GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 2 Days/1 Night
Size of group: Maximum 8 people, Average 4 people
Starting point: Cusco
Point of Arrival: Cusco
Type of Tour: Excursion, hiking, archaeological and cultural.
Hike Ranking: The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is rated as an excellent alternative route for everyone.
Distance to cover: 23 km. /14.3 miles.
Difficulty level:Moderate to difficult
Altitudes: 3,800 meters above sea level to 4,100 meters above sea level (highest point).
Availability: Daily departures with a minimum of 2 people.
Mapa Camino Inca 4 Dias
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
The Huchuy Qosqo hike is an excellent alternative for visiting isolated Andean communities. This trip is aimed at active people of all ages who want to have a great time in full contact with nature, get to know the local residents and the Inca civilization.
This great walk starts in Cusco City, and will visit the villages located in the Sacred Valley. And although we camp in relative luxury, with a dining tent with tables and chairs, a bathroom tent, a comfortable sleeping shelter and air mattresses, the conditions are basic. There will be no opportunity to shower, but you can wash your hands and face, and you should be prepared for extremely cold weather. At the same time, this Tour includes a lot of beautiful landscapes and pleasant encounters with local people, so it will probably be the most memorable part of your stay in Peru.
It is truly a unique experience, this trek combines impressive views of the Peruvian mountains, incredible Andean landscapes with splendid natural surroundings, finally visiting the Archaeological Group of Huchuy Qosqo, which is a magnificent work of Inca stonemasons, where you can admire its magic and charm, see its grand old buildings, incredible agricultural terraces, temples, water fountains, all wrapped in rich history.
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is one of those things that no one should miss the opportunity to do. Everyone should do this once in their life; whether woman or man, young or old… The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is simply for everyone…
Itinerary
1 DAY: CUSCO-PUCARA PUCARA-HUCHUY QOSQO
Today’s Highlights: Hike through incredible high-altitude areas… conquer the Chullpas tree canyon at 4,100 meters above sea level (the highest point of the Trail)… Hike to the incredible Inca complex of Huchuy Qosqo… Get the opportunity to enjoy the constellations in the sky on a clear night.
We will pick you up from the hotel at 5:30am to start the trip, you will meet the guide and the cook, then we drive for around 30 minutes in our private van. During the ride you will be able to discover Cusco City, until reaching the interesting archaeological group of Puca Pucara, which is located about 10 km north of town. This is the starting point of our trek. There we will meet our muleteer who is waiting for us with the horses and mules. The horses carry all the food and camping equipment and then we will start preparing all the equipment for your excursion, in the meantime you have the chance to enjoy a delicious breakfast for about 30 minutes, prepared by our cook.
After breakfast, around 7am we will begin our hike, this section is a moderate part of approximately 3 hours of climbing. It’s a beautiful day’s walk, with stunning views and excellent landscapes that pass through wonderful mountain lagoons such as Qoricocha (Golden Lagoon) and Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) located 4,000 meters above sea level, with a large concentration of wild birds. Arriving at the top, we continue our hike along a flat trail, for approximately 45 minutes, advancing to the Queullacocha lagoon, our lunch spot. The landscape of the lagoon is quite arid; this entire area is a high puna (geographical division of the Andes mountain range) between the mountains and is covered by a very resistant Andean herb called Ichu. In this area it is possible to see a wide variety of birds in their habitat, such as Andean geese, partridges and various birds of prey.
After lunch, we will continue our walk for approximately 1 hour, until we reach the Pass, which is the highest point on the route (4,100 m.a.s.l.) where we will see the three Chullpas, archaeological Inca funerary structures used to place the mummies. From the Pass we resume the walk, descending for approximately 2 hours along the spectacular and extravagant geological formation, through what was once part of the original Inca Trail Network. We will arrive at our camp at 5pm, close to the incredible archaeological site of Huchuy Cusco, located 3,600 meters above sea level, enjoy tea and then dinner will be served. We will spend the night in our comfortable tents under the stars .
Hiking time: 8 hours
Distance: 16 kilometers. / 9.9 miles
Climate: Cold, windy
Altitudes: 3,800 m.a.s.l. up to 4,100 m.a.s.l. and from 4,100m down to 3,600m.a.s.l.
Accommodation: Camping.
DAY 2: HUCHUY QOSQO-CUSCO.
Today’s highlights: Enjoy the incredible Peruvian Andes… Explore the impressive archaeological group of Huchuy Qosqo… learn about the Inca civilization and uses of the local Inca population.
Today is an easy hike. We will have our nutritious breakfast at 8:30 am at our camp near the Inca Huchuy Qosqo complex. Later we will pack all the equipment and then take our guided tour of Huchuy Qosqo (Little Cusco), which is above the valley, and will take good photos of the place in the sunlight. This place got its name in the 20th century, previously it was known as Kajya Qhawana (where lightning strikes). Next, you will be able to see incredible Inca constructions with splendid architecture and the peculiarity that the buildings were built on stone bases with a finely polished finish, with clay plaster in the best preserved parts, but the upper floors are made of adobe. You will see Inca temples, warehouses, sacred terraces for agriculture, water canals and a reservoir used to store water for dry season. Our guide will take you on a tour of the place, he is an expert in Inca history, so he will explain and teach you everything. Afterwards there is time to explore the site for yourself.
After your visit, from there we will start the hike back at around 11 am. Just going down to the lowest part of the valley. This area is a fertile land known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The walk takes approximately 2 hours to reach the small Andean village of LAMAY (2,800 m above sea level) located next to the Urubamba River, where we will have lunch and then say goodbye to the cook, who prepared all the meals along the way. There our private car will be waiting for us to return to Cusco City. If we have free time, we can stop at 4pm at the Awanacancha weaving center, where you can pet South American camelids such as llamas, alpacas and vicunas and also learn about the region’s weaving traditions. After this stop, we take the car to arrive at Cusco City at 6pm. approximately. Finally we will drop you off at the hotel.
Hiking time: 4 hours
Distance: 7 kilometers. / 4.3 miles
Climate: Hot
Altitudes: 3,600 m.a.s.l. down to 2,800 m.a.s.l.
Included services
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
- Pre-meeting and meeting with the guide, 1 or 2 days before the hike at our office in Cusco City.
- Safe storage for your belongings in our office in Cusco City, while you do the Tour.
- We pick you up at the hotel in Cusco City.
- Transport on private car from Cusco City to Puca Pucara (path).
- Professional guide.
- A second guide (for groups of 11 or more people).
- Cook and assistant to prepare everyone’s food.
- Entrance ticket to the Inca Huchuy Qosqo complex.
- All meals during the hike (02 breakfasts, 02 lunches, 01 dinner). We can prepare vegetarian or special diets according to your needs.
- Boiled water to refill your bottle and hot water for personal hygiene.
- Crutches and horses must carry all camping equipment, personal items, food, sleeping tents and cooking equipment.
- We carry up to 8kg. of your load, so you will only hike with a backpack andwater (for this load we will provide backpacks for personal items during the briefing).
- The best camping gear for a good night’s sleep
- Sleeping tent (Quality high mountain tents for 4 people, for use by 2 people only, for your greatest comfort, and more storage space for the backpacks).
- Thermarest inflatable mattress.
- Dining room + gas lamp + tables + chairs + Tent for the evenings.
- Kitchen tent and complete kitchenware to prepare all meals.
- Bathroom stall.
- First aid equipment and emergency oxygen tank.
- We will pick you and take on private car from the village of Lamay to the hotel in Cusco City.
- Optional services: Until the last day before the tour, at our Travel Office in Cusco City, located downtown, if you wish, there is the option to add to your booked trip, for an additional payment, the following:
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from our office + US$10.00).
- A pair of trekking poles (can be rented from our travel office + US$10.00).
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.
You can do it whenever you want, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will be happy to assist you, call Cell: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or send us an email at: info@incredibleperutours.com. You can also check the Contact Us link on this site.
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.
