Huchuy Qosqo Trek 2 Days to Machu Picchu
Hike to the Inca royal estate of Huchuy Qosqo, “Little Cusco”, and finish the next morning at Machu Picchu. On Day 1, you cross a high pass at about 4,100 m (13,450 ft), explore the ruins above the Sacred Valley with your guide and descend to the village of Lamay. You then take the evening train to Aguas Calientes and sleep in a hotel. Day 2 is a guided tour of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.
It’s one of the shortest ways to combine a real mountain hike, a quiet Inca site and Machu Picchu. You only carry a daypack, and there’s no camping.
Overview
Huchuy Qosqo Trek 2 Days Overview
Huchuy Qosqo sits at about 3,650 m (11,980 ft) on a shelf high above the Sacred Valley, about 3 km above the town of Lamay. The Incas knew it as Kakya Qawani. It was probably built as a royal estate by the Inca Viracocha in the early 15th century, and Viracocha retreated there late in his life. Among its ruins are a great hall (kallanka) about 40 m (130 ft) long, stone and adobe buildings, storehouses and an Inca irrigation channel. No public road reaches the site, so most visitors arrive on foot, and it is usually quiet.
This 2-day program starts with a drive from Cusco to the community of Quencco, crosses a pass and follows an old Inca path down to Huchuy Qosqo and Lamay. Our van then takes you to Ollantaytambo for dinner and the train to Aguas Calientes. A duffel bag with your overnight things goes ahead to your hotel.
Tour Highlights
- A high-pass hike. Climb to about 4,100 m (13,450 ft) for wide views over the Sacred Valley and the snowcapped peaks beyond.
- Huchuy Qosqo with few visitors. Explore Viracocha’s royal estate with your guide, then enjoy a hot lunch at the site.
- Down to the Sacred Valley. Follow an old Inca path steeply down to Lamay.
- No camping, no heavy pack. Your duffel bag waits for you at your Aguas Calientes hotel.
- Machu Picchu. Take an early bus up for a guided tour of the citadel.
Trip Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Huchuy Qosqo Trek 2 Days to Machu Picchu |
| Duration | 2 days, 1 night (hotel in Aguas Calientes) |
| Trekking distance | About 10 to 14 km (6 to 9 mi) on Day 1 |
| Highest point | Pass above Huchuy Qosqo, about 4,100 m (13,450 ft) |
| Huchuy Qosqo | About 3,650 m (11,980 ft) |
| End of trek | Lamay, about 2,920 m (9,580 ft) |
| Difficulty | Moderate (altitude and a steep descent) |
| Start and finish | Hotel pickup in Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo; drop-off at your hotel |
| Hotel | 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Hatun Inti Classic or similar) |
| Group size | Up to 12 travelers |
| Meals | 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner |
| Best season | April to October (dry season); runs year-round |
| Price | From US$450 per person |
Who This Trek Is For
This trek suits travelers with limited time who want a real hike, not just a train ride, before Machu Picchu. You don’t need trekking experience, but you should be fit enough to walk five to six hours at altitude and handle a long, steep descent. You need at least two days in Cusco to acclimatize before the trek, because the pass is at about 4,100 m (13,450 ft).
How This Trek Compares
| Huchuy Qosqo Trek 2 Days | Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3 Days | Short Inca Trail 2 Days | |
| Hiking | One day, about 10–14 km | Two days, with a night of camping | One day on the Inca Trail, about 12 km |
| Highest point | About 4,100 m | About 4,150–4,200 m | About 2,700 m |
| Arrival at Machu Picchu | Train from Ollantaytambo | Train from Ollantaytambo | On foot through the Sun Gate |
| Permit needed | No Inca Trail permit | No Inca Trail permit | Inca Trail permit (limited) |
| Price from | US$450 | US$500 | See tour page |
Want a night of camping and an extra day in the mountains? Choose the Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3 Days. Want to walk into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate? See the Short Inca Trail 2 Days.
Why Hike Huchuy Qosqo with Ali Peru Treks
- Locally owned and operated. We are a Cusco-based company and run our own departures.
- Door-to-door service. We pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.
- Light hiking. Our team takes your duffel bag to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, so you only carry a daypack.
- A hot lunch at Huchuy Qosqo. Our cook prepares a freshly cooked lunch at the site, not a cold box lunch.
- Prepared for altitude. Your guide carries emergency oxygen and a first aid kit.
Itinerary
Huchuy Qosqo Trek 2 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco to Quencco, Huchuy Qosqo, Lamay and Aguas Calientes
Your 2-day Huchuy Qosqo Expedition begins with a convenient private pickup directly from your hotel door at 5:00 a.m. Following pickup, we will enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive in our private transportation to the remote community of Quencco (12,467 ft / 3,800 m), where you will be served a high-altitude breakfast specially prepared by our professional culinary team.
After breakfast, we will begin a 5-hour trek through pristine Andean landscapes. We will navigate a progressive ascent to the summit of the pass the highest point of our route at 13,451 ft (4,100 m) offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range and the majestic Sacred Valley. From the summit, we will follow an ancient Inca trail winding down toward the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological complex, an architectural gem historically known as “Little Cusco.”
After an in-depth private guided tour, you will enjoy an exclusive lunch overlooking the ruins. Following lunch, we will begin our final descent into the Sacred Valley until reaching the traditional town of Lamay (9,580 ft / 2,920 m). Our private vehicle will be waiting to transfer us to the historic town of Ollantaytambo, where we will enjoy a special dinner at a local restaurant. To conclude the day, we will board the 7:00 p.m. tourist train to Aguas Calientes (6,692 ft / 2,040 m), where you will check into your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
| Day 1 | Details |
| Hiking distance | About 10 to 14 km (6 to 9 mi) |
| Hiking time | About 6 to 7 hours, plus the visit and lunch |
| Elevation change | About 300 m (980 ft) of climbing, then about 1,180 m (3,870 ft) of descent |
| Highest point | Pass, about 4,100 m (13,450 ft) |
| Transport | Private van to Quencco and from Lamay to Ollantaytambo; Expedition train to Aguas Calientes |
| Overnight | 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch, dinner |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
Day 2: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
After an early breakfast at your hotel, we will embark on the final stage of our journey to the New Wonder of the World. To ensure your maximum comfort, you will only need your daypack; your hotel will safely store your main luggage until we return from the sanctuary.
We will board the shuttle bus for a scenic 25-minute ascent through the cloud forest, arriving directly at the entrance of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary (7,972 ft / 2,430 m).
Once inside, the magic of the Inca Empire unfolds. Your Ali Perú Treks expert guide will lead you on a private, 2-hour immersive tour. We have specifically secured Circuit 2 for your expedition widely recognized as the most complete and coveted route.
- The Postcard View: Your guide will first lead you to the upper platforms for the unobstructed, classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu you’ve always dreamed of.
- The Sacred Tour: You will then explore the heart of the citadel, visiting the main temples, royal quarters, and the sacred Sun Dial (Intihuatana), gaining deep professional insight into Inca cosmology and engineering.
After experiencing the energy of the citadel, we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You will have free time to enjoy lunch in town (not included) and explore the local markets. In the afternoon, you will board the train for a relaxing journey along the Urubamba River back to Ollantaytambo.
Upon arrival at the station, the Ali Perú Treks private transport team will be waiting for you. We will drive you directly back to the city, concluding this epic adventure by dropping you off right at your hotel door in Cusco.
| Day 2 | Details |
| Activity | Guided tour of Machu Picchu |
| Tour length | About 2 hours, plus free time |
| Walking | About 4 km (2.5 mi) within the site, with many stone steps |
| Return | Bus to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo, private van to your hotel |
| Meals | Breakfast (lunch is not included) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Includes
What’s Included in the Huchuy Qosqo Trek 2 Days
Included
- Pre-trek briefing at your hotel at 6:00 PM the evening before departure. Your designated tour guide will meet you at your hotel to go over all the itinerary details and answer any questions you may have.
- Professional English-speaking guide for the trek and Machu Picchu
- Door-to-door service: pickup and drop-off at your hotel or rental in Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo
- Private transport to Quencco, from Lamay to Ollantaytambo, and from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Day 1) and back (Day 2)
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket and guided tour
- Huchuy Qosqo entrance fees
- Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- One night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes (Hatun Inti Classic or similar)
- Meals:
- Breakfast in Quencco, hot lunch at Huchuy Qosqo and dinner in Ollantaytambo (Day 1)
- Hotel breakfast (Day 2)
- Duffel bag for up to 5 kg (11 lb), delivered to your hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Drinking water at the start of the trek
- Rain poncho and backpack rain cover
- Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- Free storage of your main luggage at our Cusco office
Not Included
- Lunch on Day 2 in Aguas Calientes
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets
- Trekking poles (available to rent)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for your guide and staff
- Snacks, drinks and personal expenses
Optional Extras
- Trekking poles with rubber tips: US$10 per pair
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ticket: US$80 per person, subject to availability. These are separate ticket types with their own routes through the citadel, so book them months ahead.
Packing List
Huchuy Qosqo Trek Packing List
You carry only a daypack on the trail. At the briefing, we give you a 5 kg (11 lb) duffel bag for your overnight things, which our team delivers to your hotel in Aguas Calientes. Leave the rest of your luggage in Cusco. For more detail, see our trekking gear list.
Your Daypack (Day 1)
Use a 25 to 30 L pack.
- Original passport. It must be the same document you used to book.
- Water: at least 2 liters in a reusable bottle or hydration bladder
- Warm layer: a light down jacket or fleece for the cold, windy pass
- Rain jacket (we provide a poncho)
- Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and UV sunglasses
- Insect repellent for the valley and Aguas Calientes
- Personal medication, including anything your doctor recommends for altitude
- Snacks such as energy bars or chocolate for the climb
Your Duffel Bag (Delivered to Your Hotel)
- Clean clothes for Day 2 at Machu Picchu
- Sandals or light sneakers and casual clothes for the evening
- Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and personal items
- Chargers and a power bank (Peruvian outlets are 220 V)
- Swimsuit, if you want to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
Keep your passport, cash and camera in your daypack, never in the duffel bag. Please respect the 5 kg (11 lb) limit so the bag arrives on time.
Footwear and Equipment
- Broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support for the steep descent to Lamay
- Trekking poles, highly recommended for the descent. Use rubber tips to protect the Inca paths.
For Your Machu Picchu Day
Inside Machu Picchu, bags may be no larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm (about 16 × 14 × 8 in), and trekking poles and food are not allowed. Leave your duffel bag and poles at the hotel.
Travel Info
Travel Information for the Huchuy Qosqo Trek 2 Days
Pre-Trek Briefing
Attendance is mandatory. The briefing takes place at your hotel at 6:00 PM the evening before your trek. You will meet your designated guide, go through the route and safety details, and receive your duffel bag.
Altitude and Acclimatization
The trek starts at about 3,800 m (12,470 ft) and crosses a pass at about 4,100 m (13,450 ft) on the first morning. Spend at least two days in Cusco, at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft), before the trek. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol the night before and try coca tea. See our guides to acclimatizing in Cusco and altitude sickness.
How Difficult Is the Trek
We rate it as moderate. The climb to the pass is steady but at altitude, and the descent from Huchuy Qosqo to Lamay is steep, with loose stones. Trekking poles and good boots make a big difference. If you’re reasonably fit and have acclimatized, you’ll find the pace manageable.
Passport and Documents
Bring your original passport. You need it for the train and for Machu Picchu, and photocopies aren’t accepted. The passport number must match your booking. If you’ve renewed your passport since booking, bring both the old and new passports.
Weather and Best Time to Go
The dry season, from April to October, brings clear views from the pass. Mornings at altitude can be below 5°C (41°F) and windy. Machu Picchu is milder and more humid, usually around 18 to 25°C (64 to 77°F) during the day. From November to March, expect rain and slippery trails. Dress in layers whatever the season.
Responsible Travel
Bring a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastic. Stay on the paths at Huchuy Qosqo and Machu Picchu, and don’t climb on the walls.
Booking and Payment
Machu Picchu tickets and train seats are limited and personal, so book as early as you can. See our booking information page for deposit, payment and cancellation terms.
For more general advice, see our Peru travel information page.
Map
Huchuy Qosqo Trek Map and Altitude Profile
The trek starts at Quencco, on the high plateau north of Cusco, and climbs to a pass at about 4,100 m. An old Inca path then descends to Huchuy Qosqo, on a shelf above the Sacred Valley, and continues steeply down to Lamay on the Urubamba River. From Lamay, the route continues by road to Ollantaytambo and by train to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Price
Huchuy Qosqo Trek 2 Days Price
All prices are per person in US dollars and include the services listed under What’s Included.
| Service | Price per person |
| Shared group departure | US$450 |
| Private departure, 2–3 travelers | US$600 |
| Private departure, 4–5 travelers | US$550 |
| Private departure, 6–7 travelers | US$500 |
| Private departure, 8 or more travelers | US$450 |
Discounts and Extras
- Student and youth discount: US$20 off per person for university students with a valid physical student ID and for travelers aged 17 and under. Email a clear copy of the ID or passport to info@aliperutreks.com when you book.
- Trekking poles: US$10 per pair
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: US$80 per person, subject to availability
Ready to book? Contact us to check availability for your dates.
Faqs
Huchuy Qosqo Trek 2 Days FAQs
It’s moderate. The main challenge is the altitude, with a pass at about 4,100 m (13,450 ft), followed by a long, steep descent to Lamay. With basic fitness and two days of acclimatization in Cusco, most travelers manage it well.
Yes, if you enjoy Inca history and quiet places. It was a royal estate linked to the Inca Viracocha, with a 40-meter great hall, storehouses and an Inca canal, and you’ll usually share it with few or no other visitors.
You don’t need an Inca Trail permit, which sells out months ahead, and the trail is much quieter. In exchange, you reach Aguas Calientes by train rather than walking into Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
You don’t need an Inca Trail permit. Huchuy Qosqo entrance fees and your Machu Picchu ticket are included, and we arrange them.
No. You only carry a daypack. Your 5 kg (11 lb) duffel bag is delivered to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Our cook prepares a freshly cooked, hot lunch at Huchuy Qosqo, with local ingredients. Let us know about any dietary needs when you book.
Your guide carries emergency oxygen and a first aid kit and watches for symptoms. Because the route descends steadily after the pass, the best response, moving to a lower altitude, is close at hand.
They’re highly recommended for the steep descent from Huchuy Qosqo to Lamay. You can rent a pair with rubber tips for US$10.
Usually between about 7:00 and 7:30 PM, depending on your train schedule.
Yes, for US$80 per person, subject to availability. Book months ahead.
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