Classic Inca Trail sold out? Fear not! Huchuy Qosqo + Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect alternative option that will allow you to hike in the mountains near Cusco, following an ancient Inca Trail and combining it with the Short Version of the Inca Trail. Arrive in Machu Picchu twice and through the Sun Gate (Intipunku).
Huchuy Qosqo Trek + Short Inca Trail (The Alternative Inca Trail) is a 4-day trek to Machu Picchu across the Mountains nearby Cusco city, following an ancient Inca Trail that connects with the Sacred Valley, follows the Urubamba River, and Joins the Last section of the Classic Inca Trail arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate right before the sunset. Along the way, you will have a fantastic view of Cusco from the Mountains, visit local communities, hiking with Llamas and alpacas, visit beautiful archaeological sites such as Huchuy Qosqo, Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Wiñaywayna, and Machu Picchu. This trail was used by the Last Inca King Manco, who moved his rebel army in 1536 from Cusco to the Last Capital of Incas (Vilcabamba) during the XVI century. Student Discount: Day 1: Cusco – Tambomachay – Qenqo (13 Km, 8 Hrs), Depart from your hotel at 5:30 am, drive to Tambomachay, and start the 8-hour hike to Quenqo Village at 3800m (12467ft). Along the way, you will see mountains, grasslands, birds, and beautiful lakes. Spent the night camping in a comfortable tent. Day 2 Qenqo – Huchuy Qosco – Lamay –Ollantaytambo (8 km, 7 hrs), Wake up in your tent with a cup of coffee or tea and get ready for the second day of the hike to Huchuy Qosqo Inca Site located at 3600m (1118127ft), a spectacular ancient city on top of the Sacred Valley. Along the way, you pass streams, beautiful canyons. Spend the night in a hotel in Ollantaytambo. Day 3: Ollantaytambo– Km104 – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (15km 7hrs), After breakfast in the hotel, you will take the first trains to Km 104 to start the Inca trail, passing Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, Sun Gate, and finally arrive at Machu Picchu late in the afternoon and have the unique opportunity to see almost empty. After Exploring the upper part and enjoy the sunset, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, check in to your hotel to spend the night. Day 4: Machu Picchu (Lost City Of The Incas), On the last day, you will have breakfast, take the first buses up to Machu Picchu, and explore the citadel with your tour guide; the guided tour starts with a visit to the Inca Bridge, terraces, urban areas, temples, palaces and a free time to explore by yourself before taking the train back to Cusco. Arrive at your hotel around 7.30 pm Huayna Picchu Mountain – Tickets must be booked in advance at $75 per person. Takes 2 hours round trip Machu Picchu Montaña – Tickets must be booked in advance at $75 per person. Takes 3.5 hours round trip
Day 1: Cusco – Tambomachay – Qenqo Village We will Depart from your hotel at 5:30 am and drive to Tambomachay, just 20 minutes outside of Cusco. We will start slowly hiking up to the highest mountain passes with vast grasslands, birds, and beautiful lakes along the way. The hike is about 4 hours to lunch at Koriccocha Lake at 3700m (12130ft). Once lunch is over, we will start the second part of the day at Qenqo Village at 3800m (12467ft), along the way is possible to sport herds of Llamas and alpacas that they belong to villagers, Quenqo is a small village with few hundred inhabitants who survive from the agriculture. Day 2: Qenqo – 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 will start a gradual uphill to the highest mountains with spectacular views of the Sacred Valley, then, 2 hours downhill to Huchuy Qosqo 3600m (1118127ft), a spectacular ancient city on top of the Sacred Valley. Along the way, you pass refreshing streams, beautiful canyons, and breathtaking views. After exploring the Inca Site, we will continue for 1.5 hours into the Sacred Valley; Our chef will be waiting with a special Lunch that locals love, Pachamanca barbecue. The last part will be traveling by van along the Sacred Valley until we arrive in Ollantaytambo, where we will check-in in a hotel. Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) Wake up early in your hotel, have breakfast, and then take the first trains from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 to begin the Inca Trail. Once you pass the checkpoint, you will start the Short Inca Trail for 7 hours until you arrive at Machu Picchu in the Afternoon. You will visit astonishing Inca Sites such as Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, Sun Gate, and see a wide variety of flora and fauna. The Short Inca Trail Trek allows you to visit the most important sites inside the Classic Inca Trail and you will have the chance to arrive twice at Machu Picchu; if you plan the times correctly, you can arrive after 4:00 pm to Machu Picchu and find the place almost empty since everybody starts leaving the citadel early. After enjoying a full day in the Inca trail and Machu Picchu, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, check-in in the hotel, have dinner in a local restaurant, and sleep early for the next day. Day 4: Machu Picchu (The Lost City of the Incas) The guided tour takes about 2 to 3 hours, where your tour guide will show you the best of Machu Picchu. Later you will have time to explore by yourself or either climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Montaña. These tickets need to be booked in advance. After you are done exploring Machu Picchu, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch ( not included) and then take the Panoramic train and bus back to Cusco. The TreXperience Team will meet you off the train and return you safely to your hotel.
Overview
Highlights of the Alternative Inca Trail
Price per person: 680.USD
To book the Alternative Inca Trail, you need to make an initial payment of 140.USD per person, the remaining balance can be paid online, in installments, or Cusco with any credit card at no booking fees at all.
All travelers under 17 will have a $40. If you are 25 years old or under at the time of traveling, you can get the 40$ discount with your student ID. Please advise by email to give you a code for the discount.
Day by Day Summary:
Included:
Not Included:
Optional:
Covid-19 measures to keep you safe during traveling
Full Itinerary
On the final day, you will wake up early in your hotel, have breakfast, and take the first buses up to Machu Picchu. If the weather is good, you will be able to witness the amazing sunrise over Machu Picchu, which is truly an unforgettable experience. You will have the chance to go to the Inca Bridge or spend some time in the upper part of Machu Picchu before starting the tour.
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