Huchuy Qosqo Trek + Short Inca Trail 4D/3N

We are excited to offer this new multi-day itinerary combining one of the lesser known, but most scenic treks in the area (Huchuy Qosqo) with a short, but memorable trek on the Short Inca Trail (part of the world renowned, and much travelled Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu).

This itinerary has many highlights, many of which we’ll mention here, but perhaps one of its biggest advantages is that it doesn’t require permits in advance. Current restrictions and the increasing number of travelers visiting Peru each year means that booking a trek on the Classic Inca Trail is becoming more difficult, often requiring you to book more than a year in advance. Not so with this route. Since there are no limitations on the number of persons that can hike the Huchuy Qosqo trail, your adventure in the Andes and your visit to the iconic Machu Picchu can often be booked last minute (though we don’t suggest leaving it too late…just in case!)

Our adventure begins on the Huchuy Qosqo trail. Gradually gaining altitude our route leads us through remote mountain villages, past lazy Llamas and cheeky Alpacas roaming freely on the mountainside, across golden grasslands and beneath dramatic snow-capped mountain peaks. Far away from the normal tourist routes, you may feel like you’ve stepped back in time as we meet the local indigenous people in their rural villages and experience some of the real culture of the Peruvian Andes.

You will walk along the footpaths built by the ancient pilgrims on the Inca Trail. Once the main route connecting the heart of the Inca Empire in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, the route brings us to the spectacular Huchuy Qosqo complex.

Perfectly positioned to stand as a lookout across the beautiful Sacred Valley, Huchuy Qosqo sits at an elevation of 3,600 m (11,800 ft) above the town of Lamay. This archaeological remnant of pre-Inca and Inca architecture is a fascinating testament to the engineering knowledge and technical capability that existed in those ancient times.

We spend our second night in the vibrant Sacred Valley town of Ollantaytambo. With its eclectic mix of ancient architecture, Artesan crafts and bustling restaurants and cafes it is a fascinating contrast to our time in the mountains, and you will have plenty of time to explore. We will have arranged your accomodation in a quality local hotel, allowing you a good night´s rest before we begin the second half of our journey, on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Whilst our time on this trail is short, it provides access to some of the most iconic views in the area. Taking the same steps walked by the Inca Pilgrims, we will pass the ancient settlements used by travelers for respite ahead of their (and your) final destination.

Your first glimpses of this sacred centre of Incan culture are simply unforgettable, and we have plenty of time on the trail to make sure you capture those memories forever. Crossing the Sacred Valley, we arrive at the magnificent Inti Punku, or Sun Gate. From here, breathless and elated, we make our final descent to the jewel in the Peruvian Crown, and one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Welcome to Machu Picchu!

We spend our last night in the busy town of Aguas Calientes. Gathering together for a spectacular group dinner we prepare ourselves for the grand finale; our tour of the site that is on “Bucket Lists” the world over! Rising early to hopefully catch the spectacular sunrise over the Andes (we unfortunately can’t book the weather) you will have a full guided tour of this magnificent Citadel, and plenty of time to take those iconic photgraphs!