The appeal of Huchuy Qosqo (Small Cusco) Trek is the combination of stunning Inca ruins, rural villages, magnificent snow-capped mountains, exotic vegetation and extraordinary ecological variety. The trail goes off the beaten track, over high passes of the Andes and through the Sacred Valley of the Incas with unforgettable views of incredible scenery. Ending at one of the wonders of the world: Machu Picchu.

It is a uniquely designed adventure trekking package. You will hike along the Andes Mountains, passing through Andean communities, interacting with locals, exploring amazing isolated Inca villages.  On day 2 you get to visit and take a 2 hour guided tour of the magnificent Citadel of Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Cusco – Tauca – Huchuy Qosqo – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.

At 6am, we will start driving from your hotel to the small Village of Tauca (3,750m/12,303ft), the beginning of your trek. We will be on level terrain and the landscape will be that of typical Andean Valleys, rich in corn, potatoes, barley, quinoa and other Andean tubers. As you ascend towards the pass at (4,050m/13,287ft), the landscape begins to change dramatically to the classic of High Andean Savannah or Puna, with scant vegetation, mainly “ichu” or high altitude grass. The views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba peaks are spectacular; Veronica, Pitusiray, Chicon and San Juan snow peaks. Soon after the pass, you will start your descent toward the Huchuy Qosqo plains hiking along a path that leads to the Cauca Ravine, where you will be able to see archeological remains and wild crops, such as tarwi, and a large quantity of cactus.

You will walk downhill towards the Leon Punku ravine, where you will find remains of an Inca bridge and trail. This canyon boasts geological formations surrounded by majestic rocks and boulders that direct the river to Huchuy Qosqo at (3,650m/11,975ft).  Huchuy Qosqo (“Little Cuzco”) is a noteworthy Inca complex. It boasts very fine stonework in a large Kallanka (rectangular Hall), some residential and defensive quarters and interesting two-story buildings in stone and adobe. Huchuy Qosqo is located on a plateau, surrounded by Inca agricultural terraces and allows superb views of the Vilcabamba range. Afterwards we will go downhill to Lamay at (2,900m/9,514ft) where we will catch our transport to drive to Ollantaytambo, the place where we will continue by train to Aguas Calientes. Then, overnight in a hotel.

• Meals: Lunch & Dinner
• Hiking time: 7 hours
• Distance: 16kms/10 miles
• Accommodations: Wiracocha Inn Hotel or Andean Terra Hotel

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

We leave our hotel after a very early breakfast to take the bus  for the journey up to Machu Picchu ruins. Once inside the citadel, there is a private 2 hour tour provided with plenty of free time for further exploring, taking photos and the option to climb Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or go up to the Sun Gate. Then, we return back to Aguas Calientes, take a leisurely lunch, and at 4:22pm, we take the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo with a private van connection to Cusco arriving at your hotel in the evening at about 8pm.

• Meal: Breakfast
• Entrance tickets: Machu Picchu.

WHAT IS INCLUDED.

• Private transportation from and to your hotel.
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary.
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
• Entrance fee to Huchuy Qosqo.
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
• 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes.
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes: Wirachocha Inn o Andean Terra Hotel.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED.

• Entrance to Huayna Picchu –$35 USD.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain –$30 USD.
• Walking Poles -$7 USD.
• First breakfast and last lunch.
• Upgrade to Vista Dome Train -$57 USD (For the return to Cusco at 4:43pm )
• Optional upgrade – Hotel
• Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of ANDEAN TOUR.

This Trek can be done any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers!

PRICE PER PERSON: $150 with discounts for groups of more than 2 people

Contact us for variations on this tour