Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu 3 days: the complete guide
Short, scenic and refreshingly quiet, this three-day trek climbs to the royal estate of Huchuy Qosqo before whisking you down to the Sacred Valley and on to Machu Picchu — a relaxed way to combine a real trek with the world wonder.
Little Cusco and the citadel
You trek high passes to Huchuy Qosqo (“Little Cusco”), with its 40-metre great hall and grand Sacred Valley views, then descend to the train for Machu Picchu and a full guided tour the next day.
The route, day by day
| Day | Route |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cusco → Tambomachay → Pucamarca |
| 2 | Huchuy Qosqo → Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes |
| 3 | Machu Picchu guided tour → Cusco |
See the full itinerary
Day-by-day plan, inclusions and dates.
Difficulty and timing
A moderate trek with one high day, ideal if you want a genuine walk plus Machu Picchu without a long expedition. Acclimatize first and aim for the dry season.
Frequently asked questions
Moderate, with one high-altitude day over the passes. Acclimatizing in Cusco first makes it comfortable for most reasonably fit travelers.
There is one night of camping on the trail and a hotel night in Aguas Calientes before the Machu Picchu tour.