best he’s knowledgeable and it was so fun we laugh ., loved it .one of the best spotsPosted on Silmara LJune 23, 2025Verified Viagem maravilhosa Travel with the agency Machu Picchu Tours was a wonderful experience! From the first contact, even before the trip, I received all the necessary assistance — always with great attention, agility and care. Already in Cusco, everything was impeccably organized: punctual transfers to the hotel, accompaniment on all tours and a staff always available to help.Being able to travel peacefully, without worrying about anything but enjoying every moment, made all the difference! I highly recommend it to anyone planning a trip to Peru. The Machu Picchu Tours made this experience even more unforgettable!Posted on Brianna BJune 15, 2025Verified Highly Recommend Our guide Edwin and the team of porters were phenomenal. They were patient, encouraging and worked so hard for us! The food was gourmet and amazing. They set up camp each night and kept us very comfortable. Highly recommend!Posted on JulianaJune 6, 2025Verified It was great to be able to count on the Machu Picchu tours during our stay in Cusco. I made the contract with Machu Picchu tours to spend a week in Cusco as the starting point for our tours. The contact was all through Elaine who carried out the hiring of the hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, tours to Sacred Valley, Humantay lagoon, Machu Picchu and colorful mountain. Everything was great, organized so that our acclimatation to the walks of the colorful mountain and Humantay lagoon was the best possible, our expectations about the stay and tours were very well met, they left us very safe and peaceful. The tours and transfers were punctual, with great guides and assistance. It was a difference to have hired the same agency for all tours, because every end of the day Elaine contacted to know how we were and to announce the departure time for the next day.Posted on Dani CMay 29, 2025Verified Excellent! Highly recommend Great tour! Great accommodations with a lovely river view and breakfast. Machu Picchu of course was amazing and the guide (Roy) provided excellent information, history, details, and photo taking skills. Excellent, smooth communications and travel coordinations. Highly recommend!Posted on Maja HMay 23, 2025Verified Incredible 4-Day Inca Trail Experience! The 4-day Inca Trail was unforgettable journey through stunning mountain landscapes, ancient ruins, and cloud forests, culminating with the amazing Machu Picchu. The experience was even more special by our incredible guide and the dedicated team who supported us every step of the way.Our guide was incredibly full of knowledge about the history of the Incas. Apart from that, we learned so much about the flora and fauna of the Andes. Thank you Christian, you are the king of the jungle!The porters and cooks were outstanding—hardworking, kind, and the meals were delicious! So, another thanks to the master chef Carmello.The entire team made us feel safe, supported, and inspired every step of the way. Highly recommend this trek with such a dedicated and professional team!Posted on Karina TMay 21, 2025Verified Lifetime experience! 10/10 An unforgettable adventure! The Rainbow Mountain trek was incredible, with stunning scenery and adorable llamas and alpacas along the way. Huge thanks to Machu Picchu Tours and our fantastic guide John for making it a truly special experience.Posted on Karina TMay 21, 2025Verified Fantastic tour with John Taqquere The Sacred Valley tour was a whirlwind, but Machu Picchu Tours made it unforgettable. Their service was flawless. I'm eager to recommend them to friends and family – great jobPosted on Karina TMay 21, 2025Verified Wonderful tour Completing the 2 day Inca Trail was an incredible achievement! The hike was demanding, but the stunning views and double visit to Machu Picchu made it worthwhile. Thanks to Machu Picchu Tours for their top-notch organization. I'm excited to explore more destinations with you! Tupananchiscuna!
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