Itinerary of Huchuy Qosqo + Short Inca Trail

Day 1: Cusco – Tambomachay – Kenko Village

We will depart from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 a.m. and drive to Tambomachay, just 20 minutes outside the city. Once at the trailhead, we will begin hiking slowly up to the highest mountain passes of Cusco, with vast grasslands, beautiful lakes, and native flora and fauna en route. The hike is about 4 hours to lunch in Qoricocha Lake at 3,700 m / 12,139 ft. Our trekking chef will prepare delicious meals using fresh local products.

Once lunch is over, we will start the second part of the day with 2 hours hike to Kenko Village at 3,800 m / 12,467 ft; along the way is possible to spot herds of Llamas and alpacas that belong to villagers; Kenko is a small village with a few hundred inhabitants who survive from agriculture, where we’ll spend the night.

• Hiking Distance: 10 km / 8.1 miles
• Duration: 6 hours
• Highest Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
• Meals: Lunch, and dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Accommodation: Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Kenko – Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Ollantaytambo

Enjoy the beautiful views from the Local Village early in the morning with a cup of coffee while you enjoy the first rays of the sun. After breakfast, we’ll begin a gradual 1-hour uphill to the highest mountains with spectacular views of the Sacred Valley; then, we’ll go downhill for  2 hours to Huchuy Qosqo, 3,600 m / 11,811 ft, a stunning ancient city on top of the Sacred Valley.

On the way, you pass refreshing streams, beautiful canyons, and breathtaking views of the Andes mountains. After exploring the Inca Site, we will continue for 1.5 hours into the Sacred Valley for our last picnic lunch. The final part will be traveling by van along the Sacred Valley until we arrive in Ollantaytambo, where we will explore the town and check in at a hotel.

• Hiking Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
• Duration: 5 hours
• Highest Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Accommodation: Tunupa Lodge or Similar
• Difficulty: Easy

Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes)

Wake up early at your hotel and take the first train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 to begin the Inca Trail. Once you pass the checkpoint, you’ll enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared breakfast before starting the Short Inca Trail. 

The first place you visit is Chachabamba, a beautiful Inca site located next to the Urubamba River. Next, we’ll begin a gentle four-hour hike until you arrive at the Wiñaywayna Inca Site, one of the most impressive Inca sites on the Inca Trail. Lunch will be served at a nearby campsite, where our expert trekking chef will have a freshly prepared meal ready.

The second part of the day starts with an easy one-hour hike to the Sun Gate, from where you’ll have your first and most breathtaking view of the great Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. If we plan our timing correctly, we can arrive after 4:00 p.m., when most visitors have already started leaving, so you’ll find the place almost empty.

After enjoying a full day on the Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, check in at the hotel, have dinner at a local restaurant, and get an early night’s rest for the following day.

• Hiking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 mi, 7 hours
• Duration: 5 hours
• Highest Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a local restaurant
• Accommodation: Ferre Machu Picchu or similar
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of the Incas)

On the final day, you will wake up early in your hotel, have breakfast, and take the first bus up to Machu Picchu. If the weather is good, you will be able to witness the fantastic sunrise over Machu Picchu, which is truly an unforgettable experience.

The guided tour takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, and your tour guide will show you the best of Machu Picchu. Later, you will have time to hike either Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Montaña. These tickets need to be booked in advance. After you’re done exploring Machu Picchu, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included) and then take the Panoramic Vistadome train and bus back to Ollantaytambo and a private van to Cusco. TreXperience Team will return you safely to your hotel around 7:30 p.m.

• Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours guided tour
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Accommodation: not included
• Difficulty: Easy

Price for the Huchuy Qosqo + Short Inca Trail 4 Days

Price per person:

• US$ 790 - Adults
• US$ 750 - Children and students

To book the Alternative Inca Trail, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 200 per person; the remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco.

Booking and payment:

Deposit: US$200 per person (to reserve your spot). The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us to explore alternative payment options.

Student Discount:

• US$ 30 off

Applies to all travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To get the discount, the ID must include:

• Student name, photo, and university name.
• A valid expiration date (expired IDs are not accepted)
• ISIC cards are not valid.

The discount is automatically applied for children. For students, a copy of your student ID must be submitted when booking; if your ID is rejected, you will be charged the adult rate. Please email us at info@trexperienceperu.com at the time of booking to receive your discount.

How to book: 

To book this tour:

• Click on the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, and select how many people will be joining.
• Fill in all the requested details with your passport data.
• Finally, enter your credit/debit card details and make the payment.
• Our team will contact you shortly to reconfirm your payment and give you more information.

Similar tours you might be interested in:

• Classic Inca Trail 4 days
• Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain 6 Days
• Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu – 7 Days

Huchuy Qosqo + Short Inca Trail Packing List

When preparing for the Huchuy Qosqo and Short Inca Trail trek, it's essential to pack the right gear and clothing to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. Here's a suggested packing list for your trek:

Bags and limits

• 1 duffel bag up to 7 kg (15 lb): Provided by us. TreXperience porters carry it from camp to camp. You won’t have access to it during the day, so keep daytime needs in your daypack.
• 1 daypack up to 5 kg (11 lb): For what you’ll use while hiking, water, snacks, light layers, sunscreen, etc. You carry this yourself. Bring your own; we recommend a 25–35 liter pack with a rain cover. Large backpacks aren’t allowed in Machu Picchu; if needed, store them in the lockers. This rule is based on size, not capacity, so if yours is slightly larger but not bulky, it’s fine.

Essentials:

• Original passport: A copy is not accepted; it must be valid for at least 6 months to enter and exit Peru and have two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• Valid Student ID: Required only if booked as a student (up to age 25). It must be issued by the university and show university info, personal details, a photo, and a valid date no later than December 31 of the year of travel.
• Hiking boots: Light, comfortable, and broken in. Not too tight or too loose, with room for your toes to move.
• Good-quality daypack: A comfortable, light, compact backpack for your daily supplies.
• Camel bag or water bottle: Choose a 2‑liter option (hydration bladder or bottle) for quick, hassle‑free refills.
• Trekking poles: Highly recommended for the Inca Trail. You can also rent trekking poles from us.
• Headlamp: Essential for the Machu Picchu Inca Trail. A small flashlight also works.

Clothing:

• Breathable, moisture-wicking clothing (e.g., quick-dry shirts and pants)
• Thermal or wool base layers for colder temperatures
• Fleece or down jacket for insulation
• Waterproof rain jacket and pants
• Underwear and sports bras (quick-drying)
• Hiking socks (moisture-wicking or wool)
• Hat for sun protection
• Beanie or warm hat for cold nights
• Gloves or mittens
• Sandals or comfortable shoes for evenings at camp

Gear and equipment:

• Dry bags or plastic bags to keep belongings dry
• A Camera or smartphone with extra batteries or a portable charger
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Insect repellent
• Basic first-aid kit (including personal medications, adhesive bandages, pain relievers, blister treatment, and any necessary prescription medications)
• Altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor)
• Travel towel (quick-drying)
• Biodegradable wet wipes or toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Reusable or biodegradable plastic bags for trash

Personal items:

• Trekking permits and Machu Picchu entrance tickets
• Cash (in Peruvian soles) for tips, souvenirs, and any additional expenses
• Snacks and energy bars
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)
• Earplugs and eye mask for better sleep at camp

Note: If you book the trek through TreXperience, we will provide all camping equipment, such as tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads, as well as meals during the trek.

Remember to pack light and prioritize essentials, as you will be carrying your daypack while hiking, and porters or pack animals will have limited capacity for carrying additional items.

Huchuy Qosqo and Short Inca Trail Travel Information

Location

The Huchuy Qosqo with Inca Trail tour takes place entirely in the Cusco region and covers a great variety of landscapes. The first part of the route passes through Andean and valley areas: you will walk through small communities, mountains, passes, lagoons, and high plateaus that separate the Cusco Valley from the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

At the top of a broad terrace lies Huchuy Qosqo, from where you can see the Sacred Valley and the Vilcanota River. The second part of the tour continues along the Inca Trail, crossing temperate and humid cloud forests and visiting archaeological sites such as Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Intipunku, and finally, Machu Picchu.

History

• Huchuy Qosqo is an archaeological enigma. Its name means “Little Cusco”, however, according to some chroniclers and the accounts of quipucamayocs, its original name may have been Caquia Xaquixaguana. The construction of this citadel is attributed to Inca Viracocha, as a place of retreat and rest in the final years of his life.
• Chachabamba: This site is part of the ancient Inca Trail. It is made up of structures dedicated to the worship of water, as well as canals and fountains that were once used for purification baths before the ascent to Machu Picchu.
• Wiñay Wayna: This is one of the most important sites along the Inca Trail. Its main attraction is the impressive series of agricultural terraces and the group of ceremonial buildings that surround them.
• Intipunku: This archaeological site serves as the main entrance to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail. From here, you get an exciting panoramic view of the citadel, making it an ideal spot to pause briefly and enjoy the landscape before continuing.
• Machu Picchu: Built in the 15th century, it is believed to have been ordered by Inca Pachacutec. It is recognized as an important ceremonial, agricultural, and astronomical center.

Altitude

Throughout the route, you reach considerable altitudes. The trip begins in the city of Cusco, located at 3,399 m / 11,152 ft above sea level, and continues towards Huchuy Qosqo at 3,650 m / 11,975 ft. Then you descend into the Sacred Valley until we reach Ollantaytambo at 2,792 m / 9,160 ft.
Later, on the Inca Trail section, the altitude does not change very much:

• Chachabamba: 2,150 m / 7,054 ft.
• Wiñay Wayna: 2,650 m / 8,694 ft.
• Machu Picchu: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft.

Weather

In the Andes, the weather is divided into two main seasons: a rainy season (from November to March) and a dry season (from April to October). However, these seasons are not always clearly defined. Because of the complex Andean geography, it can rain during the dry season, and there can be dry days even in the middle of the rainy season.

In the mountain area, where the first two days take place, mornings and nights are usually cold, while during the day the weather is mild and, at times, a bit windy in the afternoon. In general, the air is dry, with a strong influence from the altitude, atmospheric pressure, and solar radiation.

The following two days are milder in terms of weather. The altitude decreases, and the physical effort feels easier. The environment becomes more humid and temperate, typical of the transition zone between the Andes and the high jungle, and light showers are quite common.

Difficulty

The physical effort of this tour is divided into two main stages:

First challenge: Andean section to Huchuy Qosqo
You walk through Andean landscapes, plateaus, and hidden lagoons high in the mountains until reaching the first goal, Huchuy Qosqo. Over the first two days, you cover approximately 18 km / 13.1 miles. The intensity is from moderate to easy: the trail has been used for a long time, and some parts once formed part of the original Inca Trail that connected the Sacred Valley with Cusco.

Second challenge: Inca Trail section to Machu Picchu
The next two days require a similar effort, from moderate to easy. You follow the Inca Trail from the bottom of the valley, next to the Urubamba River, up to the height where the original entrance to Machu Picchu is located. It is a route through lush cloud forest, with visits to several archaeological sites before arriving at the citadel.

Last day
The final day is easier, as most of it is done by bus and train, except for the guided tour inside Machu Picchu, which involves about 2 to 2.5 hours of walking around the archaeological complex.

Places to visit in Huchuy Qosqo and Inca Trail

Huchuy Qosqo

Huchuy Qosqo is located high above the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Its location is privileged, serving as both an administrative and symbolic point between the Vilcanota Valley and the Cusco Valley. This archaeological site is made up of streets, plazas, and a series of large terraces arranged in harmony along the mountainside

Chachabamba

It is a complex of ceremonial rooms and water fountains dedicated to the worship of water. This was the place for cleansing and preparation before the final ascent to the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Wiñay Wayna

Wiñay Wayna is a complex comprising rooms, water fountains, and terraces. These terraces are built in a concave shape, skillfully adapted to the steep mountain slope. The site has two main sectors, an upper and a lower one, connected by a staircase of 326 steps.

Intipunku

Intipunku is much more than just an entrance to Machu Picchu. It is an Inca viewpoint built high on the mountain, where the full view of the citadel opens up for the first time, surrounded by green mountains and the Urubamba River. From this spot, you can see Machu Picchu just as ancient travelers once did.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is an Inca city built on a mountain ridge, with the Vilcanota River flowing hundreds of meters below. Its terraces, temples, and stairways seem carved directly into the rock, perfectly integrated with the Andean landscape.

It is believed to have been built by the Inca Pachacutec in the 15th century as a ceremonial, agricultural, and astronomical center. Walking through its streets means entering a world of mystery, impressive engineering, and a special energy that invites quiet contemplation.

Huchuy Qosqo Trek + Short Inca Trail - Frequently Asked Questions