A Cultural Journey from Highland Trails to Machu Picchu

Day 1:Tauca - Huchuy Qosqo (Trekking – Overnight at homestay with a family)

- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco and drive to the trailhead
- Begin your trek on level terrain, and the landscape will be that of typical Andean valleys.
- Ascend towards the pass at 4050m, the landscape changes to Andean savannah or Puna
- Enjoy the views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba peaks
- Descend toward the Huchuy Qosqo plains hiking along a path that leads to the Ccauca ravine
- See the remains of an Inca bridge and trail.
- Arrive to Huchy Qosqo
- Meet your homestay family and enjoy dinner 

Hiking time: 6 hours, on a warm day and cold during the night.
Box lunch and dinner: are included

Day 2: Huchuy Qosqo - Lamay – Maras Moray & Salt Mine- Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (Vehicle)

- Breakfast with your homestay family
- Explore Huchuy Qosqo with your guide
-  Hike the descent to the village of Lamay (2900m)
- Meet your private vehicle to travel to the next sites
- Explore archaeological sites Maras Moray and the salt mine in the sacred valley.
- Take the train in Ollantaytambo (2850m) to Aguas Calientes (2050m). 
- Check into your hotel

Hiking time: 3 hours, on a warm day and cold during the night.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner: are included

Day 3:Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

- Wake up early to catch the bus to Machu Picchu (2400m / 7874f)
- Enjoy a 2 hour guided tour
- Explore the ruins on your own
- Return to Aguas Caliente for lunch
- Board the train to return to Cusco

Time of bus trip: 1 hours 
Hiking time: 2-3 hours 
Weather: The climate in Machu Picchu is warm with mosquitoes. 

Breakfast is included at hotel.

Itinerary – Three Days of Scenic Walks and Sacred Valley Highlights

Day 1:Tauca - Huchuy Qosqo (Trekking – Overnight at home family)

Your tour will begin with us picking you up from your hotel in Cusco and travelling to Tauca. There we will begin the trek. The beginning of your trek 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 your pass at 4050m, the landscape begins to change dramatically to the classic 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 Ccauca ravine. Where you will be able to see archaeological remains and wild crops, such as tarwi, and a large quantity of cacti. 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.

Huchuy Qosqo (3650m) (“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 terracing and commanding superb views of the Vilcabamba range.  You will stay overnight at a homestay with a family.

Hiking time: 6 hours, on a warm day and cold during the night.
Box lunch and dinner: are included

Day 2: Huchuy Qosqo - Lamay – Maras Moray & Salt Mine- Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes (Vehicle)

Early in the morning is the perfect time to visit Huchuy Qosqo with your guide. After the Huchuy Qosqo visit, begin a 3-hour descent to the village of Lamay (2900m), located on the main Cuzco-Urubamba road. There a vehicle will be waiting to take you to some archaeological sites in the sacred valley known as Maras Moray and the salt mine. Then you will travel to Ollantaytambo (2850m) where you will catch the train to Aguas Calientes (2050m). You will have an overnight in Aguas Calientes town in a hotel.

Hiking time: 3 hours, on a warm day and cold during the night.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner: are included

Day 3:Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

It is recommend to visit the lost city of the Incas early in the morning. You will leave for the  historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu (2400m / 7874f) early by bus. There you will get a guided tour, explaining agriculture, astronomy, and religion in ancient Machu Picchu.

After everyone will have enough time to go to Aguas calientes and enjoy lunch before taking the train to return to Cusco.

Time of bus trip: 1 hours 
Hiking time: 2-3 hours 
Weather: The climate in Machu Picchu is warm with mosquitoes

Breakfast is included

Inclusions – Everything Arranged for a Well-Balanced Experience

Includes:

• Accommodation at homestay family
• All meals marked as B,L,D at the end of each day in the itinerary. Morning snack and afternoon tea
• Private Guide
• Entrance fee to Huchuy Qosqo
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
• Bus goes up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu, Continental or similar)
• Peru Rail Expedition train round trip
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Private transportation, to and from your hotel

Not Included:

• Bus goes down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes town
  The tourist ticket (BTG, main entrance for the Maras Moray and salt mine), any meals not specified after each itinerary day, optional tipping or gratuities to staff, expenses such as medical immunizations (if any) and travel insurance.

Note: Please let us know if you require sleeping bags. We can provide them at an extra cost.

For further details please contact our staff.

Packing List – Essentials for Gentle Trails and Valley Visits

Recommended Equipment

• Rain jacket or poncho (plastic poncho can be purchased in Cusco)
• Extra T- shirt
• Strong footwear, ideally trekking or sport shoes
• Warm clothes
• Camera, film
• Hat or cap protect you from the sun, rain or cold
• Sun block
• Toilet paper
• Snacks: Energy bars, biscuits, chocolate, etc
• Water bottle
• Cash in soles

Optional: Walking sticks or poles

Travel Info – Key Details for a Three-Day Andean Journey

1. Briefings

   All briefings are done at our office at 5:00 PM one or two nights before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Xtreme Tourbulencia office team. Briefings are approximately 40 minutes long.

2. Pickups

   Xtreme Tourbulencia is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in the center of Cusco city, we will coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups.

   Cusco is an old city with cobblestoned streets and very narrow passageways. Smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars can´t pass through.

   They also are frequently on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage. We highly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. We have a list of hotels that are all comfortable with easy access to pick up and drop off.

3. Huaynapicchu/Machu Picchu Mountain

   Machu Picchu is most beautiful when seen from above, which is why hiking one of the mountains next to the ruins is very popular to do after your tour.

   Huaynapicchu is the most popular and must be booked in advance since it sells out very quickly. This hike takes approximately 1 hour to the top, and another 45 minutes back down. Tickets are sold in time sessions stating when you can start this hike. The first session is from 7-8 AM, and the 2nd session is from 10-11 AM.

   Again, this refers to the timeframe when you can start your hike. We usually book the second session so you can enjoy your tour with your guide first. You will do this hike on your own, but your guide will show you where to begin.

   Machu Picchu Mountain is a bit longer and a bit less popular. It takes 2 hours to the top and another 1 hours to the bottom. Again there are two time windows – from 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM and we usually purchase the second time window. 4 Day treks, the Trekkers CAN NOT do this hike and enjoy a tour of the ruins. Time will not allow for this.

   Hiking either mountain will allow you to have some extra time at the ruins once you complete, as listed above.

4. Machu Picchu Entrance Times

   Entry times to Machu Picchu are fixed and non-adjustable. Nevertheless, a grace period is typically granted to accommodate unexpected delays.

   Schedules (*)	Peak Season: Arrival Policy (**)	Low Season: Arrival Policy (**)
   06:00 am	Until 06:30 am	Until 06:45 am
   07:00 am	Until 07:30 am	Until 07:45 am
   08:00 am	Until 08:30 am	Until 08:45 am
   09:00 am	Until 09:30 am	Until 09:45 am
   10:00 am	Until 10:30 am	Until 10:45 am
   11:00 am	Until 11:30 am	Until 11:45 am
   12:00 pm	Until 12:30 pm	Until 12:45 pm
   01:00 pm	Until 01:30 pm	Until 01:45 pm
   02:00 pm	Until 02:30 pm	Until 02:45 pm
   03:00 pm	Until 03:30 pm	Until 03:45 pm

   (*) Entry time at the main gate of the Inca city of Machupicchu.

   (**) Entry at the control points of Machupicchu, Waynapicchu, and Huchuypicchu mountains does not have a grace period.

5. Health Concerns

   You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.

   You are responsible for assessing whether a tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions.

   Xtreme TourBulencia will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.

   If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.

   If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.

6. Group Tours

   Group tours are made up of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster than you are.

   Everyone can go at their own pace for the trek, and the guide will work with the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour, and the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group.

7. Strikes

   Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date.

   Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.

8. Lost Items

   You are responsible for your items throughout the tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc.

   Do not leave anything unintended during your hike. Other trekkers or teams might pick it up not knowing whose it is.

9. Tips

   Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this.

   Typically the participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The amount recommended is $20 USD per person per trek.

   For the guide, this is more personal and needs to be decided based on your relationship with them and done separately from the group. Porters and Chefs prefer soles if possible. Guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even your credit card.

10. Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. With trips being planned months ahead of time, you never can predict what could happen. Adventure travel includes more risk than the average trip.

    Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this journey. We can help recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.

11. Weather

    Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared.

    No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.

    Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.

    It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.

    More Information About the Weather (BOTÓN)

12. Altitude Sickness

    As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs.

    Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate you won´t be bored.

    With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office, and we will help you get to a doctor.

    Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea.

    Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.

    Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation.

    Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.

    You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea.

    If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Xtreme Tourbulencia guides are trained to help you get through it.

13. Getting To Cusco

    The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.

    The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options in airlines. LATAM tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land, and any inclement weather will stop air traffic.

    Bus travel is always available, and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.

Hotels – Comfortable Overnight Stay

To begin, we’d like to suggest some accommodation options throughout Cusco. Although it’s a small city, more and more streets are becoming traffic-free pedestrian zones.

Therefore, we’ve selected comfortable and well-located hotels that also allow us easy access to pick you up. These are just ideas; you’re free to choose your accommodation.

Check out our hotels (BOTÓN)

FAQs – Common Questions About the Huchuy Qosqo Experience

1. What is Huchuy Qosqo?

Huchuy Qosqo (meaning "Little Cusco" in Quechua) is an Inca archaeological site located high in the Sacred Valley, above the town of Lamay. It was a royal palace and administrative center attributed to the Inca Huiracocha.

2. How do I get to Huchuy Qosqo?

There are no roads that lead directly to the site. The most common ways to access it are:

• Route from Tambomachay (Cusco): A full-day hike (or 2 days with camping) that crosses mountain passes.

• Route from Tauca (Chinchero): A moderate hike with spectacular views of lagoons.

• Route from Lamay (Sacred Valley): A steep but direct ascent of approximately 2 to 3 hours.

3. How difficult is the hike?

The difficulty is considered moderate. The biggest challenge is not the distance, but the altitude. The trail from Tambomachay involves crossing passes that exceed 4,200 meters above sea level.

4. What is the altitude of the archaeological site?

Huchuy Qosqo is located at an altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), approximately 800 meters above the Vilcanota River in the Sacred Valley.

5. Do I need to buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket?

No. Huchuy Qosqo is not included in the General Tourist Ticket. Entrance is paid separately at a control booth upon arrival at the archaeological site. The cost is usually 22 soles (subject to change).

6. What is the best time to visit?

The best time is during the dry season, from May to October, when there is less chance of rain and the skies are clear. However, the landscapes are greener and more beautiful between March and April.

7. What should I bring for the tour? Basic trekking equipment is recommended:

• Hiking boots with good grip.

• Layered clothing (windbreaker, fleece, and breathable t-shirt).

• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses).

• Plenty of water and energy snacks.

• Trekking poles (recommended for the descent to Lamay).

8. Can it be visited in a single day?

Yes, it is one of the best "Full Day" options from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. The most common one-day route begins in the Cusco area and ends with the descent to the town of Lamay, from where you return by transport.

9. Do I need a professional guide?

Although the trail is mostly marked, it is strongly recommended to go with a guide. The site has a lot of history that is not signposted, and the trails in the Puna can be confusing if there is fog.