1st Day: Chinchero (Valley of Cuper) – Pucamarca – Huchuy Qosqo

We begin our journey by departing Cusco, by car, in the direction of the Inca Site known as Chinchero (3760 meters). From here, we will begin trekking up the road as it curves sharply up-hill to reach a pass of near 4200 meters.   We will continue to follow the trail down into the valley and towards the small community at the bottom. As we descend along the trail, you will see a beautifully green valley stretching out as far as the eye can see. Passing through the village, the trail takes us up over the second pass (4300 meters) and into high open country. On the way, we will pass by the beautiful Lake Qoricocha (Golden Lake in Quechua).  We’ll continue along this rustic trail, with its stellar views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Finally, we’ll descend towards the Huchuy Qoso (3650 meters), where we’ll arrive in the late afternoon. Here, we’ll set up camp and enjoy our supper underneath the great starry sky.

Max. Altitude:  4200 masl./ 13.779ft
Hiking Distance: 12 km /7.2 miles
Hiking time:  5 hours          
Weather:  Sunny, windy and cold at night

Day 2: Huchuyqosqo - Lamay - Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

Early breakfast to continued our adventure until HuchuyQosqo time to explore and visiting for around 3 hours, stopping on the mainly buildings and pointing the mainly Incas God, that is an imposing architecture that includes a large open ceremonial center, from which we will enjoy a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, the Vilcanota River, and the snow-capped mountain range of the same name. We recommended take your lunch on the top on the mountain by the impressive views and take a nap we’ll continue our way to Lamay at 3000 meters. In this point we take our private bus to Ollantaytambo where we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night in a nice hotel.

Max. altitude : 3600 masl./ 11.800ft
Hiking Distance: 9 km / 5.4
Hiking time :  5 hours          
Weather: Sunny, windy and moderate

Day 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo – Cusco

The ancient day on the trek is start as early possible to go up by hike following the narrow steps for 1 ½ hour, on the clear sky days is able to see the sunrise even when is cloudy is mysteries and majestic, explore with the guide 2 hours after that explore by yourself or to do extra hike surround the city, optional hike to climbing to huayna picchu and Machupicchu mountains you need book in advance a ticket for those last ones, or walk up to the sun gate 2 hours, on the afternoon back down to Aguas Calientes to return by train until Ollantaytambo (18:35 pm) and transport by car to Cusco arrive hotel (10:00 pm approx.).

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Includes:

• Transfer in private transport from your hotel to trailhead (starting point of the trek)
• Private transport from Lamay to Ollantaytambo  Cusco
• Personal tents: 2 people
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
• Meals
• Cook and cooking equipment and kitchen tent
• Porters or horses (Carrying the tents, food and cooking equipment)
• Entrance fee to Huchuy Qosqo
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Entrance to Machupicchu.
• Train tickets round trip Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
• Minivan back to Cusco.
• Hotel ** in Aguas Calientes.
• Water : filter and boiled water for hiking days and each meals hot and cold water

Not included:

• Breakfast at the first and dinner at the last day
• Sleeping bag.
• Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu.
• Extra Drinks.
• Extra gratitudes for our staff (Tips).

What do I need to bring?

• Small backpack with rain shelter (30 or 40 litters is well enough).
• Clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket.
• Trekking shoes.
• Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs).
• Woolen or synthetic socksand a sweater.
• Long- and short-sleeved polo’s/T-Shirts.
• Rainponcho and a hat.
• Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel and toilet paper.
• Camera (wrapped in plastic bag), a flash light and batteries.
• Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.
• Original passport, original ISIC student card (In case you are student) and extra money in soles.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips.
• Toilet paper.
• Sandals or flip-flop
• Personal medical kit with a simple whistle.

ESSENTIALS:

• Passport
• Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

FOR YOUR DUFFEL:

Remember you are packing for 2 nights of camping and 1 night in a hotel. Porters will carry up to 8 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3.5 kg.

• 2 wicking t-shirts
• 2 hiking pants
• 4 sets of undergarments.
• 3 sets of hiking socks
• Bathing suit for Hot Springs
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Warm, down jacket: this trek includes 2 cold nights camping
• 1 Rain jacket and pants
• 1 sun hat
• 1 wool hat
• Headlamp: essential
• Waterproof gloves (even if they are ski gloves, take them)
• Comfortable shoes for camp
• Walking boots
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
• Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might enjoy something a little larger.
• Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to clean - might make you feel fresh if you had a little soap.
• Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
• Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
• Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least

TOILETRIES:

• Sunscreen
• Face moisturizer
• Bug spray
• Handsanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toiletpaper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, no bag larger than 25L will be allowed in. If larger, you will need to store outside citadel gates.

PassportValid, STUDENT card (if you booked as a student)Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)Good daypack (the smaller, the better)Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelbaks are encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

• Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won't have time to filter water until your first lunch.
• Sunhat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Camera
• Music (IPhone)
• Handsanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips

1. Hire of sleeping bag 5 season
2. Walking stick highly recommended!
3. Single supplement
4. Additional night at 3 star hotel

Is the trek difficult? Do I need to be in good physical condition?

All our treks (Inka Trail, Salkantay, Ausangate, Lares, etc) are moderately difficult, lengthy and traverse rough mountain terrain. We kindly recommend that if you plan to conquer any of these routes to be in relatively good physical condition, plus acclimatization. These means arriving to Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible! To Cusco at least 02 days prior to your trek departure to adjust to altitude. During the last two months leading up to your trek we suggest a regular and moderate exercise routine to improve endurance and stamina. We wish for you to have the best experience possible!

Are vegetarian, vegan, and/or other special diet needs available?

Of course! Without any additional costs! When you make your reservation, please inform us of any dietary needs or requirements, including allergies!

Vegetarian foods will be absent of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.of all meats, chicken or fish. We will assume that eggs and cheese or other lactose products are OK.

Most of our main meals are a buffet-style, leaving you the option to avoid anything undesirable to you.

If there are any food items or veggies that you cannot stomach, perhaps onions, tomatoes, mushrooms.. etc, upon your request we will ask our chef to leave them out or separate this item.

We can also attend lactose-intolerant or gluten-intolerant diets. We cannot accept individuals with serious allergic or life-threatening reactions.

I have a food allergy. May I still participate?

Every day we receive many clients with food allergies to nuts, wheat, etc. Please inform us in detail of your condition upon making your reservation.

We kindly ask that you declare the severity of your reaction and any medication that you take in case of emergency.

If your allergy is severe, we ask that you be accompanied by a friend or individual conscious and fully responsible of your situation and ready with any medication.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT CLIENTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

When must I arrive in cusco or arrive to your office?

We require that all clients arrive to Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of your trek, although 03 nights before is ideal. You must pay your remaining balance two days before your departure for your trek. This will assure that all individuals are acclimatized and adjusted to the high altitude conditions to begin your trek comfortably. Please note that your remaining balance must be paid in cash in our office and cannot be paid before your arrival.

Our office hours are Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 1:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:00pm. (Please aim to arrive 7:30pm at the latest!)

Are hiking sticks or poles necessary?

For this trek more than any other, we do recommend hiking sticks, especially for those with any known knee problems. The poles will assist your balance and reduce the impact on your knees.

Inca Footsteps Company will rent hiking sticks for $25

Where can I store my baggage that I dont need for the trail?

Any baggage that is not necessary for your trek may be stored in your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service free of charge). In the case that your hotel may not provide this service, we will store your baggage safely in our office free of charge.

What is the weather like during the trek?

The best time for making the trek with good weather is between the months of April – October when there is minimal rainfall and clear skies. The driest months are June – August, which is winter in the Andes.

January to March is summer in Peru, which means rainy season for Cusco and especially the Inka Trail, which is located mostly in the tropical cloud forest.

Where do I have to be the morning of the start of my trek and where will I finish at the end?

We will pick you up from your hotel to begin your trek and upon finishing, we will also leave you at your hotel.

I wish to have a train company or train option different to that which Inca Footsteps Company offers, is this possible?

If you wish to change your train company or option (such as Vistadome de Peru Rail, to Ollantaytambo or the whole route to Poroy), or your departure time, additional fees may apply. You must speak with one of our sales agents to inquire about availability and the additional costs.

This complex is the most important archaeological site in the Valley of Urubamba, after Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The ancient Incan site is impressive, although the conservation of the site is less than Ollantaytambo and Pisac, because Huchuy Qosoqo is older.

Huchuy Qosqo trek is the combination of breathtaking Inca sites, local villages, astonishing snow-capped mountains, axotic vegetation and extraordinary ecological places. The trail goes off the beaten track, over high passes of the Andes Range and through the Sacred Valley of the Incas with unforgettable views of this great scenery. Ending in one of the new seven wonders of the world Machupicchu.

Altitude: 3650 - 4300 m. / 11975 - 14107 f.
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Distance: 14 km
Level of difficulty: Normal (easy)