Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Short Inca Trail 4 Days

Enjoy the experience with the Andean local families on the way to Machu Picchu

Itinerary:

• Day1 - Cusco - Weaving demonstration - Huchuy Qosqo Home Stay

  

  We leave Cusco at 7:00AM in a private transport that takes us to Chinchero to then follow on to Tauca, a small Andean community to learn about the dyeing and weaving process, here we will see how the local women use the natural plants, roots, seeds, leaves and insects to dye the alpaca wool, there you can choose to do a weaving lesson to learn the basic structure of weaving. After we will continue with our trek to Huchuy Qosqo; we start hiking uphill amidst beautiful mountain scenery with presence of llamas, alpacas and lovely views of the Piuray Lagoon until we reach the only mountain pass of this program at (4500m/14760ft) around two hours. We then start descending along a restored Inca Trail for an approximated 1h towards the small Andean community of Pucamarca (4010m/13153ft). From there, we walk downhill towards the Leon Punku ravine, where we find remains of an Inca bridge and trail. This canyon boasts geological formations surrounded by majestic rocks and boulders that direct the river to Huchuy Qosqo at (3600m/11808ft), here we will meet with a local family for our home stay. After lunch they will take you in a deep cultural encounter with the daily life issues. Depending on the season they might be farming, herding and farming guinea pig

  • Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
  • Overnight at family house of Huchuy Qosqo

• Day2 - Huchuy Qosqo – Andean dish (Pachamanca) preparation - Ollantaytambo

  

  In the morning enjoy your breakfast with the family; we will leave the family house at 8:00am to continue with the guided tour of Huchuy Qosqo Inca site. It’s an Inca archaeological complex with imposing architecture that includes a large open ceremonial center, from which we enjoy a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, the Vilcanota River, and the snowcapped mountains around, after one and half hours downhill with a stunning view of the Sacred Valley we will reach the authentic village of Villa Carmen Community in the Sacred Valley, upon arrival and, you will have an affectionate welcome by the members of the community with colorful native clothes and Andean music. Then we will start the preparation of this experience flavors of the Andes known as Pachamanca. It is a way of preparing food that consists of digging a hole in the ground, placing some stones in it, previously heated with firewood. Then, put various types of ingredients on top such as potatoes, cassava, sweet potato, corn, cheese, broad beans, chicken meat, vegetables and other ingredients. After sharing this organic lunch with the locals, our private transport will be waiting for us, to take us to Ollantaytambo town place where we will spend the night.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Overnight at the Hotel in Ollantaytambo: Casa Blanca Lodge or similar

• Day3 - Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Inca Trail – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

  

  Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the train station, here you will board the train that will take you to Km. 104 or Chachabamba, from where we will start the four-hour ascent that will take us past spectacular overlooks above the great valley, then beneath a lovely waterfall near the delightful site of Wiñay Wayna. We ascend through this largest and most exquisite of the Inca Trail sites, passing its chain of ritual baths and elegantly curved terracing, and then joining the main Inca Trail. Suddenly we cross the stone threshold of Inti Punku (Gate of the Sun) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human artistry —a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu. We walk the last half-hour or so down the royal flagstone walkway, past outlying shrines and buildings and through the heart of Machu Picchu, taking a bus to the small town of Aguas Calientes.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Box-Lunch, Dinner
  • Overnight at the hotel in Aguas Calientes: Flowers House or similar

• Day4 - Machu Picchu Tour – Back to Cusco

  

  Excursion to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, short ride (25 minutes) up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, and you will participate in a guided tour, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the most important preserved Intihuatana, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows. Optional climb to Huayna Picchu Mountain; from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being high and distant (not included in the price): In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from here by bus to Cusco. Upon arrival reception and transfer to your Hotel.

  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Whats included

• • 01 hotel night in Ollantaytambo town
  • 01 Hotel Night in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)
  • 01 Night home stay in Huchuy Qosqo community
  • Entry Ticket to Huchuy Qosqo Inca Site
  • Entry Ticket to Inca Trail
  • Entry Tickets for Machu Picchu
  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure
  • Private transportation from Cusco to Taucca community (head of the trek)
  • Private transportation from Lamay to Ollantyatmbo train station
  • English speaking Professional Guide
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food)
  • First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
  • 3 bus tickets (up and down from Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes)
  • Train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 Chachabamba
  • Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Private transfer from Ollantaytambo Train Station to your Cusco hotel

Not included

• • Hotel accommodations in Cusco
  • Travel Insurance (obligatory)
  • Domestic flights
  • Alcoholic beverages or bottled water
  • Laundry
  • meals which are not mentioned
  • Entrance fee to Wayna Picchu Mountain
  • Tips