Huchuy Qosqo + Inca Trail 4D

Highlights of the Alternative Inca Trail

• 
  Book with Confidence and Flexibility
  
  – change travel dates with no fees and pay your balance online or in Cusco.
• Explore the mountains surrounding Cusco on a scenic high-Andes trek.
• Follow an ancient Inca Trail from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, used by
  the last Inca king Manco Inca.
• Hike the Short Inca Trail section to arrive at Machu Picchu through
  the Sun Gate (Intipunku).
• Enjoy panoramic trains back to Cusco
  (Vistadome or 360°).
• Support social projects in Andean villages just by traveling with us.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Cusco – Tambomachay – Qenqo Village (13 km, ~8 h)

Depart from your hotel in Cusco at 07:00 and drive about 20 minutes to
Tambomachay, the starting point of your trek. Begin hiking gradually
uphill across vast grasslands, passing herds of llamas and alpacas, high Andean lakes,
and birdlife along the way.

After ~4 hours, arrive at Koriccocha Lake (3,700 m / 12,130 ft) for a
scenic lunch. In the afternoon, continue hiking toward Qenqo Village
(3,800 m / 12,467 ft), a small rural community where people live from agriculture and
livestock. Here you’ll camp with comfortable equipment and enjoy dinner under the
stars.

• Distance: 10 km / 8.1 mi
• Duration: ~6 hours trekking
• Meals: Lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Comfortable camping
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2 | Qenqo – Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Ollantaytambo (8 km, ~5 h)

Enjoy sunrise over the local village with a hot cup of coffee or tea. After breakfast,
begin a gradual ascent toward the highest point of the day, with spectacular views over
the Sacred Valley. Then descend for about 2 hours to
Huchuy Qosqo (3,600 m / ~11,800 ft), a stunning ancient Inca city
perched on a ridge above the valley.

Hike through small canyons, streams, and terraces before reaching the site. Explore
Huchuy Qosqo with your guide, then descend about 1.5 hours into the Sacred Valley to
the village of Lamay for lunch. In the afternoon, travel by private
van along the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll check into
a 3-star hotel.

• Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
• Hiking duration: ~5 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Sol Miranda or similar (3★)
• Difficulty: Easy–moderate

Day 3 | Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (15 km, ~7 h)

Wake early, have breakfast at your hotel, and board one of the first trains from
Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (Chachabamba), the starting
point of the Short Inca Trail. After the checkpoint, begin a ~7-hour
hike through cloud forest and terraces, visiting key sites such as
Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and the
Sun Gate.

The Short Inca Trail lets you enjoy the most important viewpoints and ruins of the last
section of the Classic Inca Trail. Time your arrival to reach Machu Picchu
after 16:00, when the site is almost empty and the light is magical.

After enjoying your first views of Machu Picchu, take the bus down to
Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel, have dinner in a local
restaurant, and rest for the big day tomorrow.

• Highest altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
• Distance: ~15 km / 9.3 mi
• Duration: ~7 hours
• Meals: Lunch, snacks, dinner
• Accommodation: Susanna INN, Intipunku, or similar (3★)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4 | Machu Picchu (Lost City of the Incas) – Return to Cusco

On your final day, wake early in Aguas Calientes, have breakfast at your hotel, and
take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. If the weather
cooperates, you’ll witness a spectacular sunrise over the citadel.

Your guided tour (2–3 hours) begins with the option to visit the
Inca Bridge or enjoy time at the upper terraces. Then your guide will
show you the most important parts of Machu Picchu: terraces, urban areas, temples, and
palaces, while sharing its history, engineering, and legends.

After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or, if you reserved
tickets, climb
Huayna Picchu or
Machu Picchu Montaña. When you’re finished, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for
lunch (not included), then board the panoramic train and connect with
a private van back to Cusco. Arrival at your hotel is around 19:30.

• Guided tour: 2–3 hours
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Accommodation: Not included
• Difficulty: Easy

Everything That’s Covered

• Safety briefing the day before departure at 18:00 in our Cusco office
• Pick-up from your hotel on the morning of the tour
• All transportation during the 4 days (hotel ↔ trailheads ↔ train ↔ Cusco)
• Duffle bag (up to 7 kg) for your belongings, carried by porters
• Professional bilingual tour guides
• Experienced, friendly chefs and porters
• 1 night camping in the mountains with comfortable equipment
• Sleeping bags, air mattresses, and camping cots for the camping night
• 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo
• 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
• All meals during the trek except lunch on the last day
• Entrance tickets to the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
• Bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (according to itinerary)
• Train to the Inca Trail (Expedition or Voyager service)
• Panoramic train back to Cusco region
  (Vistadome or 360°)
• All booking fees and taxes

Price & Discounts

Price per person: USD $680
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To book the Alternative Inca Trail (Huchuy Qosqo + Short Inca Trail),
you need to make an initial payment of USD $200 per person. The
remaining balance can be paid online, in installments, or in Cusco with any credit
card—no booking fees.

This tour can also be booked as a private service for your group only.

Student Discount

• All travelers under 17 receive a USD $40 discount.
• Travelers 25 or under at the time of travel can also receive a
  USD $40 discount with a valid student ID. Please email us in
  advance so we can provide a discount code.

Optional Add-Ons

• Huayna Picchu Mountain: +$75 per person (~2 hours round-trip)
• Machu Picchu Montaña: +$75 per person (~3.5 hours round-trip)

Smart Packing Guide – Huchuy Qosqo + Short Inca Trail

You’ll have one camping night and two hotel nights. A duffel (up to 7 kg) will be
carried by porters, while you hike with a small daypack. Pack light, layer your
clothing, and be ready for both high, cool mountains and warm cloud forest.

Essentials

• Original passport (required for trains, Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu)
• Valid student ID if booking with a student discount
• Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or light boots
• Daypack (15–25 L) for daily essentials
• Water storage for at least 2 L (bottles or hydration bladder)

What to Carry in Your Daypack

• Light rain jacket or poncho
• Warm layer (fleece or light jacket)
• Sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, small trash bag
• Personal medication and mini first-aid (band-aids, blister care)
• Camera/phone, spare batteries, or small power bank
• Snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolate)
• Cash (small bills) for snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and tips

What to Pack in Your Duffle Bag (up to 7 kg)

• Sleeping clothes and extra layers for the camping night
• 2–3 pairs of trekking pants / leggings
• 3–4 moisture-wicking shirts (short or long-sleeve)
• Thermal base layer for the mountain night
• Warm jacket, beanie, and light gloves
• 3–4 pairs of hiking socks + 2 pairs of light socks
• Underwear for 4 days
• Light shoes or sandals for camp and hotels
• Travel towel and basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
• Plastic bags or packing cubes to separate wet or dirty clothing

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Huchuy Qosqo + Short Inca Trail?

This trek is considered moderate. You’ll hike 6–8 hours on some days
at altitudes up to around 4,000 m, with both ascents and descents. The pace is
manageable for most active travelers with some prior hiking experience.

Do I still need Inca Trail permits?

Yes. The Short Inca Trail section (Km 104) requires permits, which are
included in the tour. Permits are limited and must be reserved in advance, so early
booking is essential.

When is the best time to do this Alternative Inca Trail?

The best conditions are usually from April to October (dry season),
with April/May and September/October being great shoulder months with fewer crowds.
The Short Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance, just like the Classic Inca
Trail.

Is acclimatization required?

Yes, you should spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the trek to
acclimatize to the altitude (3,399 m). Use those days for light city or Sacred Valley
tours and drink plenty of water.

Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

Yes, you can add Huayna Picchu or
Machu Picchu Montaña for an extra US$75 per person each. These climbs
require separate tickets that must be booked far in advance due to limited availability.

How many times will I visit Machu Picchu?

You will visit Machu Picchu twice: first in the afternoon of Day 3 via
the Sun Gate after the Short Inca Trail, and again on the morning of Day 4 for a full
guided tour and free time.

What Covid-19 measures are in place?

TreXperience follows local health protocols: mandatory temperature checks when required,
masks in public areas, hand sanitizer always available, regular sanitizing of
high-touch surfaces, avoiding printed materials, 100% online payments, and flexible
booking policies during the COVID-19 period.

How to Book the Alternative Inca Trail

1. Check availability:
   Contact us with your preferred dates and group size, or check live availability on
   our website. Short Inca Trail permits are limited.
2. Customize your tour:
   Decide if you want to add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña, upgrade hotels, or
   book a private departure.
3. Pay your deposit:
   Secure your booking with a USD $200 deposit per person via our secure
   online payment system. The balance can be paid online in installments or in Cusco
   with no booking fees.
4. Send your details:
   Fill out the booking form with passport information, student ID details (if
   applicable), dietary requirements, and emergency contact info.
5. Receive confirmation:
   We’ll send your confirmed itinerary, permit details, packing list, and pre-departure
   briefing time so you know exactly what to expect.
6. Arrive & enjoy:
   Arrive in Cusco, acclimatize, attend your briefing, and then set off to hike from the
   mountains above Cusco to the Sacred Valley and finally into Machu Picchu via the Sun
   Gate.

Reserve your Huchuy Qosqo + Short Inca Trail today with a small deposit and let us
handle the logistics—so you can focus on the mountains, the history, and the two
magical arrivals at Machu Picchu.