4-day hike to Huchuy Qosqo and Machu Picchu

After breakfast, we depart at 7:00 am from our camp to continue towards Huchuy Qosqo . We descend walking towards the León Punku ravine , where we find remains of an Inca bridge and ancient trails. This canyon has geological formations surrounded by majestic rocks that direct the river towards Huchuy Qosqo (3600 m / 11808 ft).

Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca archaeological complex with imposing architecture that includes a ceremonial center, from which we will enjoy a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley and the Vilcanota River . After the explanation, we begin a walk of approximately two hours until we reach Taucca , where we will have lunch. From here, we take our private transportation to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo , a beautiful and cozy place to spend the night.

Hotel night in Ollantaytambo .

At 7:00 am we will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you to the train station in Ollantaytambo, a trip that will take approximately 1 hour. During the tour, you will be able to enjoy the impressive views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with its farmlands and majestic snow-capped mountains. In Ollantaytambo, we will board the train that will take us to Km. 104, a journey also lasting approximately 1 hour.

It is at Km. 104 (2,200 m / 7,217 ft) where we will begin the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We will cross the bridge over the Urubamba or Willkamayu River, known as the Sacred River in Quechua, significant for the Incas. Upon arrival at the checkpoint, the presentation of identification documents such as a passport, immigration card or national identity document will be required.

About a 15-minute walk away, we will find the archaeological center of Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy, hidden in the semi-tropical forest . After the visit, we will begin an ascending walk through steps, where we can observe the Sacred Valley, waterfalls and various forest orchids. After approximately 3 hours of walking, we will reach Wiñaywayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), which exhibits a notable example of Inca agriculture with numerous circular terraces.

Wiñaywayna, whose name means «Eternally Young» in Spanish, is adorned by a beautiful orchid that is abundant in the area. Here we will find more than 20 buildings, including the Temple of the Rainbow or Temple of Fertility. The visit will last approximately 1 hour, followed by a box lunch to replenish energy before continuing to the Wiñaywayna checkpoint.

In the second part of the tour, we will walk for about 2 hours along an Andean plain, stone stairs and tambos (resting places), until we reach Inti Punku – Puerta del Sol (2,720 m / 8,923 ft). In Inca times, this place functioned as an entry control point to the Machu Picchu Citadel, offering an impressive panoramic view of the site and the surrounding valley.

We will descend for approximately 30 minutes until we reach the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu (2,490 m / 8,169 ft), where we will take a bus to Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Pueblo (2,160 m / 7,086 ft), a 25-minute trip. Here we will spend the night in a very comfortable hotel. For those with extra energy, you can visit the nearby thermal baths for a cost of 10 soles, or explore the town’s bars and restaurants, which include an ATM to withdraw money from the bank.

We will enjoy a delicious a la carte dinner in a cozy restaurant in Aguas Calientes.

Hotel night in Aguas Calientes.

This day we will begin our tour to Machu Picchu very early after breakfast. We will go to the station to board the bus that will take us on a 30-minute trip to the Citadel of Machu Picchu. There, we will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour to explore the most important places in Machu Picchu. At the end of the tour, we will have free time to visit Machu Picchu on our own, with the option of walking to Puerta del Sol or to the Inca Bridge. There is also the optional possibility of climbing Huayna Picchu mountain for an additional cost of $70 USD per person.

At a convenient time, we will descend from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch in one of the various restaurants that this charming town offers. In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Cusco (it is necessary to arrive at the station 30 minutes before the train departure). When we arrive at the train station in Ollantaytambo, a representative of our company will be waiting for us to take us back to our hotel in Cusco, a trip that will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.

End of services.