The Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu is a perfect blend of natural beauty, Inca history, and cultural immersion—ideal for travelers looking for a scenic and less-traveled alternative to the classic Inca Trail. Over three days, you’ll hike through stunning Andean landscapes, pass traditional highland communities, and visit the ancient Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo perched high above the Sacred Valley. The journey culminates with an unforgettable visit to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Cusco Hotel
Moderate
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu is a perfect blend of natural beauty, Inca history, and cultural immersion—ideal for travelers looking for a scenic and less-traveled alternative to the classic Inca Trail. Over three days, you’ll hike through stunning Andean landscapes, pass traditional highland communities, and visit the ancient Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo perched high above the Sacred Valley. The journey culminates with an unforgettable visit to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
We pick you up from your hotel at 6:00 AM and drive to the archaeological site of Tambomachay, the starting point of our trek. From here, we begin walking through puna landscapes, crossing the Sicllaccasa Pass (4,020 m / 13,186 ft). We follow a trail into the Ccauca ravine, where we find archaeological remains and native crops like tarwi, as well as many species of cacti.
We continue toward the Queullococha Pass (4,185 m / 13,727 ft), with stunning views of the snow-capped Veronica, Pitusiray, and Chicon mountains. We walk past Queullococha Lake, where we may see wild geese, ducks, and small fish. The trail then climbs to the Challu Challu Pass (4,220 m / 13,842 ft), offering views of the Chinchero plains and the Piuray and Qoricocha lagoons.
Afterward, we ascend to the fourth pass at Rumicruz (4,230 m / 13,874 ft) and reach the Inca Quarry (4,220 m / 13,842 ft), believed to be the source of the stones used to build Huchuy Qosqo. From there, we descend to the community of Pucamarca (4,010 m / 13,153 ft), where we have dinner and spend the night camping.
After breakfast, we depart at 7:00 AM from our campsite and descend through the León Punku canyon, where we find remains of an Inca bridge and trail. The canyon features dramatic rock formations guiding the river toward Huchuy Qosqo (3,600 m / 11,808 ft), an impressive Inca archaeological site with ceremonial centers and panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the Vilcanota River.
After a guided tour, we hike for about two hours to the village of Taucca, where we enjoy lunch. From there, we take private transport to the train station in Ollantaytambo and board our train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we check into a comfortable hotel for the night.
After an early breakfast (around 5:00 AM), we begin the hike up to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (approx. 1 hour) to be among the first groups to enter and enjoy the stunning sunrise. We will have a guided tour of approximately 2 hours through the most important temples, palaces, and ceremonial areas.
After the guided visit, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. Optional: climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (additional $25 USD). At the scheduled time, we descend to Aguas Calientes to have lunch (not included), then take the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, private transport will bring you back to Cusco, with estimated arrival around 8:00 PM. Transfer to your hotel.
The “Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days” was an unforgettable adventure combining beautiful trekking and incredible history. Starting with the peaceful and less crowded Huchuy Qosqo ruins made the trek unique and special. The journey to Machu Picchu was challenging but the stunning landscapes and the final arrival at the iconic site made it all worthwhile. The guides were fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and very supportive throughout the trip. I highly recommend this trek for anyone wanting a more intimate and rewarding route to Machu Picchu.
