Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu

Itinerary 

Huchuy Qosqo Trek 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

Huchuy Qosqo Trek Day 2: Puka Raqay – Huchuy Qosqo – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

A cup of hot coca tea will wake you up. We’ll have a great breakfast after you’ve packed. We start our journey from Quencco to Huchuy Qosqo, an Inca site. We will arrive to a section of the old Inca Trail, right below the settlement of Pumamarca, after about two hours of trekking. We’ll pass numerous locals who will be tending to their llamas along the route. The panorama transforms from towering mountains to a lonely valley as we reach the Inca Trail. This valley has a lovely microclimate with rich flora. There are several little birds to be observed, including hummingbirds that feast on the flowers. We’ll be able to glimpse snow-capped mountains and the famed Urubamba mountain range as we make our way down the valley. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the various lovely landscapes.

We’ll make our way to the main site, passing through an adobe Inca gateway before arriving at the spectacular Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo (Little Cusco – 3,600 meters), located above the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Amazing Inca structures such as holy temples, storehouses, agricultural Inca terraces, and an Inca reservoir used to store water during the dry season may be seen here. Your tour guide will lead you through the site. He will tell you about the history like an expert. You will have opportunity to explore the place on your own before we eat lunch. We’ll start our descent to the Sacred Valley from here. It takes around two hours to arrive to the settlement of Lamay (2,800 meters) on the Urubamba River, where a bus to Ollantaytambo awaits. We’ll eat at a restaurant before catching the train to Aguas Calientes around 7 p.m. We will be able to set up at our hotel and rest. There will be hot showers provided.

Elevations: 2,900 mts / 8,467ft
Climate: cold
Walking distance: 7 km / 4 miles

Huchuy Qosqo Trek Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Machu Picchu is the highlight of our journey. We recommend getting up early to catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. These buses run on a first-come, first-served basis and begin at 5:30 a.m. If the weather permits, your tour guide will take you to a fantastic position to see the dawn over the mountains after we get at the citadel. Following that, you’ll begin your two-hour tour of the facility. After your tour, you will have time to explore the ancient remains on your own (with the option of ascending Huayna Picchu – (this is a separate admission ticket and costs $75 per person), or going up to the Sun Gate. Both alternatives provide stunning vistas. After exploring all of Macchu Picchu, you will return to Aguas Calientes on your own, stopping for lunch before boarding your train to Ollantaytambo. When you arrive, you will join a bus that will take you back to Cusco at 8 p.m.

Meals Included: Breakfast Only

What’s Included?

Included

 Professional Guides: Highly trained guides for high mountain and Incas History

Briefing: We will have an information session, you will receive a travel bag, the bag must not exceed 13 lbs and must include a sleeping bag and air mattress

 Permits: All permits Are guaranteed according to availability, As soon as we receive your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits.

 Transportation: Transportation is included in the entire journey, both bus and train, from the point of departure to the point of return. If you have any suggestions for a train service let me know. Additionally, your round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu will be included.

 Equipment: We have excellent camping equipment, dining room, two person dormitory tents

 Food: Our staff cook so delicious, our meals are typical and traditional, we respect all food restrictions, if you have any restrictions let me know. All our meals are served in a family style. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on day four. Lunch the last day is not included.

 Hotel: This trek includes a one-night 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo and one night in Aguas Calientes Village. We have a selection of hotels, great service and accommodation (if you have any suggestions let us know).

 Water: From your first day you will be provided with water, for your walks, this water is boiled, it is necessary to bring personal water bottles.

Travel bags: You will be delivered our travel bags, where you will take your clothes and other personal items, taken out sleeping and mat. With a maximum weight of 7 kilos

 First Aid: Our team is trained in first aid, in case of emergency we manage an emergency plan if necessary for the promptest and fastest possible attention

 Extras: We believe that personalized attention is a plus for us, so small details for us is very important. For them we are committed to creating the real experience towards machupicchu

 Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in the listed price.

 Satellite Phones: Our team has a satellite phone

 Transfers: Free shuttle to airport, round trip

Not Included

 Huayna Picchu: The mountain that is next to machupicchu, has a duration of about 50 minutes, is quite enpina The walk, has a cost of 75 usd, to be able to get permission for this mountain you must do it a month in advance due to popularity

Rentals: every traveler needs a sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks are recommended. If you do not wish to bring any of the above, all are available for rent:

Inflatable air mattress : $ 15

Walking sticks: $ 10

Sleeping bag: $ 20

 Backpacks for the Day: the agency does not provide backpacks, so you must bring your own. Note; Machupicchu does not allow backpacks over 25 lb.

 Flashlights (lamps): it is recommended to bring flashlights for the campsites or headlamps.

 Tips: Tips are always considered, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not mandatory).

 Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but not mandatory, normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days.

Price 

Price in Group 

• USD$ 550 per person

Means you are open for other travelers to join you. so you will have different times when walking. Our guide is prepared to keep different walking rhythms.

• Required pre-payment: $ 200 per person
• Balance in Cusco: commonly pay in cusco after the briefing

 Student discount

The student discount only applies  for people who present a valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Minors 17 years old or younger. We need you to send us a copy of your university ID Tt award the discount. For children 17 years old and under, we need a copy of passport.

• Discount: $ 30 per person

 Vistadome Train

All our services include the regular train service, Expeditions or Voyager. The vistadome train or panoramic train is an upgraded train.

• Vistadome train: $ 75 per person

 Huayna picchu

This mountain is a 50 minute walk to the top and another 50 minutes return. If you are planning to do this hike on your own, your guide will give you all the information you need. An additional ticket is required for this hike and we can reserve it for you.

• Ticket to Huaynapicchu:  75$ per person

Important Information

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.