Huchuyqosqo + Machu picchu Trek 2 Days

Pickup from your hotel in Cusco: You’ll start your journey with a scenic drive from your hotel to the small Andean town of Tauca, located at 3,750 meters (12,303 feet) above sea level.

Start of the hike to Huchuy Qosqo: Your hike begins on flat terrain, surrounded by the traditional agricultural landscapes of the Andean valleys. You’ll walk past fields of corn, potatoes, barley, quinoa, and other native crops that have been cultivated here for centuries.

Tauca Pass (Abra Tauca): As you gradually ascend to the pass at 4,050 meters (13,287 feet), you’ll notice a dramatic shift in scenery. The farmland fades behind you, giving way to the puna, a high-altitude grassland marked by sparse vegetation and the resilient ichu grass. The views from here are simply stunning—snowcapped peaks like Verónica, Pitusiray, Chicón, and San Juan stretch across the horizon.

Descent to Huchuy Qosqo: Not long after reaching the pass, you’ll begin descending toward the plains of Huchuy Qosqo, following a trail that winds through the Ccauca Gorge. Along the way, you’ll spot ancient archaeological remains, wild crops such as tarwi, and a wide variety of cacti.

The trail continues downhill through León Punku, a narrow gorge where you’ll find remnants of an ancient Inca bridge and part of the original Inca Trail. This canyon is dramatic, with towering rock formations guiding the river toward Huchuy Qosqo, located at 3,650 meters (11,975 feet).

Arrival and guided tour of Huchuy Qosqo: Once you arrive at this incredible archaeological site—whose name means “Little Cusco”—your guide will take you through its most impressive features. You’ll explore a massive kallanka (rectangular ceremonial hall) made of finely carved stone, as well as ancient residential areas, defensive structures, and two-story buildings made from stone and adobe. The site sits on a natural platform, surrounded by Inca agricultural terraces and offering panoramic views of the Vilcabamba mountain range.

Picnic lunch with a view: Here, surrounded by nature and centuries of history, you’ll enjoy a picnic-style box lunch while taking in the peaceful beauty of the Andean landscape.

Descent to Lamay and transfer to Ollantaytambo: After your visit, you’ll continue hiking downhill to the village of Lamay, at 2,900 meters (9,514 feet), where your private transport will be waiting. From there, you’ll head to Ollantaytambo to board your train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
• Accommodation: Hostel.
• Maximum Altitude:4,300m/14,061 ft
• Minimum Altitude:3,350 m/10,954 ft
• Distance Travelled: 19 km approx
• Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 hours / Ascent up: 950 m