Machulas Journey offers several treks to Machu Picchu. Huchuy Qosqo, meaning “Little Cusco,” is one of the alternative treks. This is a nice option that is not too challenging but combines spectacular views and scenery. Along the way, you will enjoy the original Inca trail to the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site and have the chance to visit with the local communities of Qenqo and Pukamarka. Huchuy Qosqo is located next to Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you can enjoy the beautiful valley of Urubamba. This trek is perfect for those hoping to squeeze a trek within a short time frame or for those looking for an easier trekking route. This trek is just 3 days and 2 nights, which is a perfect journey to Machu Picchu.
Huchuy Cusco is a fascinating Inca site, spread over several hectares of a small plateau, offering a view of the Urubamba valley, about 5 km upstream of Calca and 800m above the valley floor. It is believed to have been the royal estate formerly known as Jaquijahuana. According to myth, the Incan Viracocha built this settlement after conquering the previous inhabitants by setting fire to their town with a stone thrown from his golden sling. He later fled to Jaquihuana from Cusco when the invading Chancas threatened to overrun the Inca capital in around 1438. After the conquest, the Spaniards found the mummy said to be that of Inca Viracocha here.
We will pick you up from your hotel around 6:00 am and take you in our van to the trail head (30 minutes). Once we have arrived at the trail head, we will stop for a delicious first breakfast before starting our hike. After just a few minutes of walking, we will see Tambomachay Inca site (3800 M/12467 FT). From there, we will continue our hike for 3 hours until we reach the first pass, where we will see spectacular views and small valleys. We will then continue on in the gentle highland grass until we reach our lunch spot, where we will stop to enjoy delicious organic food. After lunch, we will continue for another few hours until we arrive at our camping site. Along the way, we will stop to enjoy Qoricocha Lagoon, where we can observe a wide variety of birds, including Andean geese, partridge and lapwings, all of which are regularly spotted throughout the day. The site is about 1:30 hours to our campsite (Qenqo).
Qenqo is a traditional Andean community located high above Cusco and Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here, the people still maintain their traditional customs of the ancient culture, like farming llamas, alpacas, and guinea pigs. It is our obligation to share this tradition with you. At the campsite, we will have the chance to spend some time with Andean kids, and, if you want, you can leave some gifts
After starting your day with a delicious breakfast, your tour guide will teach you about the customs and culture of the Qenqo community. Then we will continue on to the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site. Just a few minutes away, there are houses where we’ll get to meet local families who will teach us about their traditions and culture. They don’t get many visitors in this area, so we encourage you to bring some money to buy locally-made items, which can help support education for the locals’ children. After our visit, we will go straight to Huchuy Qosqo, where your guide will explain Inca history, and then you’ll have a rest to take advantage of the beautiful views of Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Vilcanota range mountain. You’ll then be ready for another delicious buffet lunch. Then, we will start our descent into the Sacred Valley for another 2 hours until we reach Lamay Village. From there, we’ll take a van for 1 hour to Ollantaytambo. If we arrived before the designated time, you’ll have a chance to walk around of the town if you would like. Your guide will organize a time for dinner, after which your tour guide will take you to the train station to catch your train to Aguas calientes, where you will spend the night in a hotel.
Today we will reach our final destination. We will have to wake up very early because it is tradition to arrive at Machu Picchu early enough to see the sunrise. You will start with breakfast at the hotel and head to the bus station. The bus rides up to Machu Picchu Inca citadel will take about 25 minutes. Entry to Machu Picchu begins at 6:00 am. You will need to show your original passport and the entrance to the citadel. Once we enter the citadel, we will go straight to the view point, where you can take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. After that, your guide will give you a 3-hour tour and show you the most important parts of the citadel (temples, palaces, plazas, etc.). You will then have free time to explore other parts of the citadel.
If you have permits to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, you will go after the guided tour, after which you will return to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, everyone will take the train back to Ollantaytambo before taking our van back to Cusco.