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3-Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is easily the shortest trek in Peru, making it ideal for those with limited time who still wish to enjoy some hiking before exploring Machu Picchu. Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca archaeological site located north of Cusco city; its name is Quechua for “Little Cusco.” Situated at an elevation of 3,600 meters (11,800 feet), it overlooks the town of Lamay at 3,000 meters and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Huchuy Qosqo Trek ventures into the remote areas of Cusco and follows a newly opened hiking route located to the north of Cusco city.
The trek features several beautiful peaks such as Sawasiray, Pitusiray, La Veronica, and Chicon. It is also a pilgrimage route believed to be the site where Inca Pachacutec’s father (Inca Wiracocha) built his palace, a temple designed to be as close to nature as possible. This trek is one of the favorite short trekking destinations in the Cusco region due to its wide range of panoramic views along the trails. It is a lifelong dream for passionate hikers, offering the opportunity to witness a stunning mountain range from the end of the journey.
The trek encompasses a mix of ascents and descents through lowlands and lush areas, alpine forests, rivers, picturesque communities, and Inca temples and palaces. The trail is rich with panoramic views of the majestic mountain range, enhancing the splendid beauty of the region. The Huchuy Qosqo Trek allows you to explore the treasures of the Andes in a short time, making it perfect for those who do not wish to spend extensive time in the mountains but still want to experience the charm of the Andes.
During this trek, you will witness breathtaking landscapes and learn about Inca history. You will visit Huchuy Qosqo, a popular Inca site built at the highest part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It boasts impressive mountain scenery and fertile areas for cultivating various agricultural products. The trek concludes with an exploration of Machu Picchu.
The Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu trek begins with a pickup from your hotel at 7:00 a.m., transporting you to Tambomachay (3,800 meters), an Inca temple dedicated to water worship with ceremonial fountains. From here, you will start walking through the Puna landscapes and over the Sicllaccasa pass (4,020 meters). On the other side of the pass, follow a trail leading to the Ccauca Canyon, where you will admire archaeological remains and wild crops such as quinoa.
Continue to the Queulloca pass (4,185 meters), where you will enjoy views of Lake Queulloca and the snow-capped mountains Veronica, Pitusiray, Sawasiray, and Chicon. As you proceed, you will pass Lake Queullococha, where you can observe huallatas, ducks, and small fish.
Next, ascend to the Challu Challu pass (4,220 meters). Later, climb to the fourth pass at Rumicruz (4,230 meters) to enjoy the Vilcanota Mountain Range. At this point, you will have lunch before continuing to an Inca stone quarry (4,220 meters), the site where rocks were extracted to build Huchuy Qosqo. Finally, descend to the community of Pucamarca (4,010 meters) where you will set up camp and have dinner.
Early in the morning, leave the camp and walk downhill to the Leon Punku Canyon, where you will find remnants of an Inca bridge and trail. Continue walking to Huchuy Qosqo (3,600 meters), an important center during the Inca era. From this vantage point, you can admire the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Sacred River from above. Upon reaching Huchuy Qosqo, you will enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately two hours, concluding around lunchtime.
After the tour, continue the trek towards Lamay (2,800 meters), where your transportation will await you. Travel for one hour to the Ollantaytambo train station and board the train to the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes. The train journey takes two hours through the Sacred Valley, surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will check into your hotel. In the evening, you can relax in the natural hot springs and prepare for the next day’s activities.
Today marks the much-anticipated end of your trek: a visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Machu Picchu! After a refreshing night at your hostel, rise early to beat the crowds and reach Machu Picchu, enjoying its tranquility in the soft morning light. The entrance checkpoint to Machu Picchu is open from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can choose to walk to Machu Picchu or take an optional bus for $12.00. Enter the Royal Citadel of the Incas and embark on a guided two-hour tour through this incredible ancient city, visiting temples, terraces, palaces, priest houses, the sundial, the industrial sector, and agricultural fields. Marvel at the Inca engineering ingenuity, which was ahead of its time and remains partially mysterious today! Without modern tools or even steel and iron, the builders organized this sustainable and beautiful community on a mountainside, even channeling water through streets for public use. When a Peruvian guide showed this site to Hiram Bingham, it was almost unrecognizable, covered in dense vegetation and in disrepair. Since then, it has been cleaned, restored, and is now protected and treasured by the world.
After the tour, you have the option to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (ensure you book tickets in advance for these). Each mountain climb takes approximately three hours to ascend and descend. Alternatively, for a low-impact option without needing an additional ticket, you can walk to the Sun Gate, the main entrance from the Inca Trail (this takes around 2 to 2.5 hours round trip). Another option is to walk to the Inca Bridge. You will have over seven hours to enjoy this magical city before returning to Aguas Calientes for the 6:20 p.m. train (subject to availability) to Ollantaytambo. A private bus will pick up our group and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco around 9:30 p.m. Rest your feet and body now, but be assured that your heart will still be racing in the weeks and years to come!
“Illapa Peru Trip” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.
Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.
We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.
We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.
At “Illapa Peru Trip,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.
To ensure a more personalized experience at “Illapa Peru Trip,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.
Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Hiking with “Illapa Peru Trip” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.
We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!
Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “Illapa Peru Trip” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:
“Illapa Peru Trip” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.
We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.
The 3-Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek is a short yet fascinating hike in the Andes that connects the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site with the Sacred Valley of the Incas, culminating in a visit to Machu Picchu.
The maximum altitude reached is 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) at the Pukamarca pass, offering panoramic views of the Andean mountains.
No prior trekking experience is required, but it is recommended to be in good physical shape as the trek includes some steep ascents and is conducted at high altitude.
On average, you will walk between 5 and 7 hours each day, depending on the group’s pace and weather conditions.
During the trek, you can enjoy spectacular landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, green valleys, Andean lagoons, and visit the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site.
Yes, due to the altitude, it is important to acclimatize in Cusco for at least two days before starting the hike to prevent altitude sickness.
It is recommended to wear layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, comfortable trekking boots, a hat, gloves, and sunscreen, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day.
The best time to undertake this hike is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is more stable and there is less chance of rain.
Yes, the third day of the trek includes a visit to Machu Picchu, where you can explore the Inca citadel with the assistance of a local guide.
Most agencies organizing the Huchuy Qosqo Trek offer vegetarian options if requested in advance, ensuring all participants enjoy suitable meals.
Yes, it is safe as long as you follow the guide’s recommendations and have the appropriate equipment. Guides are trained to handle any emergencies during the trek.
Depending on the agency, you can camp at designated sites along the route or spend the night in a guesthouse in one of the nearby Andean communities.
Yes, you can do the trek, but it is crucial to acclimatize well in Cusco before starting and be prepared to walk at high altitude. Listen to your body and walk at a comfortable pace to avoid altitude sickness.
Daytime temperatures can be mild, but at night and in higher altitudes, temperatures can drop to 0°C (32°F) or lower. It is important to bring warm clothing.
Essential items include water, energy snacks, layered clothing, sunscreen, a hat, gloves, a waterproof jacket, personal items, and a camera.
Recommendations for the 3-Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is perfect for those seeking a short yet impactful experience, combining stunning landscapes with unique archaeological sites.
Plan Ahead
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is less crowded than other routes, but it is still advisable to book in advance, especially during the high season (May to September).
Hire a Local Guide
Although the trail is not very complicated, having a local guide can enrich your experience by helping you better understand the history and culture of the Incas.
Acclimatize in Cusco
Due to the trek’s altitude, ensure you spend at least two days in Cusco before starting the trek. This will help your body adapt to the elevation.
Climate During the 3-Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek
The climate varies depending on the time of year, but it is generally important to be prepared for sudden changes.
Dry Season (May to September)
During this period, days are usually sunny and mild, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 20°C (59°F to 68°F). However, nights in higher areas can be cold, reaching 0°C or lower.
Rainy Season (October to April)
In the rainy season, mornings can be cool and afternoons rainy, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 18°C (50°F to 64°F). It is essential to bring waterproof clothing.
Dressing Tips for the Huchuy Qosqo Trek
Proper clothing is key to staying comfortable during the trek, especially considering the altitude and possible weather conditions.
Layered Clothing
It is recommended to wear multiple layers. Start with a breathable T-shirt, add a thermal layer for warmth, and bring a waterproof jacket. This allows you to adjust your clothing according to changing temperatures throughout the day.
Proper Footwear
Good trekking boots are indispensable. Ensure they are waterproof and provide ankle support, as the terrain can be rocky and uneven.
Essential Accessories
Bring a hat for cold weather and another for sun protection, as well as sunglasses, sunscreen, and gloves, especially for the chilly mornings.
Restrictions for the 3-Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek
It is important to be aware of certain limitations before embarking on this trek.
Recommended Minimum Age
This trek is ideal for individuals aged 12 and older. Younger children might find the ascents and altitude challenging, though it is feasible for those with some trekking experience.
Medical Conditions
Individuals with heart conditions or respiratory problems should consult a doctor before undertaking this trek due to the altitude and physical exertion required.
Physical Preparation for the 3-Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is not as demanding as other routes in Cusco, but it still requires good physical fitness.
Pre-Trek Training
If you lack trekking experience, it is advisable to do shorter hikes in your local area before embarking on this adventure. This will help build your endurance and acclimate your body to physical exertion.
Acclimate to the Altitude
Spend a few days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude. If you have previously done high-altitude hikes, you will have an advantage, but do not underestimate the effects of altitude sickness.
Health Recommendations for the 3-Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek
Maintaining good health is essential to fully enjoy the trek without complications.
Constant Hydration
Carry enough water for each day of hiking. Even if you don’t feel very hot, the altitude can lead to quicker dehydration, so it is vital to drink water frequently.
Altitude Sickness
The maximum altitude on the trek is 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), so you may experience mild altitude sickness symptoms such as headaches or dizziness. Bring coca leaves or altitude sickness medication as needed.
Sun Protection
Despite cooler temperatures, the mountain sun can be intense. Use sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from UV rays.
Altitudes During the 3-Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek
This trek takes you to significant altitudes, which can impact your performance if you are not acclimated.
Minimum Altitude
The lowest altitude on the trek is in the Sacred Valley, around 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) above sea level.
Maximum Altitude
The highest point of the trek is the Pukamarca pass at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), offering breathtaking views but also posing a risk of altitude sickness if you are not properly acclimated.
Temperatures During the 3-Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek
Temperatures vary significantly between day and night.
Daytime Temperatures
During the dry season, daytime temperatures can range between 15°C and 20°C (59°F to 68°F), although in more exposed areas, it can feel cooler. In the rainy season, daytime temperatures are usually slightly cooler.
Nighttime Temperatures
Nights in higher areas can be cold, with temperatures approaching or dropping below 0°C (32°F). Ensure you bring warm clothing and a good sleeping bag for camping nights.
