Huchuy Qosqo & Inca Trail 4-Day Exploration
Peruvian Highlands: Huchuy Qosqo & Inca Trail 4-Day Exploration
Embark on a 4-day exploration of Peru’s highlands with our “Peruvian Highlands: Huchuy Qosqo & Inca Trail” tour. This private adventure seamlessly combines the allure of ancient Inca heritage with the natural beauty of the Andean landscapes. Your journey begins with a hike to the relatively undiscovered Huchuy Qosqo, a testament to Incan ingenuity nestled in stunning scenery. Alongside local experts, engage in cultural activities like Andean dyeing, weaving demonstrations, and authentic local food tastings. You’ll then traverse the world-renowned Inca Trail, starting at Kilometer 104, and hike to Aguas Calientes, experiencing the diversity of Peru’s ecosystems. The pinnacle of your journey is an early morning, expert-led exploration of Machu Picchu, where history comes alive. This itinerary promises a unique cultural immersion, offering intimate encounters with local communities and insights into the Incan way of life.
Highlight
- Discover Huchuy Qosqo: Unveil the secrets of Huchuy Qosqo, a less-explored Inca site, set amidst breathtaking Andean scenery on this unique cultural adventure.
- Cultural Immersion with Locals: Experience authentic Andean culture through homestays, traditional dyeing and weaving workshops, and local cuisine tastings.
- Inca Trail Adventure: Embark on the iconic Inca Trail, starting at Kilometer 104, for a thrilling hike through diverse ecosystems to Aguas Calientes.
- Machu Picchu Exploration: Witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu, exploring this ancient wonder with an expert guide, revealing its historical significance.
- Personalized Travel Experience: Enjoy a private, intimate journey with our tailored 4-day Peruvian Highlands tour, ensuring a deeply personal connection with Peru’s heritage and landscapes.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to Patabamba and Hike to Huchuy Qosqo
Begin your adventure with a scenic drive to Patabamba. From there, embark on a captivating hike to Huchuy Qosqo, marveling at the stunning Andean landscapes. This day offers a blend of natural beauty and historical exploration, as you uncover the secrets of this lesser-known Inca site.
Day 2: Explore Chinchero and Engage in Rural Tourism
Day two takes you on a hike to Chinchero, a town rich in Inca history and Andean traditions. Engage in unique cultural experiences such as local homestays, participating in Andean dyeing and weaving demonstrations, and savoring traditional Peruvian cuisine. This day promises a deep immersion into the local way of life.
Day 3: Trek the Inca Trail from Km 104 to Aguas Calientes
The third day is a highlight, as you trek the famous Inca Trail starting at Kilometer 104. This challenging yet rewarding hike takes you through diverse terrains, offering breathtaking views and historical insights. The day ends in Aguas Calientes, where you’ll rest in a comfortable hotel, preparing for the next day’s early start.
Day 4: Early Morning Visit to Machu Picchu
On the final day, rise early for a two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. Experience the magic of the Sun Gate and explore the ancient ruins as the first light of day illuminates this majestic Inca citadel. This unforgettable experience concludes your four-day private tour, filled with adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Prices for this trek
Hotel Category | Double or Triple room | Single room Additional cost |
---|---|---|
Budget | US$ 998 | US$ 61 |
Tourist | US$ 1035 | US$ 69 |
Superior Tourist | US$ 1108 | US$ 131 |
* Minimum 2 passengers to confirm the booking; solo traveler is subject to an additional fee.
* Private tour; do not join other travelers; exclusive tour with a private guide and private mobility, whether traveling alone, with family, or with friends.
Includes and excludes
Included
- Accommodation: 2 nights in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes hotel. One-night Homestay.
- The itinerary includes all admission costs (Huchuy Qosqo, Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu).
- English-speaking local guides lead the tours.
- All transfers: airport, train station, bus station transfers, Hotel pickup, and drop-offs.
- Train ticket: Cusco to Km 104 and Aguas Calientes to Cusco (Expedition Class).
- Meals: According to the itinerary (vegetarian or special diets are available).
- There is a local exposition of three activities (textiles, medicinal plants, and agriculture).
- We bring a first-aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
- All ground transportation.
- 24-hour support by our local staff.
Not Included
- The price does not cover domestic or international flights. Consult a travel agency if necessary.
- VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre, and post-tour accommodation.
- Additional personal costs (alcoholic beverages, laundry).
- The price does not cover gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Guidance in another language (Germany, French, others), in case you request them, please ask your travel agent.
- Additional items are not included explicitly in the itinerary description.
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Trip code: HIT4D01-PVT
Day 1 – Transport to Patabamba, Hike to Huchuy Qosqo
- Pick up at 07:00 from the hotel. Transfer to the Andean settlement of Patabamba (3,850 m/12,631 ft), the beginning location of our hike, in order to begin our Huchuy Qosqo trek. We begin our ascent among breathtaking mountain landscapes.
- When we reach the pass (4,110m/13,484ft), the landscape changes dramatically to Andean Puna, with sparse plants like “ichu.” We can see the Sacred Valley, the Vilcanota River, and the snow-capped mountains.
- Descend to the settlement of Siwa, then to Pucamarca’s archaeological sites, and finally into the Leon Punku Canyon, where we will walk an Incan road to Huchuy Qosqo (3,700m/12,139ft). Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca archaeological complex with a wide-open ceremonial center. We will also witness an Incan bridge foundation within the canyon. This canyon has stunning rocks and stones that guide the water.
- Living Tourism in Qosqo Huchuy, we have the chance to share, cohabitate, and stay with a local family. We participate in everyday activities with the host family and understand their job and customs. The family prepares Dinner also they will provide us with clean and comfortable bedrooms with toilet facilities.
- Overnight at Local Family House (Homestay).
- Meals Included: Box Lunch, Dinner.
Day 2 – Hike to Chinchero and Experience Rural Tourism
- We will get up and have breakfast with a local family. After eating, we return to the Huchuy Qosqo Incan ruins.
- We walk from Huchuy Qosqo to Chinchero through the Inca path. The hike from Huchuy Qosqo to Huallata Pass will take around 3 hours. Have an incredible view of the Sacred Valley, the surrounding landscape, and snow-capped mountains from that height.
- Then continue to our next local colorful village; the walking down will take about two hours.
- Enjoy rural tourism and lunch with locals; we will visit a beautiful hamlet occupied by roughly 20 people and situated at the height of 3,700 meters.
- The locals will share their traditional Andean way of life via various activities such as weaving demonstrations, agriculture, medicinal plants, and plowing using Andean implements. Furthermore, we will observe them spin, dye wool thread with natural colors, and weave cloth using old processes.
- Finally, enjoy a traditional meal prepared by village women using local products.
- Following the tour, we go to Ollantaytambo town. Spend the night there.
- Overnight at the hotel in Ollantaytambo.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Inca Trail: Km 104 to Aguas Calientes
- Hotel breakfast; pick up at 07:00 from the hotel and transfer to the train station to board the train to KM 104 and meet the guide.
- The train will stop at the Chachabamba archaeological site (2,170m/7,119ft) head of the trail; we begin the 5-hour climb to the Inca Trail. This path rewards us with amazing views of the big valley and gorgeous waterfall near the famous Wiñayhuayna Archaeological Site (2,700m/8,858ft), which translates as “Forever Young.”
- We continue along tiny trails with luxuriant flora of broad-leaf plants and giant ferns. The precipice of the high mountain adds to the thrill. The Sun Gate’s (2,670m/8,759 ft) stone threshold materializes unexpectedly along the route.
- Behold the magnificent city of Machu Picchu, surrounded by twisting gorges and wooded peaks. The remaining 45 minutes before going towards the Machu Picchu entrance.
- There are 30-minute buses from Machu Picchu citadel to Aguas Calientes (2,050m/6,726ft).
- Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Meals Included: Box lunch and Dinner.
Day 4 – Visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
- Hotel breakfast; at 06:00. Take a bus to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,430m/7,972ft). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the mountaintop fortress earned every bit of its notoriety.
- Around 07:30 am, the guided tour begins; the guide expertly directs through the astounding ruins and main streets. Then wander around the town squares and climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
- The guided tour takes around two hours and 30 minutes.
- From 12:30 pm to 13:30, take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
- From 13:30 to 15:00, take lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Later in the day, board the train to return to Cusco. Arrive at Poroy station and then be picked up and transported to the Cusco hotel.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.