Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu in 3 days: trek guide
A short, quiet trek with real Inca history: from the hills above Cusco over high passes and lagoons to Huchuy Qosqo, “Little Cusco”, a royal Inca estate overlooking the Sacred Valley, and then by train to Machu Picchu. No trekking permit is needed. Here is our 3-day route.
The trek at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 days: 1 night camping, 1 night in a hotel |
| Highest point | Rumicruz, about 4,230 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate (the first day is long and harder) |
| Permit | Not needed (Machu Picchu ticket included) |
| Price with us | US $510 |
Day 1: from Tambomachay over the passes
A 6:00 am pickup and a short drive to Tambomachay (about 3,700 m), just above Cusco. The trail climbs over several passes, with lagoons and views of snow peaks, to the high point at Rumicruz (about 4,230 m), then descends an old Inca path to camp at Pucamarca (about 4,010 m). About 18 km and 7–8 hours: the hardest day.
Trek to Little Cusco and Machu Picchu
Three days with high passes, Huchuy Qosqo, a hotel night and Machu Picchu — US $510.
Day 2: Huchuy Qosqo and the train to Aguas Calientes
A walk down the Leon Punku ravine brings you to Huchuy Qosqo (about 3,650 m), with its great Inca hall (kallanka), fine stonework, irrigation channels and wide views of the Sacred Valley. After a guided visit and lunch in Tauca, you take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes for a hotel night. About 12 km. More history in our history of Huchuy Qosqo.
Day 3: Machu Picchu
A 30-minute bus ride takes you up for a three-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu — the Temple of the Sun, the main plaza and the terraces — with free time afterwards. Then the train to Ollantaytambo and a private car to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 pm.
What is included
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Hotel pickup and private transport to Tambomachay | Sleeping bag (rent in Cusco) |
| Bilingual professional guide; Huchuy Qosqo entrance | Trekking poles (rent in Cusco) |
| Chef, camping gear, horses and meals as detailed | Huayna Picchu (optional) |
| Train, hotel night in Aguas Calientes and bus to Machu Picchu | Tips |
| Machu Picchu entrance and guided tour; oxygen and first-aid kit; return to Cusco | — |
Who it suits
This trek suits travellers who want a short, uncrowded trek with Inca history and do not need a permit. The first day is long and high, so acclimatize in Cusco for at least two days. If you only have one day, Huchuy Qosqo can also be visited on a day hike — see our Huchuy Qosqo day trek guide. For other options, read the best alternative treks to Machu Picchu.
Frequently asked questions
“Little Cusco” in Quechua: a royal Inca estate above the Sacred Valley, with a great hall, fine stonework and irrigation channels.
Moderate overall, but the first day is long (about 18 km) and reaches about 4,230 m.
No trekking permit is needed; the Machu Picchu entrance is included.
One night camping at Pucamarca and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Yes, it can be visited on a day hike from Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
