GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Group Size: 4 to a maximum of 10 hikers
Starting Point: Cusco
Ending Point: Cusco
Travel Style: Hiking, trekking, archaeological and cultural excursion
Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult
Hiking Distance: 23 km / 14.29 miles
Trekking Altitudes: From 3,800 m.a.s.l. to 4,100 m.a.s.l. or feet (highest point
Tour Dates: Daily departures with a minimum of 2 participants
Hike Rating:
Huchuy Qosqo Trek is classified as an excellent alternative route for everyone.
Mapa Camino Inca 4 Dias
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
This amazing trek starts in Cusco – Puca Pucara – Peru, and takes you through villages located in the Sacred Valley. You will camp in comfortable tents with air mattresses, though conditions are basic. There will be no opportunity to shower, but you can wash your hands and face. Be prepared for extremely cold conditions.
This is truly a unique experience. The trek combines breathtaking views of the Peruvian highlands with incredible Andean landscapes and a stunning natural environment. The journey culminates in a visit to the archaeological complex of Huchuy Qosqo, a magnificent example of Inca craftsmanship. Here, you will marvel at its magic and charm, admire the ancient structures, impressive agricultural terraces, temples, water fountains, and immerse yourself in the rich history of the site.
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is one of those experiences no one should miss out on. Everyone should do it at least once in their lifetime—be it men or women, young or old, in great shape or not. Huchuy Qosqo Trek is simply for everyone.
¿ESTA RUTA ES PARA MÍ?
If you want to enjoy a full 2-day tour filled with excitement but don’t have much time, this is the perfect option for you.
If you have more time for your trip, you might consider a longer route, such as the 2-Day/1-Night Inca Trail or the 4-Day/3-Night Inca Trail. There is always a route that suits your schedule and preferences.
Itinerary
1 DAY: CUSCO-PUCARA PUCARA-HUCHUY QOSQO
We will pick you up from your hotel at 9:00 AM to begin the journey. From there, we’ll take a 30-minute drive in our private transport to the fascinating archaeological site of Puca Pucara, located about 10 km north of the city. This will be the starting point of our trek. Here, we will meet our muleteer, who will be waiting with the horses and mules. The horses will carry all the camping gear and food supplies.
Around 10:00 AM, we’ll begin our hike with a moderate 3-hour uphill trek. This will be a beautiful hiking day, offering stunning views and excellent landscapes as we pass by gorgeous mountain lagoons such as Qoricocha (Golden Lagoon) and Yanacocha (Black Lagoon), located at 4,000 meters above sea level. These areas are rich in birdlife.
Once at the top, we’ll continue along a flat trail for approximately 45 minutes until we reach Queullacocha Lagoon, where we’ll stop for lunch. The landscape here is quite barren, characterized by highland grasslands known as puna, with mountains covered in tough Andean grass called Ichu. This area is a great spot to observe a variety of birds, including Andean geese, partridges, and birds of prey.
After lunch, we’ll hike for about an hour to reach the pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,100 meters. Here, we’ll see the three Chullpas—Inca funerary structures that once housed Inca mummies. From the pass, we’ll begin a 2-hour descent. Along the way, you’ll witness spectacular and unique geological formations, part of the original Inca Trail network.
We’ll arrive at our campsite near the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo at 5:00 PM. The site is located at 3,600 meters above sea level. You’ll settle into our comfortable tents, and later, enjoy a delicious dinner.
Trekking details:
Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: 16 kilometers / 9.94 miles
Weather: Cool and windy
Altitude: From 3,800 m.a.s.l to 4,100 m, then down to 3,600 m.a.s.l
Accommodation: Camping
DAY 2: HUCHUY QOSQO-CUSCO.
This day will be an easy hike. We will have our nutritious breakfast at 8:30 am at our campsite. Then, we will pack all the equipment to have it ready and then have our guided visit to Huchuy Qosqo (Little Cusco). Next, you will see incredible Inca constructions with splendid architecture and the peculiarity that the buildings were constructed on stone foundations with finely polished finishes, with clay plaster in the best-preserved parts, but the upper floors are made of adobe (mud bricks). You will see temples, storehouses, sacred Inca terraces for agriculture, water channels, and an Inca reservoir that was used to store water during the dry season. Your guide is an expert in Inca history, so they will explain and teach you about everything. Afterward, you will have time to explore the site by yourself, take photos, etc.
After your visit, from here we will begin our hike around 11:00 am. It is only downhill to the lowest part of the valley known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The hike lasts approximately 2 hours to reach the small Andean town of LAMAY (2800 m / 9186 ft), located beside the Urubamba River, where we will have our delicious lunch. Here, our transportation will be waiting for us to take us back to the city of Cusco. If we have time, we can stop at the Awanacancha Weaving Center at 4:00 pm, where you can pet South American camelids such as llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, and also learn about the region’s weaving traditions. After this stop, we will return to Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:00 pm.
Hiking time: 4 hours
Distance: 4.35 miles / 7 kilometers
Weather: warm
Altitude: from 3600 m.a.s.l to 2800 m.a.s.l
Included services
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
- Pre-meeting and briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before the hike at our Cusco office.
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
- Private transport from Cusco to Puca Pucara (trailhead).
- English-speaking professional guide.
- A second guide (for groups of 11 or more hikers).
- Cook and cooking assistant to prepare meals for everyone.
- Entrance fees to Huchuy Qosqo Inca site.
- All meals during the hike (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner). Vegetarian or special diets can be arranged upon request.
- Boiled water to refill your water bottle at the camp.
- Mules and horses to carry all camping equipment, personal items, food, sleeping tents, and kitchen gear.
- We carry up to 8 kg / 17 lbs of your load, so you will only walk with your backpack containing water (for this load, we will provide duffel bags during your briefing for your personal items).
- The best camping equipment for a good night’s sleep:
- Sleeping tent (high-altitude quality 4-person tents, used only for 2 people for maximum comfort) and plenty of storage space for your backpacks.
- Thermarest inflatable mattress.
- Dining area + gas lamp, tables, chairs + tent + floor mat.
- Kitchen tent and full cooking equipment to prepare all meals.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen tank.
- Pickup and private transport from the village of Lamay to your hotel in Cusco.
OPTIONAL SERVICES
Up to the day before your trip, at our Cusco Travel Office located in the city center, you have the option to add the following to your reserved trip for an additional charge:
Sleeping bag (can be rented from our Travel Office for + $10.00 USD).
A pair of trekking poles (can be rented from our Travel Office for + $10.00 USD).
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal trekking equipment
- Travel insurance.
- Optional tips for the travel team (feel free to tip only if you want, at the end of the tour you can reward the guide, cook and muleteer).
What should you bring
LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO BRING
Many people think the climate is hot in South America, but in the high altitude regions of the Andes, temperature can be quite cold, especially at night. That’s why from now on we offer the complete list to organize backpacks, so you can buy some items in advance. But if you can’t, don’t worry, there are many camping stores in Cusco City, where you can rent or buy what you need.
Documents
- Original passport
- Student ID if you are one
- Travel insurance (some copies)
Essential
- Backpack.
- Sleeping bag.
- Bottle of water.
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Some snacks, such as cookies, sweets, chocolates, nuts, energy bars, etc.
- Some cash if you want to buy souvenirs from the Tour.
Clothes and shoes
- Trekking boots and sandals.
- Warm clothing: especially for the night such as thermal jacket, gloves, scarf, woolen socks
- Woolen cap for cold nights.
- Water-resistant clothing (raincoat and rain poncho)
- Synthetic or cotton clothing (hiking pants, socks, shorts, 4 t-shirts)
- Swimwear, for the hot springs.
Pharmaceutical products
- Personal medical kit with band-aids and anti-inflammatory tablets
- Insect repellent.
- Sunblock
- Lip moisturizer
Personal hygiene items
- Small towel.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Soap/shower gel
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Brush/comb
- Spray body deodorant
- Toilet paper
Other items
- Flashlight
- Sunglasses
- Camera with memory cards and additional batteries.
- Sticks with rubber tips (optional).
- Switchblade
- Some biodegradable plastic bags
- Sense of humor.
- Prior acclimatization in Cusco City is recommended for at least 2 days and good general health.
Frequent questions
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Here you will find the Most Frequently Asked Questions from our Customers. Before doing anything, we invite you to carefully read these questions and answers, as well as all our links about this Tour. This will help you obtain information in a simple, quick and practical way.
1. IS WATER INCLUDED IN THE TOUR?
Yes, we know that hydration during hiking is very important, so you don’t need to worry about it. Only bring your water for the first morning of the Tour. Our team will provide water for the rest of the hike. So don’t worry!… There will always be clean, safe water to drink.
2. WHAT MEALS WILL I HAVE DURING THE TOUR?
We understand how curious you are about the quality of the food you will consume during the trip. For your peace of mind, we include all meals and snacks during the hike.
All reports and comments made by our customers guarantee and demonstrate that our meals are of excellent quality.
All meals are prepared with fresh ingredients, which are purchased at the local Cusco City market the day before the tour and then prepared by our cook. We do not use canned or dehydrated foods. Everything is fresh, healthy and delicious!
If you have special dietary needs, no problem! We are prepared to serve vegetarians, vegans, celiacs and any type of food allergy at no additional cost, so that you are always properly fed throughout the tour.
3. HOW TO BOOK THIS TOUR?
Booking this Tour with us will really be very safe, easy and practical, you will also have Payment Facilities, such as Paying for your Tour up to 1 day before the Tour and in 2 Parts:
- First Part can be paid online, from the comfort of your house, by making a Pre-Payment with any Credit or Debit Card from any Bank, using our safe and reliable money transfer system. Pre-payment will be made via a deposit of US$200.00 per person + 5% Visa commission (Click on the Book link)
- The Second Part or balance will be paid upon arrival in Cusco City, in person at our Central Office located in Downtown, up to 1 day before the Tour.
⇒ To book the Huchuy Cusco Trek – 2 Days/1 Night, simply follow these 3 simple steps:
1. Fill out the Reservation Form: It’s on the Book link.
2. Pay the First Part (Prepayment): We accept all cards. You can use a Credit or Debit Card from any Bank or any company: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER, JCB, UNION PAY, ETC.
3. Print your Travel Coupon (Receipt): We will send it to you immediately after making the Pre-payment.
⇒ OTHER PAYMENT METHODS: If you want to make the Pre-Payment by other means such as: PayPal, Western Union, Bank Deposit, Bank Transfer or any other method, let us know so we can send you all the information necessary to do so.
4. ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS?
Yes, for this Tour we offer discounts and special rates for babies, children and students.
- Children under 2 years old accompanied by their parents travel free of charge.
Students up to 17 years old have a discount of US$40.00 per person.
5. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE, COOK AND CARRIERS?
Tips are not mandatory, there is no exact amount. Only if you wish, at the end of the Tour you can tip the Guide and other collaborators. As you can see, this is something additional and completely voluntary, whatever you consider will be greatly appreciated by our support team.
6. WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET ILL WITH ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Don’t worry! All of our Guides are trained in case you become ill with this problem. They all carry an oxygen tank and a First Aid Kit, this ensures that you are very well and carefully looked after, which will allow you to continue the Hike. Furthermore, our entire team is prepared in case of Emergency. After treatment, if you still feel very unwell and are unable to continue the tour, the Guide will make the best decision for you: to continue or return. For us, your Safety and Health always come first.
7. IF I HAVE ALREADY PAID MY FIRST INSTALLMENT AND DECIDE TO CANCEL, WILL I BE REFUNDED?
Unfortunately No. We will not be able to provide any type of refund. We can only change dates or Tours, on the condition that no tickets have been purchased for archaeological remains.
We understand that unexpected things happen that are beyond your control, but we cannot make exceptions. You can read more about our Modification and Cancellation Policies on our website: http://incredibleperutours/es/terminos-y-condiciones/
8. DO I NEED TO BRING ADDITIONAL MONEY FOR MY TOUR?
Yes, if you want to buy some snacks like cookies, dried fruits, chocolates, etc. or an additional beverage such as soda, beer or energy drink, as these products can be purchased in small grocery stores.
Also, if you want to buy some souvenirs from the Tour, you can do so. For all this, we recommend that you bring between 150 and 300 Peruvian soles. You may not need to spend any of this money, but in case of an emergency, make sure you have enough cash.
9. WHAT TIME DO WE RETURN TO CUSCO CITY?
On the second day, after lunch, we will descend to Lamay. There, our transport will be waiting to take you for an hour and a half journey back to Cusco City. The group will arrive there between 4pm and 5:30pm
10. IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, CAN I CONTACT INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
11. WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY TOUR WITH INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
There are good reasons to book your tour with us, let’s look at some:
- Very good location of Our Travel Office which allows for better coordination at any time. We are located in Cusco City’s Historic Downtown, just 1 block from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas).
- Tour organized by the Authorized Peruvian Tourism Agency. We are 100% local workers. We are very proud to be Peruvian and have the great opportunity to share our Culture with you, with more than 15 years of experience organizing the best Tours to the most incredible tourist destinations in our region. We have all our documentation updated and in order, complying with all procedures and formalities before the Local Government, thus being a Travel Agency recognized as an Authorized Operator of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, this provides you with peace of mind and safety. It also guarantees our seriousness and commitment to your satisfaction, which will be achieved with great responsibility and great pleasure.
- The Best Price for your trip and no hidden costs. Getting the best price is great and getting the best return is even better. We offer an All-Inclusive trip at an affordable price, guaranteeing the best deals. We save you time searching with our Low Price Guarantee. How do we achieve it?… Simply because we are a Direct Tour Operator, managing business costs locally and employing local workers who will conduct your trip without any intermediaries.
- Travel with Experts: The best Tour Guides, Cooks and Porters in the region. Our support team, known locally as “The Iron Team” is highly trained to serve all types of groups, families, friends, couples and anyone who loves the outdoors.
- High quality equipment for your trip. From a simple trekking pillow to the most sophisticated walking stick, including the most comfortable sleeping tents and the best quality sleeping bags that guarantee a good rest. We buy new equipment every year, on a 2-year rotation, constantly searching for the best brands, the most comfortable and safe for your trip.
- Excellent meals – All inclusive. You don’t need to worry about food, as it is included throughout the Hike. Our chef will impress you with the quality of the food prepared in a tent and small kitchen. All meals are prepared with fresh ingredients, we do not use canned or dehydrated foods. Furthermore, there is the possibility of preparing vegetarian or special diets at no extra cost, according to your needs.
- Safe and guaranteed exits. We are the only Tour Operator that guarantees all departures, as we operate 100% of our tours. Other agencies hope to have enough customers to start a tour. Even if we only have a single traveler for a Travel Date, this trip will be operated by us at the prices listed on this website and at no additional cost. Normally our groups are small and have an average of 4 to 8 people.
- We treat our travel team in the best way possible and are committed to social projects in our region. We practice good treatment of our workers. That’s why we offer tickets to the Inca Trail, accommodation, transportation, uniforms and good food for all our employees. The cooks and porters have paid health insurance and all have reasonable salaries for the work they do. We are also committed to social program projects that bring benefits for children in local communities, in the areas of Health and Education, which helps to improve their living conditions.
- We practice Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. We are an ecological company committed to the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources, which must suffer minimal impact from Tourism. An important action is for our kitchen staff to use biodegradable dishwasher detergents. We also constantly participate in Cleaning Campaigns along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Personalized service and support. When you ask a question, we will always answer. We’re here to help provide personalized service and support. Call or email our contact center from anywhere, anytime.
Availability and prices
PRICES-2023/2024
The price of the Huchuy Qosqo Trek – 2 days/1 night is calculated on a shared group service.
- US$250.00 per adult (over 14 years old)
- US$230.00 per student (for this price, you must submit online a copy of your ISIC card)
- US$180.00 per child (ages 5 to 11)
- US$0.00 per baby (from 0 to 4 years old) – Free, traveling with parents.
IMPORTANT:
- Please note that this hike requires a minimum of 2 people.
- Incredible Peru Tours – IPT has no hidden charges or fees.
- The times described in this itinerary are approximate.
- Tour times depend greatly on the shape and physical conditions of each person; feel free to walk at your own pace.
- For the benefit of the group, the guide may change food and camp locations according to the group’s progress during the hike.
- Each guide has their preferred and recommended route and may not correspond exactly to the route described here.
