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 3650 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.
Here’s a detailed introduction to Huchuy Qosqo Trek Peru.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
0430 AM
At 0600 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.
Highlight of your trip to Peru.
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.
We highly recommend this trek if you are keen on any off road adventure. Throughout the trek, we had most of the sites to ourselves. The camping areas were squeaky clean. The guides, porters and chef took a great effort in making this the most memorable trip.
We highly recommend Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu if you are keen on any alternative treks. Throughout the trek, we had most of the sites to ourselves. The camping areas were squeaky clean. The guides, porters and chef took a great effort in making this the most memorable trip.
