Cusco - Tauca - Huchuyqosqo Pass - Huchuy Qosqo - Lamay - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Huchuy Qosco - Begin your journey by driving from your hotel to the quaint village of Tauca (3750m). The trek starts on flat terrain, showcasing typical Andean valleys abundant with corn, potatoes, barley, quinoa, and other native tubers. As you climb towards the pass at 4050m, the scenery transforms into the classic high Andean savannah or Puna, characterized by sparse vegetation, mainly “ichu” or high-altitude grass. The views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba peaks are breathtaking, including Veronica, Pitusiray, Chicon, and San Juan snow peaks. Shortly after the pass, descend towards the Huchuy Qosqo plains, following a path leading to the Ccauca ravine, where you can observe archaeological remains and wild crops like tarwi, along with numerous cacti. Continue downhill to the Leon Punku ravine, where remnants of an Inca bridge and trail can be found. This canyon features geological formations surrounded by majestic rocks and boulders that guide the river to Huchuy Qosqo at 3650m. Huchuy Qosqo, meaning “Little Cuzco,” is a significant Inca complex with exquisite stonework in a large Kallanka (rectangular hall), residential and defensive quarters, and intriguing two-story buildings made of stone and adobe. Situated on a plateau, it is encircled by Inca agricultural terraces and offers stunning views of the Vilcabamba range. Afterwards, descend to Lamay at 2900m to catch transport to Ollantaytambo, where you will continue by train to Aguas Calientes town. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu - After a hearty breakfast, immerse yourself in the history and mystique of the Incas. Take the first bus at approximately 5:30 am, arriving at the ruins by 6:15 am. This early hour allows you to enjoy the serenity of this sacred site. Participate in a guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring this enigmatic city for approximately 2 hours, with your expert guide explaining its mysteries and archaeological significance. Generally, you have around 6 hours of additional free time, depending on train schedules during the high season. There is an option to climb Huayna Picchu mountain (please confirm with your guide in advance, as sometimes the guided tour follows the Huayna Picchu climb).

Machu Picchu is a magical, mysterious place that has fascinated archaeologists and visitors for nearly a century. Perched atop a steep, emerald green peak 8,000 feet high in the Andes of southern Peru, it is accessible only by a long road that zigzags up from the roaring Urubamba River or by hiking four days along the challenging Inca Trail. Imagine the thrill when intrepid Yale professor-explorer Hiram Bingham, guided by local peasants in 1911, first glimpsed the jungle-covered citadel abandoned by the Incas four centuries earlier. Bingham eagerly surveyed the site over the next five years, clearing away brush and identifying palaces, temples, and a celestial observatory from what is believed to have been a summer palace or ceremonial center for the first Incan emperor, Pachacutec. Although most of its gold and treasures were looted around the time of the Spanish conquest, he unearthed thousands of artifacts and transported them to New Haven for study. The Incas built their mysterious city here to be closer to the gods, so high in the clouds that the conquering Spaniards never found or destroyed it. Visitors to Machu Picchu can see well-preserved ruins hidden among the majestic Andes: palaces, baths, temples, tombs, sundials, and farming terraces, along with llamas roaming among hundreds of gray granite houses.

• Round-trip transport by van
• All meals included: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
• Vegetarian and special diet options available
• English-speaking guide provided
• 1-night hostel accommodation included
• Round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Round-trip train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes

• Breakfast day 1 and lunch, dinner day 2
• Cold water and snacks
• Hot Spring in Aguas Calientes (s/20)
• Huayna Picchu Mountain (US$25) and Machu Picchu Mountain (US$ 25)

YOU will be involving, crossing valleys and mountains before arriving to the

Trek OFF the beaten path.
Is an alternative route to the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu,
Is ideal for those passengers who really want to be far in the middle of nowhere with only nature surrounding them.
Huchuy Qosqo Means (small Cusco)
Enjoy a cultural experience with spiritual ceremonies and meditations

• A small Backpack at least 30 lt
• Original passport, don’t forget to get the Machu Picchu stamp!
• International Student Identity card (ISIC) if applicable. Green card if you are student
• Travel Insurance card is essential
• Medicines and personal use items, credit or debit card (see personal spending money), camera and films, rechargeable batteries and adapters, binoculars, cover for backpacks, shirts/t-shirts, sun hat, sun block, sunglasses, toiletries (biodegradable), watch or alarm clock, water bottle, rain poncho, plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
• Emergency money at least 200- 300 extra soles (USD$120)
• Note: walking poles are not allowed into Machu Picchu

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.