This trek is ideal for those passengers who really want to be far in the middle of nowhere with only nature surrounding them. Huchuy Qosqo (small Cusco) is situated above the Valley of Urubamba and offers spectacular views over the mountain range Cordillera de Vilcanota.
Cusco - Tauca -Huchuyqosqo Pass - Huchu Yqosqo - Lamay Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Huchuy Qosco - You will start driving from your hotel to the small Village of Tauca, (3750m) the beginning of your trek will be on level terrain, and the landscape will be that of typical Andean valleys rich in corn, potatoes, barley, quinoa and other Andean tubers. As you ascend towards your pass at 4050m, the landscape begins to change dramatically to that classic of high Andean savannah or Puna, with scant vegetation, mainly “ichu” or high altitude grass. The views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba peaks are spectacular: Veronica, Pitusiray, Chicon and San Juan snow peaks.
Soon after the pass you will start your descent toward the Huchuy Qosqo plains hiking along a path that leads to the Ccauca ravine, where you will be able to see archaeological remains and wild crops, such as tarwi, and a large quantity of cacti. You will walk downhill towards the Leon Punku ravine, where you will find remains of an Inca bridge and trail. This canyon boasts geological formations surrounded by majestic rocks and boulders that direct the river to Huchuy Qosqo at 3650 m. Huchuy Qosqo (“Little Cuzco”) is a Noteworthy Inca complex. It boasts very fine stonework in a large Kallanka (rectangular Hall), some residential and defensive quarters and interesting two-story buildings in stone and adobe. Huchuy Qosqo is located on a plateau, surrounded by Inca agricultural terracing and commanding superb views of the Vilcabamba range.
Afterwards we’ll go down hill to Lamay at 2900m where we’ll catch our transport driving to Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is the place where we’ll continue by train to Aguas Calientes town. Overnight in hotel.
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Machu Picchu - Early breakfast and then take the first bus at 5:30am to be at Machu Picchu at 6am (only 25 minutes ride by bus) where you will get a guided tour (2 hours) then free time to explore the lost city of Machu Picchu. Go down to the Aguas Calientes town to return to Ollantaytambo by train and then we will take a bus back to Cusco’s main square.
- Round-trip train, van, and bus transportation
- Hostel accommodation included
- Three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Vegetarian and special diets catered for
- Guided tour with entrance fees included
- Food Breakfast day 1 and lunch, dinner day 2
- Cold water and snacks
- Hot Spring in Aguas Calientes (s/20)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain (US$25 ) and Machu Picchu Mountain (US$ 25)
- A small Backpack at least 30 lt
- Original passport, don’t forget to get the Machu Picchu stamp!
- International Student Identity card (ISIC) if applicable. Green card if you are student
- Travel Insurance card is essential
- Medicines and personal use items, credit or debit card (see personal spending money), camera and films, rechargeable batteries and adapters, binoculars, cover for backpacks, shirts/t-shirts, sun hat, sun block, sunglasses, toiletries (biodegradable), watch or alarm clock, water bottle, rain poncho, plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
- Emergency money at least 200- 300 extra soles (USD$120)
- Note: walking poles are not allowed into Machu Picchu
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
