This trek is ideal for hikers who want to  escape civilization and only be surrounded by nature.  The Huchuy Qosqo trek allows you to camp in areas seldom seen by tourists. Huchuy Qosqo (small Cusco) is situated above the Urubamba Valley and offers spectacular views over the Cordillera de Vilcanota mountain range.

This trek is also a great way for you to enjoy a shorter trek that  includes MachuPicchu. You will have one night of camping in the wilderness and one night in a hostel in Aguas Calientes.

Day 1: Tambomachay - Pumamarca

We depart Cusco by private car to the Inca site of Tambomachay (3,700m/12,139ft). From this point, we will begin trekking as the trail sharply curves uphill to reach a pass of approximately 4,200m/13,779ft. We will continue to follow the trail down into the valley and towards the small communities at the bottom. As we descend along the trail, you will see a beautiful green valley stretching out as far as the eye can see. The path you can see on the right slope leads to Pisac. Passing through the village and across a new bridge, the trail takes us up over the second pass (4,300m/14,107ft). On the way, we will pass by the beautiful Lake Qoricocha (Golden Lake). We will continue along this rustic trail and arrive at the highest point of the trek (4,350m/14,271ft) with stellar views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Finally, we will descend and arrive at the Pucamarca community (4,010m/13,156ft) in the late afternoon. After setting up camp, we will enjoy our supper underneath the great starry sky.


Day 2: Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Aguas Calientes

Just below the village of Pucamarca, the valley narrows to form a ravine where an amazingly well-maintained Inca staircase will lead us down to the magnificent citadel of Huchuy Qosqo. Huchuy Qosqo is perched above the Urubamba Valley, overlooking the little town of Lamay, a town dedicated to agriculture and raising cattle. Huchuy Qosqo was originally an administrative center like Pisac. Huchuy Qosco also has Inca buildings made of stone, and there is even one that has a great example of perfectly-fitted Inca stones. In the hillsides, we will also see some granaries, as Huchuy Qosco was an important agricultural center. Continuing our hike, with Pitusiray looming above us, we will eventually pass an Inca stone and adobe gateway. This is the entrance to the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo for people who climbed up from the Urubamba Valley. Later in the afternoon, our private transport will drive us to Ollantaytambo, where will catch the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. Upon our arrival to Aguas Calientes, we will check into our rooms and have free time for the rest of the night.


Day 3: Aguas Calientes – MachuPicchu – Cusco

On the third day of the tour, we will wake up early and catch the local transport up to MachuPicchu. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide in MachuPicchu and afterwards you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. If you still have energy and a ticket booked in advance, you can also climb HuaynaPicchu (2,720m/8,923ft). It takes 45 minutes to reach the top of HuaynaPicchu. Upon returning to Aguas Calientes, you will have one last lunch before coming back to Cusco in the afternoon.