Huchuy Qosqo and Inca Trail in 4 days: trek guide
This trek combines two very different experiences: a high, quiet walk over the passes and lagoons above Cusco towards Huchuy Qosqo, the royal Inca estate above the Sacred Valley, and the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, with Wiñay Wayna and the arrival through the Sun Gate.
The trek at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days: 1 night camping, hotel nights in Aguas Calientes |
| Highest point | About 4,230 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate to hard |
| Permit | Required for the Inca Trail section |
| Price with us | US $680 |
Day 1: over the passes above Cusco
A private ride to Tambomachay (about 3,600 m) starts a high-Andes day over several passes, up to about 4,230 m, with views of the Verónica, Pitusiray and Chicón peaks and the Piuray and Qoricocha lagoons. You descend to camp at Pucamarca (about 4,010 m). About 16 km and 7–8 hours.
High passes and the Sun Gate
Four days combining the trails above Cusco with the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu — US $680.
Day 2: the Short Inca Trail to the Sun Gate
A scenic ride takes you to the train to Km 104, the start of the Short Inca Trail. After Chachabamba you climb stone steps past waterfalls and orchids to Wiñay Wayna (about 2,650 m), and two more hours bring you to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, for your first view of Machu Picchu. A descent and the bus take you to Aguas Calientes for a hotel night. About 14 km.
Day 3: Machu Picchu
A 30-minute bus ride takes you up for a two-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, with free time for the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge; Huayna Picchu is optional and must be booked in advance.
Day 4: return to Cusco
After breakfast in Aguas Calientes you take the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and a transfer of about an hour and a half to your hotel in Cusco. Ask us when booking how to make the most of your last morning.
About Huchuy Qosqo
Huchuy Qosqo, “Little Cusco”, is a royal Inca estate high above the Sacred Valley, with a great hall (kallanka), fine stonework and irrigation channels — and very few visitors. Learn more in our history of Huchuy Qosqo and the Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu 3-day guide.
What is included
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Hotel pickup and private transport to Tambomachay | Sleeping bag and poles (rent in Cusco) |
| Bilingual guide; Huchuy Qosqo entrance | Huayna Picchu (optional) |
| Chef, camping gear, horses and meals as detailed | Tips |
| Train to Km 104 and Aguas Calientes; hotel in Aguas Calientes; bus to Machu Picchu | — |
| Machu Picchu entrance and guided tour; oxygen and first-aid kit; return to Cusco | — |
How to prepare
- Acclimatize for at least two days in Cusco: the first day reaches about 4,230 m.
- Book early: the Inca Trail section needs a personal permit and closes in February.
- Bring warm layers for the cold night at camp and light clothes for the cloud forest.
- Compare with other options in the best alternative treks to Machu Picchu.
Frequently asked questions
Moderate to hard: the first day is long and reaches about 4,230 m; the Inca Trail section is a steady climb at lower altitude.
Yes, for the Inca Trail section from Km 104. Book early.
Yes, on day two you walk from Km 104 through Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate.
One night camping at Pucamarca and the remaining nights in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
No, it is optional and must be booked in advance.
