Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu 2D / 1N

At 6am, leave the hotel and travel to the small Village of Tauca (3,750m/12,303ft), which is the beginning of your trek. We will be on level terrain and the landscape will be that of typical Andean Valleys, rich in corn, quinoa and potatoes. As you ascend towards the pass at (4,050m/13,287ft), the landscape begins to change dramatically to the classic of High Andean Savannah or Puna, with scant vegetation, mainly “ichu” or high altitude grass. The views of the Vilcabamba Mountain range are spectacular, see the snow covered peaks of Veronica, Pitusiray, Chicon and San Juan. Soon after the pass, start your descent toward the Huchuy Qosqo plains, hiking along a path that leads to the Cauca Ravine, where you will be able to see archeological sites. You will also notice fascinating wild plants, which the Inca gathered for food and which local people still eat today, such as tarwi, and a large quantity of cactus.

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 small river to Huchuy Qosqo at 3,650m/11,975ft.  Huchuy Qosqo (Little Cusco in Quechua) is a noteworthy Inca complex. It boasts sophisticated 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 terraces and allows superb views of the Vilcabamba range. Your guide will tell you about its fascinating history.

Afterwards, we will go downhill to Lamay at 2,900m/9,514ft, where we will catch our transport to drive to Ollantaytambo. We will have dinner together in a restaurant, continue by train to Aguas Calientes. We arrive in Aguas Calientes and check into to your hotel. You may want to explore this small but beautiful town and do some shopping, or just relax after such an exciting day.

• Meals included: Picnic Lunch & Dinner
• Hiking time: 7 hours
• Distance: 16kms/10 miles
• 3* Accommodations: Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu

This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! The guide will give you a tour, which takes about two hours. You will see most of the important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. Learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.

When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on the train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, the driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.

• Meal included: Breakfast
• Entrance tickets: Machu Picchu

After your tour, those who have booked in advance for an extra hike up Huayna Picchu, this tour is without a guide.

***IMPORTANT:

• You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55 or 3:20, 4:22, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
• Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.