Huchuy Qosqo and Machu Picchu Trek 2 Days / 1 Nights

This activity-filled tour is perfect for those who want to see the best of the Sacred Valley before visiting the world famous Machu Picchu. This tour is not as difficult as many of the other treks to Machu Picchu, as we will only walk for 10 km in total, making this tour perfect for families with children or travellers on a tight time schedule.

New Regulations

In January 2019, changes to the Machu Picchu visitation rules were implemented. Now, entrance tickets to the citadel are sold for specific time slots, starting at 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.

With this new entry system, visitors board the bus to Machu Picchu one hour or 30 minutes before the visitation time printed on their ticket. This way, they do not have to endure unnecessary queues in Machu Picchu Pueblo, nor do they contribute to crowding at the entrances to the Inca city.

Meanwhile, visitors who wish to walk to Machu Picchu must depart one and a half hours before their designated visitation time.

In January 2021, new visitation routes or circuits were introduced at Machu Picchu with the aim of preserving the archaeological site for future generations. Each visitor follows a circuit according to the type of entrance ticket they have purchased, whether it’s for visiting Machu Picchu only, Huayna Picchu mountain, or Machupicchu mountain.

For more detailed information about the different circuits and specific entrance schedules, we invite you to read this link on Schedules and New Circuits for Visiting Machu Picchu or to contact us directly. We can provide you with all the necessary information and address any questions you may have.

This Packages is the Huchuy Qosqo and Machu Picchu Trek 2D/1N

INCLUDED

  • Professional guide who is fluent in English and spanish
  • Private bus to Moray and Salineras, Cuper, and Ollantaytambo
  • One box lunch and dinner on Day 1; breakfast on Day 2
  • 1 night accommodation Aguas Calientes
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu
  • Guided tour of MachuPicchu
  • Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

NOT INCLUDED

  • Breakfast on the first morning
  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes on the second day
  • Entrance to the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes (10 soles)
  • Tips for the guide
  • One way bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu


Starting at

$ 400.00USD

per person

Contact travel advisor +51 940 110 208

Day By Day

Day 1: Cusco – Huchuyqosqo – Aguas Calientes

Huchuy Qosqo Trek , we will pick you up from your hotel at 5:30 a.m. and travel by car to Moray and Salinas, ancient Incan archaeological sites where you will have a walking tour. We will then continue by car to the village of Cuper, located at (3750m/12,300ft), the beginning of your trek. From here, we will walk for 3 hours through some very beautiful landscapes, lagoons, and indigenous communities until we arrive at the archaeological complex of Huch’uyQosqo. Once we arrive, we will stop for half an hour and enjoy a packed lunch (included). After lunch, you will have a walking tour of this amazing Incan site.

We will spend an hour exploring Huch’uyQosqo before we continue our hike, walking two and a half hours downhill to Lamay in the Sacred Valley. Once we reach Lamay, a car will transport us to the town of Ollantaytambo.

In Ollantaytambo, we will catch a 7:00 p.m. train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Depending on your preferences, you can have dinner in Ollantaytambo or later at a restaurant in the town of Aguas Calientes. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, we will transfer you to your hostel (this can also be upgraded to a hotel if you wish). In the evening, you will discuss with your guide what time you wish to wake up in the morning, and be briefed for your tour of Machu Picchu!

  • Walking distance: Approximately 10 km/6.21 miles
  • Campsite altitude: 4,400 masl/14,435 ft
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Weather: Cool and windy

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We wake up early at 5:30 a.m. for breakfast and to take the early morning bus up to Machu Picchu. Arriving early at Machu Picchu will allow you to witness the beauty and the magic of this ancient city in the early morning light. Once in Machu Picchu, you will have a two hour guided tour of this ancient city. After the tour, you will have free time to explore the city on your own. If you still have energy and a ticket booked in advance, you can also do the 45 minute climb up Huayna Picchu (2,720m/8,923ft). From Huayna Picchu, you will have stunning views of Machu Picchu below you.
After you finish exploring Machu Picchu, you will take the bus or walk back down to Aguas Calientes, where you will catch a train back to the Sacred Valley. You can expect to arrive back in Ollantaytambo by 8:30 p.m. From there, we willtransfer you by bus back to your hotel in Cusco.

You might be interested in these tours to Machu Picchu full Day

Price

Price: $ 400.00 USD per person

DISCOUNT

  • icon students Student Discount: $20 USD
  • icon teen Discount for Under 18: $30 USD
  • icon children Discount for Under 7: $50 USD

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STUDENT DISCOUNT:

The student discount is available to students worldwide who meet the requirements of the Peruvian government. It can be applied when purchasing tickets for Machu Picchu directly from the Peruvian government.

To qualify for the student price, make sure you meet the following requirements:

Your student ID must be an original document issued by your university, made of PVC material.

  • The student ID must include the following printed information:
  • University information.
  • Student’s name.
  • Student’s photograph.
  • The student ID must have a valid expiration date printed on it, which is valid for only one year. For example, if you plan to visit Machu Picchu in 2024, the expiration date on your ID should be 2024 or 2025. If you visit Machu Picchu in 2024, the maximum allowed expiration date is 2025.
  • The student discount is available only for students 25 years of age or younger.
  • The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is not valid for the discount, even if it meets the requirements mentioned above.
  • The only accepted document for the student price is the original student ID that meets the requirements set by the Peruvian government. Other documents, such as certifications or virtual cards, are not accepted as proof of student status.
  • To request the student price, please send a photo of both sides of your student ID to inkatrailbackpacker@gmail.com when booking the tour. If you send it later, you will not be eligible for the student discount.
  • Feel free to contact us if you have further questions or need assistance.

Additional Upgrades for Huchuy Qosqo and Machu Picchu Trek 2D

Train schedule

The schedule for the return train at the end of the Tour/Trek is the Expedition Train, departing at 6:20 p.m. or 7:00 p.m., depending on availability.

If you prefer an earlier train for the return journey, we can arrange it for an additional cost of $35 per person. The available times are 2:55 p.m. or 4:35 p.m. We also offer the option to book the Vistadome train at 3:40 p.m. for an additional cost of $65 per person. Please let us know in advance which train schedule you prefer. Please note that none of the reserved trains go directly to Cusco; they only go to the Ollantaytambo or Poroy stations. In any case, we will ensure that transportation will be arranged to pick you up and bring you back to Cusco.

Can I change my return train ticket to an earlier one at the Aguas Calientes station?

Yes, you can make this change in person at the Aguas Calientes train station. However, they will ask you to pay an additional fee for changing the ticket, and the change will be subject to availability of space and train schedules.

How long does the return trip to Cusco take?

The return journey to Cusco takes approximately 3 hours. First, you will board a train in Aguas Calientes, which will take you to the Ollantaytambo train station for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Then, a transfer from our office will be waiting for you at the train station exit with a sign bearing your name to drive you back to Cusco in a car or van for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Finally, they will drop you off at your hotel or hostel. You will receive your train tickets once your Machu Picchu tour has concluded.

what to bring

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

  • Original passport
  • Hiking boots
  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Comfortable trousers
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • We strongly recommend to bring your Camel Back and water canteen due to that government of Peru will not allow disposable plastic bottles anymore on the Inca trail and in Machu Picchu.
  • Toiletries/Toilet paper
  • Personal medication
  • Camera
  • Cash (in small denominations of Peruvian nuevo soles)

OPTIONAL ITEMS TO TAKE

  • Shorts
  • Plasters and bandages
  • Sandals
  • Bathing suit for hot springs in Aguas Calientes (Not included in the price)

Why Us

Why does Inka Trail Backpacker charge less than other operators?

At Inka Trail Backpacker, we offer you the basic and essential version of the popular treks in the region. We are a 100% local company that wants to provide everything you will need at the real cost of operations—never unfair upcharging! That is why our slogan is “Fun, Not Fancy Trip.”

Are you a certified company?

Inka Trail Backpacker has been a Licensed Inca Trail Tour Operator since 2014. All companies managing the Inca Trail must be certified and have an Inca Trail operators license. This license is issued annually each December; Inka Trail Backpacker is licensed through the year of 2020

Our license as an Official Travel Agency is under the name Inka Trail Backpacker E.I.R.L. Our license as an Inca Trail Operator is under the name of INKA TRAIL BACKPACKER E.I.R.L We also work with partner company licenses, such as INTI SUN TREK E.I.R.L and GRUPO CAMINOS DEL PERU E.I.R.L. For tourists´protection, getting the permit for the Inca Trail from the government is a complicated and stringent process: in order to guarantee an Inca Trail Permit for all the tourists that have decided to book their adventure with us, we are registered to book using any of the above mentioned company licenses. We are all registered on the official government web site: www.machupicchu.gob.pe.

Trek with Like-Minded Travellers

As a traveller, you know that one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of going to new places is meeting people along the way. When you book a tour with us, you can be confident that your group will be filled with similar travellers looking for adventure in the Peruvian Andes. Our groups provide a great opportunity to meet new people and bond with them in an exciting environment. You never know who you will meet!

Community

We are really proud of the work we do for our community. This is a main focus for our company. We have worked with villages directly to help supply them with needs, buy all our food from local farmers and markets, and serve the freshest ingredients.

100% Guaranteed Departures

At Inka Trail Backpacker, we like to think we do trekking a little differently than our competitors. We stand by our customers and guarantee that we meet 100% of our departure dates on our treks even if you are a solo traveler.

Office Location

Our office is located at 392 Calle Triunfo (the street is also called Sunturwasi), inside the Centro Artesenal Arte Inka Building, which is on the corner across the street from the Museo Arzobispal and the Twelve-Angled Stone, by a small fountain. We are on the second floor, in Suite 209.

Travel Info

Pre-Trek Briefing

At Inka Trail Backpacker, providing a personal experience and ensuring you are thoroughly prepared for your trek is very important to us. Before you depart on the Huchuy Qosqo trek, you will receive a briefing in our office. At the briefing, you will get to meet our staff, receive maps and a detailed description of each day of your tour, be given duffel bags if you have hired a porter, and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Do the tour guides speak English?

Our team of guides are all local to the Cusco area and speak both Spanish and English fluently. Many of them also speak Quechua (the native language of Peru). With degrees in tourism and with two years minimum of experience under their belts, they are full of energy, information about the native flora and fauna, and the Inca sites, with a vast knowledge of Andean stories and legends.

How many people are there per group?

The size of your group depends on the day’s activity. The maximum size of our group service is sixteen people. For groups of over eight people, we also employ an assistant guide to help out (the assistant guide is a fully qualified guide but may lack some of the experience of the main guide or still need to improve his/her English skills.)

Is the Huchuy Qosqo Trek difficult? Do I need to be fit?

Yes, you should be moderately fit and exercise regularly to do this trek! In preparation, try walking five kms per day or go to a fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatised to the altitude. Try to spend at least three or four days in Cusco (3350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu.

Renewal or change passport number?

If you plan to renew or change your name on your passport between making your trek booking and starting your trek, you can book your trek or tour with your current passport number or name, but you must send us a copy of your old passport and a copy of your new passport when you have them. We can then make the change with the government before you arrive. The extra cost to make the change is US$25 per person. (This will cover the change in number or name for your Inca Trail Permit, Machu Picchu Entrance, and train.)

If you do not advise us of the change or do not want to pay the fee, bring the original of both passports (the old and new one). You can enter Peru with your new passport but you must show the government authorities your old passport in order to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or train. If you cannot do so, you will not be allowed to start your trek by the government officials. All names and numbers must match!!

What about toilets?

Toilets have improved a lot in the last couple of years and all of the hostels have clean, private bathrooms. However, bathrooms along the trail are limited, and you may have to pay (usually 1 sol) to use them. If you do need to use the toilet between sites, please defecate away from the trail and water supplies; you can dig a hole, or cover your feces with a rock, and take the paper with you in a bag to deposit in one of the several bins along the way.

Tips for the Staff:

Tips for porters, cooks and guides are always welcome. The porters are also very grateful for small gifts, such as clothing and school equipment for their children. A normal amount is S/60-80 for each porter and S/120 for the chef. The group will pool money for the tip, this is not an individual amount.

Refunds:

If Inka Trail Backpacker fails to confirm the reservation, your payment will be refunded in full.

Health and Safety:

A participant must declare if he/she has any sickness or medical disorder and must bring his/her own medication. We recommend that you meet with a doctor before you book the trek if you have questionable health.

Food on the Trek:

Always fresh and featuring organic ingredients, the food on the Inca Trail is always something to look forward to. There is always plenty to eat and lots of options including vegetables, meat, chicken, fish and other sources of protein and carbohydrates. On our tours, everyone sits down to eat together and enjoy each other’s company.

Can I have vegetarian, vegan, or special meals?

We offer standard meals as well as a vegetarian meal option. Just let us know if you want vegetarian meals when you book your trek.

Vegetarian meals have no red meat, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and dairy are OK. We are unable to cater specifically for vegans as it is too complicated for our cooks (remember they are cooking in a tent). Most of our main meals in the evening are served as a buffet service so you can always leave out what you don’t like. If there is a particular food that you don’t like (i.e. tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, etc) we will ask the cook to do his best to leave them out of the dish, but we cannot guarantee this. We can also cater to lactose-intolerant and gluten free diets (mild reactions only, no life threatening allergies accepted- see below). We reserve the right not to accept a trek booking based upon dietary requirements, this may be because we already have several people booked requiring special meals and don’t want to further inconvenience our cook. Thanks for your understanding.

Meal options:

Standard (no dietary requirements, will eat everything)
Vegetarian
No red meat (chicken & fish ok)
No fish (red meat and chicken ok)
Lactose-free (mild reactions only)
Gluten free (mild reactions only)

Unfortunately, we don’t offer a combination of the above i.e we don’t accept vegetarian AND gluten-free.

Storage during your trek:

You can leave any of your belongings that you do not want to bring on the trek at your hotel or hostel you were previously staying in. These hostels/hotels usually have a secure, locked room where you can store your belongings. If you do not trust your hostel, we would be more than happy to securely store your belongings for you.

Faqs

When do I need to pay the balance for my tour?

We require everyone to be in Cusco at least two nights prior to starting the trek, although three nights is even better. You must pay your trek balance at least two days before the trek departure. For example, if your trek departs on a Monday you must come to our office before 7:30 pm on Saturday to pay the trek balance. This ensures that everyone in the group is well acclimatized to the high altitude before starting the trek.

How many days will I need to acclimate to the altitude before the Huchuy Qosqo Trek?

It is very important to be well acclimated before exerting yourself on a trek. This is why we require everyone to be in Cusco for a minimum of two days prior to regular treks like the Inca Trail and Inca Jungle. However, if you are doing the Salkantay Trek, you will need at least four days to acclimate because this trek occurs at much higher altitudes than Cusco. You can use this time spent acclimatizing to visit the city of Cusco, nearby Inca ruins, and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Can I wear sneakers on my trek? Why do I need hiking boots?

Both sneakers (trainers or running shoes) and hiking boots are suitable for this hike. However, whichever you choose, be sure that they are broken in and will be comfortable over long distances. Lightweight, waterproof hiking boots are especially recommended.

What about altitude sickness on the Huchuy Qosqo Trek?

To avoid altitude sickness on the trek, we recommend that you spend time in Cusco or in the Sacred Valley beforehand. If you have never been in high altitude, we recommend that you first spend a day in the Sacred Valley, because it is at a lower altitude than Cusco city.

Is the Huchuy Qosqo Trek difficult?

All of the treks are moderately difficult and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting the trek. You have to be moderately fit to complete this hike. To prepare, try walking 5km a day or start going to the gym a month before the trek. The good news is that everyone in the last few years who has started a trek has finished it!

Do I need to make a Huchuy Qosqo Trek reservation?

As of July 1st, 2017, tourists will be able to access Machu Picchu from either 06:00 to 12:00 or from 12:30 to 17:30. Given this limit, we highly recommend that you book your tour far in advance, especially if you are interested in going during the peak tourist season (May to September). Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets are often sold out weeks in advance.

Is there an oxygen bottle available during the trek, just in case?

Yes, all our tour guides take an oxygen bottle with them along the trail and will provide oxygen as needed.

Where do I have to be on the morning of the trek and where will I be dropped off at the end of the trek?

On the morning of the trek departure, we will pick you up from inside your hotel in Cusco (don’t wait outside in the street) and drop you off either in the Plaza de Regocijos ( next to the main square) or Plaza San Francisco (two blocks from the main square) upon your return to Cusco. You won’t be dropped off directly at your hotel/hostels.

It helps us if you try to stay in a hotel/hostal that is within a few blocks of the Plaza de Armas (Main Square). If your hotel/hostal is far away from the main square we will ask you to come to our offices with the exact location and name of your accommodation. If you are not staying in the city center, we cannot pick you up from your hotel. You must take a taxi to the center.

The guide will come into your hotel and ask for you at reception. Because the centre of Cusco is full of small cobblestone streets, our larger bus/van is not permitted to enter certain zones in the city centre, so you will then have to walk a short distance to where the bus/van will be waiting for you. Traffic regulations prohibit large buses/van from entering the main square but usually after 10pm we don’t have a problem and will be able to drop you off in the main square upon your return. You can then take a taxi back to your hotel (between US$2 to US$4 for a taxi).

If we have to drop you off in Plaza San Francisco, you may be a bit disoriented (some people may need to be woken up!!) but we recommend that you ask for directions to the Plaza de Armas and our guide or driver will be happy to help. It’s only two blocks away, but usually it’ll be quite late at night so it is best to walk together as a group back to the Plaza before taking a taxi or walking back to your hotel.

Do we go to Machu Picchu for sunrise?

Your entrance time to Machu Picchu will depend on when you book your trek. As of July 1, 2017, there are two possible entry times to the site: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm, or 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Your ticket will grant you entry for either the morning or the afternoon—not both. The morning entry is significantly more popular and quickly sells out—unless you book your trek two to three months in advance, we cannot guarantee a morning entry.

If you book far enough in advance to secure a morning entry, you will start to hike up to Machu Picchu at 4:30am, arriving at the site by about 6:00 am—just in time for the sunrise!

Is Machu Picchu entrance ticket included in the price ?

Yes, the Machu Picchu entrance is included in the tour package.

Are there any hidden costs in the trek?

No, as a company, we do not have any hidden costs which is why we list everything that is not included in our tour on our own website. However, we highly recommend that you take some extra money with you on the trek (about 300 soles, at least). Small bills in soles are recommended.

Are breakfast, lunch and dinner included in the price every day?

Yes, all meals are included except the first breakfast on the first day, and lunch/dinner on the last day.

Is drinking water included in the price?

At meal times we will give you tea, coffee, etc to drink. During the trek, you may have to buy water directly from the local people, which is possible approximately every two hours. Remember that the price of the water will be more expensive than in the city.

How much stuff can we take? Do we carry it ourselves?

We recommend bringing no more than a 35 or 40L backpack to carry your things, as you will carry it yourself.

Is there a minimum group size and what happens if Inka Trail Backpacker does not meet that minimum size?

We require a minimum group size of just two people. During the last few years, Inka Trail Backpacker has always managed to meet the minimum group size for ALL of our departure dates and has never had to cancel any group departures due to group size.

In the unlikely event that we do not reach the minimum required number of persons, we reserve the right to combine our clients with another trekking company of similar cost.

Is transportation to and from the Cusco airport included?

No, transportation to and from the airport is not included in your tour. Please plan accordingly.

Is there a direct train to Cusco from Machu Picchu?

The train travels between the town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes, a small town located fifteen minutes below the Machu Picchu complex. The journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is an hour and forty minutes. (The return journey will be about three and a half hours, because the drive from Ollantaytambo station to Cusco is about an hour and forty minutes.) From Aguas Calientes, it is either a fifteen minute bus ride or hour hike up to Machu Picchu. There is no direct train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Although there is an additional station located at Poroy, about 25 minutes from Cusco, it is not always open. Train service from Ollantaytambo, meanwhile, is constant and reliable. Furthermore, taking the train from the Poroy station extends the total length of your journey between Cusco and Aguas Calientes to more than four hours, instead of three and a half.

What type of hostel does Inka Trail Backpacker use for this trek?

We always book through the Continental, El Tambo or Machu Picchu hostels in Aguas Calientes, which offer private double rooms. These hostels offer comfortable beds, hot showers, WiFi, and breakfast.
However, we can only guarantee these hostels will be reserved for you if you book your trek 2 months in advance. Otherwise, we may be forced to offer you an alternative hostel to stay in.

Can I upgrade the hostels to hotels?

Every traveller has their own expectations for accommodation and that is why we offer you the option to book your own hostel independently. The three hostels that Inka Trail Backpacker books are considered basic and if you wish to upgrade to a hotel you need to either do this yourself or ask us to book the new hotel for you.

If you wish to book a hostel independently, a US $10 discount is given per person off the tour price. You can use this money to pay for an alternative hostel.

What vaccines do I need for my trip? Will I need malaria pills?

Before traveling to Peru, you should consult your doctor. Routine vaccines, Hepatitis A, and typhoid vaccines are recommended for most travelers by the CDC. Some travelers may also need vaccines for Hepatitis B, rabies, and yellow fever. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should also be advised that the Zika virus is present in Peru.

Malaria pills are not necessary for these treks.

Do you recommend a rain poncho, or is a rain jacket okay?

The rainy season in Cusco is generally from November to April, when there are near-daily showers and the ground—especially in trekking areas—is wet and muddy. However, there are occasional showers throughout the rest of the year; you should always pack a rain jacket, regardless of when you plan to visit. For treks, a rain poncho is highly recommended—since you will be walking through rain for potentially several hours without shelter, a poncho will be much more effective at keeping all of your belongings and your base layers warm and dry. Waterproof shoes are also strongly recommended.

What if I get sick on the trail during my tour?

In the event of illness or injury, we will offer all of the support and care we are able; however, you should carry any medications you expect to need with you (ask your doctor for specific recommendations or prescriptions for altitude sickness, traveler´s diarrhea , colds and sore throats, and pain or inflammation). If you are not capable of completing the trek, we will transport you back to Cusco, where you can seek medical treatment. However, the cost of this transportation is not included in your tour and you will be expected to pay the additional expense—for this reason, we highly recommend travel insurance for your trek.

Will I have a private bathroom in the hostel?

Yes, in all of the hostels that we book for you, you will have a private room and bathroom.

Do I need walking poles?

Although not required, walking poles are recommended for any trekkers worried about joint stress or balance. They also are quite helpful in providing stability and leverage on especially steep climbs and descents. If you do not have poles or are unsure how to use them, we are able to rent them to you and provide instruction.

What documents do I need to bring to Machu Picchu?

As of July 1, 2017, you must have your original passport to enter Machu Picchu. You also need to have your entrance ticket, which your guide will give to you at the appropriate time. The passport that you bring to Machu Picchu must be the same one that you used to book your tour and entrance; if you change or renew your passport between booking and your trip, please be sure to bring the originals of both.

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