Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu
Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu
Days: 3
Difficulty: Moderate
Activity: Hiking/Trekking
Highest Altitude: 14,107 ft (4300 meters)
When to hike Machu Picchu: March to December
Closest airport to Machu Picchu: Cusco airport (CUZ)
Cusco Altitude: 11,200 ft.
Getting to Machu Picchu: For the airport closest to Machu Picchu, airlines, Cusco hotels, and other info related to Machu Picchu Peru: View the Peru destination guide.
Duffel for Machu Picchu: A duffel bag with a waterproof liner is provided to you. The weight limit for the duffel bag to be carried by porters is 7 kg (15 pounds) per person for for this Machu Picchu Trail.
Daypack for Machu Picchu: Daypacks larger than 20 litres will not be allowed into Machu Picchu, but can be checked in storage. For choosing a daypack and knowing what else to pack for the hike, refer to the Machu Picchu packing list.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Tambomachay to Pumamarca
We drive for 20 mins to Tambo Machay our starting point. From here we leave civilisation and head off across alpine pastures to our first pass at 4200m. We then cross a second pass at 4300m before descending to our lunch spot beside Lake Queullacocha. We cross two more passes in the afternoon before descending to the traditional community of Pucamarca with its stone houses and thatched roofs. We camp here for the night.
Day 2 Pucamarca -Huchuy Qosqo – Aguas Calientes
We quickly pick up the Inca pathway, which runs through a narrow ravine before traversing the hillside and arriving at the citadel of Huchuy Qosqo.
Perched high above the valley this impressive Inca site has a variety of architecture with buildings in both stone and mud brick.
After a guided tour of the site we descend steeply to the town of Lamay where we have lunch before taking our bus to Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 3 Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Cusco
we rise early to take the bus up to Machu Picchu where we will have a guided tour with our guide before returning to Cusco in the afternoon.
Recommendations:
It is suggested that you arrive in Cusco at least two or three days before your trek to allow yourself time to acclimatize. The more acclimatized you are, the more you will enjoy the trek.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu Guide:
With hundreds to choose from, choosing a guide for your Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu can be difficult. PAP Adventures stands apart from the rest. Their chefs have attended culinary training, and will amaze you with their artful presentation of food in the remotest of places. You will not find a more delicious meal on the trail. PAP is a locally owned and managed tour operator.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
What's Included:
Pre- trek briefing with guide on eve of departure
Professional bilingual tour guide
Assistant guide for more than 9 people
Entrance fees to Huchuy Qosqo and Machu Picchu
Transportation from hotel to start of trail and from finish back to Cusco
Cook, dining tent, table, chairs and latrine tent
Horses and wranglers to carry supplies camping equipment and clients duffel bags
Drinking water on trail
2 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 afternoon tea, 1 dinner and trail snacks
Good quality two man tents
First aid kit and emergency oxygen
Foam sleeping mat ( more comfortable inflatable ones can be hired for U$15)
What's Not Included:
Flight
Tip for guide(s), cook(s) and porters: A good rule of thumb is approximately $10 - 15 dollars per day per hiker for the porters.
That is a total of $40-$60 per hiker, for a 4 day hike.
Breakfast on Day 1, dinner on Day 2 and lunch on Day 3
Sleeping Bag Hire: $20 per hiker to be paid on-site
More comfortable inflatable mattress hire: $15 per hiker to be paid on-site
Travel Insurance
Emergency evacuation to local hospital if needed
In case of emergencies: bring an extra $200 and a credit card
What you need to bring:
Information Needed At Booking:
Special dietary restrictions
Reservations for on-site sleeping bag and/or inflatable mattress pad rental
Information Needed Before Trip:
Cusco Hotel Address and Phone Number for pickup and drop-off
Personal global phone number (if available)
Emergency contact Info
Final/full payment is due 30 days before trip
Documents Needed During Trip:
Passport valid 6 months after trip date and that matches what was provided to purchase Inca Trail permit.
Copy of traveler's insurance to provide to the guides for their records.
Failure to provide either one of these, can, and has, resulted in travellers being unable to continue on tour, so don't leave home without it.
Travel Guard offers competitive plans. Insurance items to include: emergency evacation, medical, trip interruption, baggage delay, and adventure sports waiver. The adventure sports waiver insurance covers high-alitude hiking.
Machu Picchu Hotel:
For a real treat after your hike, stay overnight at the only hotel on the grounds of Machu Picchu: The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu.
 |