Andean Wonders: Huchuy Qosqo & Machu Picchu in 3 Days
Andean Wonders Tour: 3-Day Machu Picchu & Huchuy Qosqo Adventure with Cultural Homestays
Embark on a unique adventure to Peru with our “Andean Wonders: Huchuy Qosqo & Machu Picchu” tour. This three-day journey immerses you in the heart of Andean culture, offering authentic experiences and sustainable travel. Instead of tents, you’ll enjoy homestays with local families, sharing their homes and lifestyle in a genuine cultural exchange. This tour includes exhilarating treks through stunning landscapes and a chance to explore the lesser-known site of Huchuy Qosqo, often called Little Cusco, offering breathtaking views and traditional Andean cuisine. Follow the Incas’ footsteps to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, and conclude your journey with a night in Aguas Calientes. This itinerary not only promises spectacular sights but also a chance to contribute to local communities and the environment. Book your Peruvian adventure now and awaken your adventurous spirit in a journey beyond ordinary tourism.
Highlight
- Discover the Hidden Gem of Huchuy Qosqo: Unveil the beauty of ‘Little Cusco’ with its stunning landscapes and rich Inca heritage during our Huchuy Qosqo adventure.
- Experience Machu Picchu’s Majesty: Trek the iconic Inca trail and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Machu Picchu, a pinnacle of sustainable tourism.
- Cultural Immersion with Andean Families: Stay in local homes, enjoying a unique Andean homestay experience that offers deep cultural insights and genuine connections.
- Authentic Andean Cuisine: Relish traditional meals, a highlight of our cultural journey to Peru, offering a taste of the rich culinary heritage of the Andes.
- Contribute to Responsible Tourism: Engage in travel that supports local communities, highlighting the essence of responsible tourism in Peru through meaningful interactions and support.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Patabamba Gateway and Huchuy Qosqo Trek with Homestay
Your journey starts with a scenic transport to Patabamba, a serene village nestled in the Andean highlands. From here, embark on an invigorating hike to Huchuy Qosqo. Upon arrival at Huchuy Qosqo, often referred to as ‘Little Cusco’, you’ll be welcomed into a local homestay. This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into Andean life, culture, and traditions, making it a key highlight of our cultural journey to Peru.
Day 2: Chinchero Exploration and Cultural Immersion
The second day leads you on a trek to the picturesque village of Chinchero. Known for its colorful textiles and rich Incan history, Chinchero provides a vibrant cultural experience. This day promises an authentic encounter with Andean heritage, enhancing your authentic travel experience in Peru.
Day 3: Majestic Machu Picchu Sanctuary Visit
Conclude your adventure with a visit to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu Sanctuary. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a window into the Incan civilization and is a testament to their architectural prowess. This visit is not only a highlight of the tour but also a pinnacle of sustainable Machu Picchu tourism, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Peru’s rich history.
Prices for this trek
PRIVATE TOUR PRICE | |
---|---|
1 person | US$ 1313 per person |
2 people | US$ 843 per person |
3 people | US$ 713 per person |
4 people | US$ 661 per person |
5 to 8 people | US$ 615 per person |
9 to 14 people | US$ 581 per person |
More than 15 people | US$ 535 per person |
* Private tour; do not join other travelers; exclusive tour with a private guide and private mobility, whether traveling alone, with family, or with friends.
* Prices are based on the number of people traveling together.
Includes and excludes
Included
- Accommodation; 1 night in Aguas Calientes hotel and one-night Homestay
- The itinerary includes all admission costs (Huchuy Qosqo 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: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – 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: HQM3D01-PVT
Day 1 – Transport to Patabamba, Hike to Huchuy Qosqo (Homestay)
- 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, to begin our 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 can 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 and will also provide us with clean and comfortable bedrooms and toilet facilities.
- Overnight at Local Family House (Homestay).
- Meals Included: Box lunch, dinner.
Day 2 – Hike to Chinchero, Colorful Village – Train to Aguas Calientes
- We will get up and have breakfast with a local family. After eating, we return to the Huchuy Qosqo Incan ruins.
- We will go 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.
- 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 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 the Ollantaytambo railway station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 3 – 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.