Huchuy Qosqo & Short Inca Trail 4 Days / 3 Nights
Review
Huchuy Qosqo & Short Inca Trail 2 days, It is one of the most impressive hikes a few hours from Cusco, it certainly has a lot to offer for those who like to walk. This walk is not so demanding, during the walk you will see landscapes, lakes, communities and the most important archaeological sites, it is an alternative route that I definitely recommend and you will be amazed.
Tour Location: This tour is located in the district of Lamay, province of Calca, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Type of tour: This tour is a combination of Camping, Trekking and Culture of 4 days. You will pass through the native communities of Lamay, with nights of camping under the stars.
Recommended: For those who are in good physical condition.
Difficulty: Moderate
Considerations: In this beautiful tour you will see archaeological remains of a very peculiar characteristic in the constructions a tour that will take you through Andean landscapes and see the greatness that the Incas left and finally culminate in the Inca trails full of buildings and resting places called tambos. Culminating in the lost city of Machu Picchu. If you are planning to make this magnificent hike, you should consider that it will be at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level where the cold is intense, so it is advisable to bring a good coat. More details in the itinerary we have for you. “We look forward to taking responsibility for your next adventures in Cusco”.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tambomachay – puka Raqay
The day begins at 6:30 AM, which is when we will pick you up at your hotel on our private bus. The drive to the starting point of the trek in Tambomachay takes about 30 minutes. From there, we will walk for approximately 2 hours until we arrive to a lake located at 3,700mts. At this point, we will take a break and then you will be served a delicious lunch. You will also have the opportunity to fill your water bottles for the rest of the journey. After lunch and a bit of rest, we will continue the hike uphill until we reach the second lake located at 4,050mts. Here, we will take another break to take advantage of the spectacular scenery. Once the hike has re-started, we will go downhill for about two and a half hours until we reach the first camp. This is where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Elevations: 3,800 m / Sun gate 2,720 m
Climate: cold
Walking distance: 14 km / 9 miles
Day 2: Puka Raqay – Huchuy Qosqo – Ollantaytambo
The second day begins with a magical and incredible sunrise, and a classic Andean breakfast to get you ready for the day. We will begin the walk to Huchuy Qosqo, and along the way you will be able to see incredible landscapes. Without a doubt, you will be amazed as we arrive at the archaeological center of Huchuy Qosqo. Here, you will have a guided tour of this impressive place and at the end, you will have free time to explore. At the end of the tour, we will continue the hike with your guide to the town of Lamay, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch made with local ingredients. Once lunch is finished, we will continue the trip to Ollantaytambo on the bus that will be waiting in the city. Once in Ollantaytambo, you will have a guided tour with your guide in the town, learning all about this beautiful and magical town. In the afternoon, we will go to our second camp where we will have dinner and sleep early.
Elevations: 2,900 mts / 8,467ft
Climate: cold
Walking distance: 7 km / 4 miles
Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
This day will start very early as well, since we will be among those to take the first tourist train heading to kilometer 104. As soon as we reach this point, we will cross a bridge to the registration point. Then, we will continue with our trek to the ruins of Chachabamba, a stone altar for the sun. After the visit to Chachabamba, we will continue the path to where we will begin to climb the mountain. After walking for 3 hours, we will reach a beautiful waterfall. Herem you can enjoy a short break before we continue with our hike to Wiñaywayna. At Wiñaywayna, you can see Inca trails, tambos and other resting places before finally arriving at Inti Punku (Sun Gate). You can contemplate and observe this wonderful place and incredible views towards Machu Picchu as this is the highest spot. You will have time for many photos , before we then descend to Machu Picchu and take our bus to the town of Aguas Calientes. At Aguas Calientes, we will spend the night in a hotel with an amazing view of the city and have dinner at a local restaurant before we get ready for the next day.
Elevations: 2,500 m / Puerta del Sol 2,720 m
Climate: humid
Walking distance: 14 km / 9 miles
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will leave our hotel after breakfast at 5:30 am and head for Machu Picchu (2400m/7874f) by tourist bus. We will arrive at the citadel around 6:00 am. After a guided tour around the archeological site, which will include information about the life and culture of the Incas, you will have enough time to enjoy Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu (2750m/9022f) on your own. We will leave Aguas Calientes by train at 2:55 pm. Until then, you will have time to have lunch or you can visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes to relax a bit.
Meals Included: Breakfast Only
Altitude in Cusco
People begin to worry about altitude sickness as soon as they reserve their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco. Because there is less oxygen in the air at high altitudes than there is at sea level, your body must work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Your body becomes accustomed to the lower oxygen content of the air over a period of days at a high altitude.
You could initially experience the illness or a hangover when suffering from altitude sickness. You can get headaches, exhaustion, a loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty breathing while exercising. Please get in touch with our office if any of these side effects worsen, and we’ll assist you find a doctor.
These symptoms will typically be slight. Always ease into action gradually to give your body time to acclimate. Drink a lot of liquids, such as coca tea or water. Since ancient times, coca tea has been used to help avoid altitude sickness.
The coca plant’s leaves contain alkaloids that assist your body absorb oxygen and ward off the effects of altitude sickness. A lot of alcohol and caffeine should be avoided.
They will make you urinate more frequently and dehydrate you. Don’t smoke. Your body has a harder time getting oxygen when you smoke. Don’t use sleeping medicines. Your body may have a harder time absorbing oxygen when you sleep as a result of their potential for shallow breathing at night.
To assist prevent altitude sickness, your doctor may recommend medications like acetazolamide and dexamethasone. Two days before you travel to a high altitude, begin taking the medication. While you are at a high altitude, keep taking it.
Getting to Cusco
All international passengers by plane must disembark in Lima and pass through Customs because the airport in Cusco is currently only for local flights. You must pick up your luggage in Lima and then check them back in, even if your trip from there to Cusco is on the same day and with the same airline.
The best way to go to Cusco is by plane, and there are many airlines to choose from. Although LAN generally offers the most options and flights, it is also the most expensive. Be prepared for flight delays or cancellations.
Weather
Of course, the weather is erratic. In Cusco, the dry season typically lasts from April through October, but be prepared because it can rain in June or get sunny in December.
Please make sure you have rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves, no matter what month you are taking the journey.
Consider the four seasons as well. You should be prepared for all four seasons as many of the climbs over the Andes entail numerous microclimates.
Always wear layers since they make it simple to adapt to changing temperatures. Please be ready with a heavy, winter-weight jacket because evenings will always be chilly.
Luggage Storage
Your luggage allowance is still restricted owing to railway regulations even if this is an overnight train vacation. To be transported to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), all bags must fit in a carry-on.
While you trek, you can leave any additional luggage in Cusco at your hotel or with us at the ALTITUDEXPERIENCE deposit. On the morning of your tour, we will collect from you and return after you have reached Cusco. Make sure your baggage are identified in some way so they can be found easily.
First Aid
ALTITUDEXPERIENCE guide has completed a physician-led first aid course. Every February, we hold a training session that is required for all ALTITUDE guides. When guiding you, they’ll have oxygen and a first aid pack for common medical emergencies including traveler’s diarrhea and cuts and scrapes.
In the event that anything unforeseen occurs and you feel you are unable to finish the walk, they will plan the fastest and safest route off the trail to a clinic. You won’t ever be on your own; a team member will accompany you at all times until you reach a doctor in a safe location. We’ll make sure you still have the opportunity to see Machu Picchu and get back in touch with your group when you’re feeling up to it.
Environmental Impact
ALTITUDEXPERIENCE carries all of our trash back to Cusco and uses biodegradable soap. Our staff are taught to maintain the trail and collect any trash left by other groups. Additionally, we employ chemical portable restrooms that allow us to pack trash out. Leaving no trace is something we highly support.
Huchuy Qosqo & Short Inca Trail 4 Days / 3 Nights
per person
40 km/24 miles
March 1st through January 31st
For All
Permit Required
Cultural & Trekking
Student discount: The student discount applies only for people who present a valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Minors 17 years old or younger. To grant the discount we need you to send us a copy of your university ID. For children 17 years old and under, we need a copy of passport for the reservation.
