Huchuy Qosqo trek & Machu Picchu 3 days

The Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu: A fantastic 2-day Trek & Machu Picchu in one day, is a hike in the surroundings of Cusco, that begins from Tambomachay, located just 10 minutes away from this city, leading to Huchuy Qosqo, an ancient Inca archaeological site perched on a cliff over the Sacred Valley of the Incas, crossing mountain passes, Andean communities and offering a large array of local flora & fauna. An excellent and less-beaten-hike that can be complemented with a visit to Machu Picchu as an alternative to the over-saturated Classic Inca Trail.

• Duration: 3 days/2 nights.
• Starting Point: Cusco/Tambomachay or Cusco/Chinchero.
• Ending Point: Machu Picchu/Cusco.
• Physical Demand Rating: Moderate.
• Age Restriction: 12-year old children.
• Trip Code: MTS - 0014.
• Tour Type: Trekking.
• Accommodations: 1 night camping/Hotel.
• Service Level: Standard - Deluxe.
• Guarantee: Departure is guaranteed.
• Style: Personalized.
• Carbon Emissions: 360 CO2-E.
• Group Size: 2 minimum, 10 maximum.
• Transport: Train, walk, Mini-van.
• Price from: US $

DAY 1: Tambomachay to Huchuy Qosqo
Early morning pick-up from hotel at 7:30am and drive you to Tambomachay (3,800 m.), an archaeological complex situated in the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park. Tambomachay is comprised of a series of ceremonial water fountains, which are thought to have been dedicated to a water cult. The day's hike will start at this point, and will continue through Puna landscapes and over the Sicllaccasa Pass at 4,020 m./ 13,186 ft. Down the other side, we hike along a path that leads to the Ccauca ravine, where we encounter archaeological remains and wild crops, such as Tarwi, and a large quantity of wild cacti. We continue on to the Queullococha Pass at 4,185 m./ 13,727 ft. where we may enjoy views of the lake with the same name. Surrounding the area in spectacular views stands the Veronica, Pitusiray, Chicon & San Juan snowpeaks. Continuing the path, we walk past the Queullococha Lake, where we may see Huallatas (birds), ducks & small fish, to then climb towards the Challu-Challu Pass at 4,220 m./13,842 ft. From this point, we observe the Chinchero prairies and the Piuray & Qoricocha lagoons. We then ascend towards the fourth pass at Rumicruz at about some 4,230 m./ 13,874 ft. and enjoy a panoramic view of the Qoricocha and the Vilcanota range. Here we rest and eat lunch. We then make our way to the Inca rock quarries at 4,220m/13,842ft. which was the place from where the rocks were extracted to build Huchuy Qosqo. Finally, we descend towards the Pucamarca community at 4,010 m./ 13,153 ft. where we arrive in the late afternoon. Here we dine and camp through the night.

DAY 2: Huchuy Qosqo - Ollantaytambo
We leave camp at around 8:00am and walk downhill towards the Leonpunku ravine, where we find remains of an Inca bridge & trail. This nice canyon boasts geological formations surrounded by majestic rocks & boulders that direct the river to Huchuy Qosqo at 3,600 m/11,808 ft. where we arrive by midmorning. Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca archaeological complex with imposing architecture that includes a large open ceremonial center, from which we enjoy a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, the Vilcanota river, and the snowcapped mountains of the same name. While in the complex, we will receive a guided tour until lunchtime, after which we continue our way to Lamay at 3,000 m./ 9,840 ft. Lamay is a town dedicated to agriculture & cattle raising. Later in the afternoon, our private transportation drives us to Ollantaytambo.

DAY 3: Tours in Machu Picchu, visiting the amazing Machu Picchu Sanctuary
We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30am and head for Machu Picchu (2,400 m./ 7,874 ft.) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00am. After a guided tour around the archaeological site, including information about life & culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu & Wayna Picchu (2,750 m/9,022 ft) on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train either at 2:55pm or at 6:10pm. Until then, you will have time to have lunch in one of the nice restaurants. Moreover, you can visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax a bit.