Huchuy Qosqo & Machu Picchu
This tour is for those who want to disconnect from the city and spend some time surrounded by nature.
Huchuy Qosqo, located in the Urubamba Valley, has the best views of the Vilcanota mountain range; in addition, it has a wide variety of fauna and flora.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tauca – Huchuy Qosqo Pass – Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Having been picked up from your hotel the tour starts in Tauca (3750m), where we will walk through Andean landscapes in which potatoes, barley, quinoa and other Andean tubers are planted. The landscape changes as we ascend to the Huchuy Qosqo, there the landscapes are savannahs or punas scarce vegetation but abundant Ichu or grass that grows only in altitude. From there you can also see the Cordilleras of Vilcabamba: La Verónica, Pitusiray, Chicón and San Juan. After our visit we descend to the plains of Huchuy Qosqo passing through the Cauca ravine, from there you can observe archaeological remains and wild crops such as the tarwi and a large amount of cactus; following the descent, we arrive at the Leon Punku ravine where they are an Inca bridge and path. In addition, a canyon has impressive geological formations surrounded by majestic rocks and boulders that direct the river towards Huchuy Qosqo at 3650 m.
Once arrived at the complex we can appreciate a very fine stonework in a large Kallanka or rectangular hall, some defensive residential neighborhoods and interesting two-story buildings in stone and adobe. The place is surrounded by Inca agricultural terraces from where you can see the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Finally, we will go downhill to Lamay at 2900 m, where we will move to Ollantaytambo. From there we will take our train to Aguas Calientes. Overnight at hotel. (L / D)
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
The tour starts at 5:00 in the morning, after having breakfast; we will board the first bus to the city of Machu Picchu. There we will have a guided tour through the different sections, such as the urban sector, the agricultural sector and the religious area. Climbing the Huayna Picchu is optional and entails an additional cost but it is a good decision to take panoramic pictures with the entire Inca citadel. Finally, we will board the return bus to Aguas Calientes, you can have lunch in the city of Aguas Calientes, and around 4 pm, we will board the train to Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley) or directly to Cusco, once you arrive a private van will take you to your respective hotels in Cusco at approximately 8:30 pm.
Included
- Private round transportation
- The meals as B, L, D
- Professional bilingual Tour guide
- Entrance fee to Huchuy Qosqo
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
- Bus up and down from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Hostel in Aguas Calientes
- First aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
Not included
- Any meals not specified
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Hot springs entrance
We recommend you to bring
- Small backpack with rain shelter (30 or 40 liters is big enough)
- Clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket
- Trekking shoes
- Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs)
- Woolen or synthetic socks and a sweater
- Long- and short-sleeved polos/T-Shirts
- Hat
- Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Disinfecting alcohol and gel
- 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 (if applicable) and extra money