The Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu is a short, beautiful, and meaningful alternative trek for travelers who want quiet trails, Andean landscapes, local villages, Inca history, and Machu Picchu in one well-planned journey.
Hike from the highlands above Cusco to the Sacred Valley, visit lakes, llamas, alpacas, and the little-visited Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo, camp under the Andean sky in Pukamarca, take the train to Aguas Calientes, and finish with a guided visit to Machu Picchu. It is authentic, scenic, and perfect if you want a real trek without committing to a longer route.
Tour Type Group / Private
Activities Adventure, camping, history
Average Group Size 6 to 8 people
Difficulty Moderate
Accommodation Camping and Hotel
Tour Language English, Spanish
Hiking Distance 21 km / 13 miles
Starts/Ends Cusco / Cusco
Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu - Overview
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3 Days is one of the best short treks to Machu Picchu. It combines mountain scenery, lakes, local Andean villages, ancient Inca paths, one night of camping, one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, and a final guided tour of Machu Picchu.
This route begins near Tambomachay, above Cusco, and crosses peaceful highland landscapes before reaching Huchuy Qosqo, an impressive Inca site overlooking the Sacred Valley. After exploring the ruins, you descend to the valley, travel to Ollantaytambo, and take the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Travel with TreXperience, a 100% Peruvian local tour operator based in Cusco. We take care of the important details: professional guides, comfortable camping equipment, fresh meals on the route, hotel, trains, Machu Picchu tickets, Vistadome return train, safety support, and personal service from start to finish.
Tour Highlights
- Short alternative trek to Machu Picchu: A beautiful 3-day route away from the busiest trekking trails.
- High-Andean scenery: Hike past lakes, valleys, llamas, alpacas, and open mountain landscapes near Cusco.
- Huchuy Qosqo Inca site: Explore terraces, storehouses, plazas, water channels, and wide views over the Sacred Valley.
- Camping in Pukamarca: Spend one peaceful night in the Andes with fresh meals and full support from the TreXperience team.
- Machu Picchu included: Finish with a guided visit to Machu Picchu, with Circuit 2 included by default when available.
- Premium small-group service: Enjoy expert guides, organized logistics, quality equipment, and responsible local travel.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Tambomachay – Q’ellwacocha Lake – Pukamarca
Start with hotel pickup around 7:00 a.m., drive to Tambomachay, hike through highland scenery, enjoy lunch near Q’ellwacocha Lake, and continue to Pukamarca for one night of camping.
Day 2: Pukamarca – Huchuy Qosqo – Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Hike to Huchuy Qosqo, explore the Inca site with your guide, descend to the Sacred Valley, enjoy lunch, travel to Ollantaytambo, and take the evening train to Aguas Calientes for a hotel night.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Vistadome Train – Return to Cusco
Visit Machu Picchu with your expert guide, explore the assigned circuit, return to Aguas Calientes, and travel back through the Sacred Valley on the panoramic Vistadome train.
Included
- Pre-departure safety briefing
- Professional bilingual tour guide in English and Spanish
- Hotel pickup on the day of the tour
- All transportation during the 3 days
- Trekking chef, horsemen, and support staff
- Horses to carry food and camping equipment
- Duffle bag for up to 7 kg / 15 lb of personal belongings
- 1 night of camping
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners
- Drinking water, boiled and cooled, during the trekking section
- Snacks, tea time, and hot water during the hike
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options with advance notice
- 4-person tents shared by 2 travelers for extra comfort
- Mattresses, pillows, and warm blankets
- Camping equipment including tents, tables, chairs, and portable toilet
- First-aid kit, oxygen tank, and satellite phone
- Entrance ticket to Huchuy Qosqo
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu - Circuit 2 by default when available
- Round-trip bus ticket between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Panoramic Vistadome train for the return journey
Not Included
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Sleeping bag, air mattress, and trekking poles, available to rent
- Lunch on the last day after the Machu Picchu tour
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets, optional
- Travel insurance, strongly recommended
Machu Picchu Circuit Included
- Circuit 2: This is our preferred route for Machu Picchu when available because it offers one of the most complete visits, with important viewpoints and key areas of the citadel.
If Circuit 2 is sold out for your date, we will secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3, depending on official availability. We strongly recommend booking early because the best circuits and schedules can sell out in advance. For more details, visit our Machu Picchu Tickets and Circuits guide.
Optional Hikes and Upgrades
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – Additional US$ 68 per person, 2-hour round trip.
- Machu Picchu Mountain – Additional US$ 68 per person, 3-hour round trip.
- Private service: Upgrade to a private experience for more flexibility, privacy, and a personalized pace.
You can only hike one mountain, and it is done after the guided tour in Machu Picchu. Advance booking is required because availability is limited.
Why Book with TreXperience?
- 100% Peruvian local operator: Travel with a Cusco-based team that knows the route, the culture, and the details that matter.
- Expert local guides: Our guides are professional, experienced, and fluent in English and Spanish.
- Responsible team welfare: We treat guides, chefs, horsemen, drivers, and support staff with respect and fair working conditions.
- Fresh food on the trail: Enjoy warm meals prepared by our trekking chef with care and local ingredients whenever possible.
- Comfortable camping: Sleep in spacious tents with organized camp support and quality equipment.
- Panoramic train included: Return through the Sacred Valley on the Vistadome train for a scenic finish.
- Want a more complete arrival to Machu Picchu? You can also choose our Huchuy Qosqo + Short Inca Trail 4 Days.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tambomachay – Q’ellwacocha Lake – Pukamarca
The TreXperience team will pick you up from your hotel around 7:00 a.m. and drive you to Tambomachay, located just outside Cusco. Breakfast is not included on this first morning, so we recommend eating at your hotel before pickup.
From Tambomachay, you begin the hike through open Andean landscapes, quiet valleys, and highland trails with views of lakes, mountains, llamas, alpacas, and local farming areas. The first section includes a steady uphill walk toward our lunch spot near Q’ellwacocha Lake, where your trekking chef will prepare a fresh meal.
After lunch, and depending on timing and conditions, we may visit Kenko Village, a small Andean community where families live from farming, livestock, and traditional highland life. Then we continue along a restored Inca path with gradual uphill and downhill sections until we reach Pukamarca.
Tonight, you camp in a quiet mountain setting at around 3,800 m / 12,467 ft. Your team will have the camp ready, with warm water to wash, tea time, dinner, and comfortable tents for a peaceful night under the Andean sky.
- Campsite Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- Distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles
- Duration: Around 7 hours
- Meals: Snacks, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Pukamarca – Huchuy Qosqo – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Wake up in the Andes and enjoy a fresh breakfast at camp. Today is a beautiful and more relaxed hiking day, with a strong cultural reward: the visit to Huchuy Qosqo, one of the most impressive and less crowded Inca sites above the Sacred Valley.
The hike to Huchuy Qosqo takes around 3 hours, crossing peaceful landscapes and ancient trails. Once we arrive, your guide will take you through terraces, storehouses, plazas, water channels, and ceremonial areas while explaining the history and importance of this Inca complex, built more than 500 years ago.
From the site, you will enjoy wide views of the Sacred Valley, the Urubamba River, and the surrounding mountains. After the guided visit, we descend for about 1 hour toward Lamay, where your trekking chef will be waiting with a fresh lunch.
After lunch, private transportation takes us to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved living Inca towns in the Sacred Valley. You will have time to see its ancient streets and local atmosphere before dinner at a local restaurant. In the evening, we board the train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
- Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,560 ft
- Hiking Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Duration: Around 6 hours including hiking and visits
- Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Day 3: Machu Picchu – Vistadome Train – Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, we take the bus to Machu Picchu for the most important moment of the journey. After hiking through the Andes, visiting Huchuy Qosqo, and traveling through the Sacred Valley, you finally arrive at the most famous Inca citadel in Peru.
Your expert guide will lead you through the assigned Machu Picchu circuit, sharing the history, architecture, temples, terraces, water channels, and sacred spaces of this extraordinary site. Circuit 2 is included by default whenever available because it offers one of the most complete visits.
If Circuit 2 is sold out for your date, we will secure the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3, depending on official availability. If you booked Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain in advance, you can do the optional hike after the guided tour.
After the visit, you return by bus to Aguas Calientes and have time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, board the Vistadome panoramic train to Ollantaytambo. Our team will meet you at the station and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, usually arriving around 7:30 p.m.
- Guided Tour Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
- Difficulty: Easy
Important: Machu Picchu circuits, train schedules, entry times, and return times may vary depending on official availability, weather, traffic, and operational conditions.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3-Day Price
Join one of our premium small-group departures for a well-organized Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu. This tour includes professional guiding, camping support, fresh meals on the route, hotel in Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu ticket, bus tickets, Vistadome return train, transportation, and entrance to Huchuy Qosqo.
Prices are per person in USD. Final availability depends on Machu Picchu tickets, train schedules, hotel space, and trekking logistics for your travel date.
Small-Group Tour:
| Traveler Type | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| Adults | From US$ 620 |
| Children and students | From US$ 590 |
Private Tour:
| Number of Travelers | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 | US$ 1480 |
| 2 | US$ 998 |
| 3 | US$ 890 |
| 4 | US$ 790 |
| 5 | US$ 740 |
| 6 | US$ 700 |
| 7 | US$ 670 |
| 8 | US$ 650 |
| 9 or more | Contact us for a personalized quote |
Private service is ideal for couples, families, photographers, and groups of friends who want more flexibility, a more personal guide experience, and a pace adjusted to their travel style.
Student and Child Discount
- US$ 30 off per person
This discount applies to travelers under 17 years old and students under 25 with a valid university student ID. The ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name.
- A valid expiration date. Expired IDs are not accepted.
- ISIC cards are not accepted.
The child discount is applied automatically. Students must send a copy of their student ID when booking. If the ID is not accepted, the adult rate will apply. Please email us at info@trexperienceperu.com at the time of booking to receive your discount.
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 a credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer.
- Contact us if you would like to review alternative payment options.
How to Book
- Click the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, and select the tour option you prefer: group or private service.
- Fill in all requested details using your passport information exactly as shown on your passport.
- Complete the payment using your preferred payment option.
- Our team will contact you to reconfirm your payment, pickup details, packing recommendations, and final tour information.
Packing List for the Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3 Days
Pack light and practical. This trek includes high-Andean trails, one camping night, one hotel night in Aguas Calientes, train travel, and Machu Picchu. Bring layers, protect your gear from rain, and keep your daypack simple.
TreXperience provides a duffle bag for up to 7 kg / 15 lb for your overnight items. You carry only your daypack during the hike. Extra luggage should stay at your hotel in Cusco or in our storage if confirmed before departure.
Bags and Limits
- Duffle bag: Up to 7 kg / 15 lb for overnight items, carried by the support team during the trek.
- Daypack: 20 to 30 liters recommended for water, snacks, rain gear, warm layer, sunscreen, passport, camera, and personal items.
- Main luggage: Leave large suitcases in Cusco. You will not need them on the trail.
Essentials
These are the most important items for the trek, especially for altitude, changing weather, camping, train travel, and Machu Picchu entry.
What to Wear?
Dress in layers. The highlands can be cold and windy, the Sacred Valley is milder, and Machu Picchu is usually warmer and more humid. Comfortable hiking shoes and rain protection are important.
What to Put in the Daypack?
Carry what you need during the day, because you will not have access to your duffle bag until camp or the hotel.
What to Put in the Duffle Bag?
Use your duffle bag for overnight clothing, toiletries, sleeping gear, and personal items. Please keep it within the 7 kg / 15 lb limit.
What We Provide
TreXperience includes the main trekking logistics so you can focus on the experience: camping equipment, meals, support staff, transportation, hotel, train service, and safety equipment as listed in the inclusions.
Optional Rentals
Sleeping bags, air mattresses, and trekking poles are available to rent for an extra cost. Please request rental gear in advance so our team can prepare it for your departure.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3 Days Travel Information
This section gives you the essential information you need before joining the Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu: route, altitude, difficulty, tickets, camping, food, weather, luggage, and responsible travel.
What makes the Huchuy Qosqo Trek different?
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is a short alternative trek to Machu Picchu that combines mountain scenery, local villages, Inca history, one camping night, train travel, and a final visit to Machu Picchu.
It is a great choice if you want a real trek but do not have enough time for a longer route like the Classic Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek. If you want a more complete Inca Trail arrival with Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate, consider the Huchuy Qosqo + Short Inca Trail 4 Days.
Route and main places visited
The trek begins near Tambomachay, above Cusco, and continues through high-Andean landscapes, lakes, local communities, and restored Inca paths before reaching Huchuy Qosqo, an Inca site with wide views over the Sacred Valley.
After visiting Huchuy Qosqo, you descend into the Sacred Valley, travel to Ollantaytambo, take the train to Aguas Calientes, and visit Machu Picchu the next morning. For more background on the region, see our Sacred Valley Guide.
Altitude and acclimatization
This trek reaches high elevation, with sections around 3,700 m to 3,800 m / 12,139 ft to 12,467 ft during the first two days. The altitude can make the hike feel more demanding, especially on Day 1.
We recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the trek. Drink water, eat light, avoid excess alcohol, and tell your guide if you feel headache, dizziness, nausea, or unusual tiredness. For general health guidance, review the official CDC Travel to High Altitudes information.
Difficulty and trail conditions
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is moderate. Day 1 is usually the most challenging because of the uphill sections and altitude. Day 2 is easier, with a beautiful approach to Huchuy Qosqo and a descent into the Sacred Valley.
The trail includes dirt paths, highland terrain, restored Inca sections, and downhill walking. Good hiking shoes are important. Trekking poles can help, especially on the descents; you can read our guide on how to use trekking poles in the Andes.
Machu Picchu tickets, circuits, and rules
Your Machu Picchu entrance ticket is included. Circuit 2 is included by default whenever available because it offers one of the most complete guided visits. If Circuit 2 is sold out, we will book the best available alternative, usually Circuit 1 or Circuit 3.
Machu Picchu tickets are issued by date, time, and circuit, and availability can sell out in advance. You can read our Machu Picchu Tickets guide or check the official Machu Picchu circuits and routes.
Camping, hotel, and bathrooms
This tour includes 1 night of camping in Pukamarca and 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. At camp, TreXperience provides comfortable tents, sleeping mats, pillows, blankets, dining setup, and a portable toilet.
Camping is comfortable but simple. Bring personal toiletries, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and warm clothes for the night. In Aguas Calientes, you will have a private hotel room and bathroom before visiting Machu Picchu.
Meals, water, and dietary needs
This tour includes 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners. Breakfast on Day 1 is not included, so please eat at your hotel before pickup.
During the trekking section, meals are prepared by our trekking chef, and boiled water is provided for drinking. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly meals can be arranged with advance notice. Please tell us about dietary needs when booking.
Weather and best time to hike
The best months for the Huchuy Qosqo Trek are usually from April to October, when conditions are generally drier and mountain views are clearer. Nights can still be cold, especially at camp.
From November to March, rain is more common and trails can be muddy, but the landscapes are greener. Weather in the Andes can change quickly, so bring rain protection and warm layers in every season. For broader planning, see our Best Time to Visit Peru guide.
Luggage, train travel, and daypack
TreXperience provides a duffle bag for up to 7 kg / 15 lb of personal gear. The support team carries this during the trekking section. You carry only a small daypack with water, snacks, rain gear, warm layer, sunscreen, camera, passport, and personal medication.
For train travel and Machu Picchu, pack light and keep your passport with you. Large backpacks are restricted inside Machu Picchu, so bring only what you need for the guided visit. For general packing advice, see our Peru Packing List.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3 Days - Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most useful questions travelers ask before booking the Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3 Days to Machu Picchu, including difficulty, altitude, camping, Machu Picchu tickets, meals, packing, and tour options.
What is the Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3 Days?
It is a short alternative trek to Machu Picchu that combines high-Andean scenery, local villages, ancient Inca paths, the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site, one night of camping, one hotel night in Aguas Calientes, and a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
How difficult is the Huchuy Qosqo Trek?
The trek is moderate. The first day is the most challenging because of the uphill sections and altitude. The second day is easier, with a beautiful hike to Huchuy Qosqo and a descent into the Sacred Valley.
You do not need technical hiking experience, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours on mountain trails.
What is the highest altitude on the trek?
The route reaches around 3,800 m / 12,467 ft near Pukamarca, with highland sections around Q’ellwacocha Lake and the approach to Huchuy Qosqo. Because of the altitude, we recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek.
Does this trek include Machu Picchu?
Yes. This tour includes your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, and a guided tour with your expert guide.
Circuit 2 is included by default whenever available. If it is sold out, we will book the best available alternative. You can learn more in our Machu Picchu Tickets guide.
Where do we sleep during the tour?
You spend the first night camping in Pukamarca and the second night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. TreXperience provides comfortable camping equipment, meals, and logistics during the trekking section.
Are meals included?
Yes. The tour includes 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners. Breakfast on Day 1 is not included, so please eat before pickup. Lunch on the last day after Machu Picchu is not included.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly meals can be arranged with advance notice.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, if tickets are available. These optional hikes require separate permits and must be booked in advance. You can only hike one mountain after the guided Machu Picchu tour.
Read more about Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain.
Is this trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, this trek can be suitable for active beginners who are comfortable walking on natural terrain and have spent time acclimatizing before the hike. The route is shorter than many other treks to Machu Picchu, but altitude still matters.
What should I bring?
Bring hiking shoes, warm layers, rain jacket or poncho, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water bottle, camera, personal medication, headlamp, toiletries, and your passport. A sleeping bag, air mattress, and trekking poles are available to rent.
What is the difference between this tour and Huchuy Qosqo + Short Inca Trail 4 Days?
This 3-day tour focuses on Huchuy Qosqo, camping, the Sacred Valley, train travel, and a guided Machu Picchu visit. The Huchuy Qosqo + Short Inca Trail 4 Days adds the Short Inca Trail, Wiñay Wayna, and the Sun Gate arrival to Machu Picchu.
Choose this 3-day trek if you want a shorter and more direct alternative route. Choose the 4-day version if the Inca Trail and Sun Gate arrival are a priority.