Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu

Departure begins at 6:00 am from Cusco, following a quiet transition toward Chinchero, where the landscape opens into highland fields still used for grazing and agriculture. From here, the trail begins with a steady uphill walk across grassland terrain, gaining elevation over the first two hours.

As altitude settles, views extend back toward Cusco and the surrounding mountains. The path continues at a consistent pace until reaching Qoricocha Lake, where lunch is prepared and shared outdoors. The setting is open and exposed, shaped by wind and silence.

In the afternoon, a short ascent leads to the highest point of the route. From there, the trail connects with original Inca stonework, marking a shift in the terrain underfoot. The descent follows this path for several hours, moving through valleys and along a defined canyon.

Arrival at Huchuy Qosqo comes in the late afternoon. Camp is set on the terraces near the site, where the remains blend into the surrounding land. The evening remains quiet, with dinner prepared by the team and shared in open space.

Details
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft
• Walking time: 7 hrs
• Walking distance: 14 km / 9 mi
• Accommodation: Andean Expedition Camps
• Qoricocha (trailhead): 3,650 m / 11,975 ft
• Qoricocha Lake: 3,750 m / 12,303 ft
• Huchuy Qosqo (camp): 3,600 m / 11,808 ft
• Arrival: approx. 4:00 pm

Morning begins at camp with tea prepared by the team, followed by breakfast as the light reaches the terraces. A guided walk through Huchuy Qosqo focuses on how the site relates to the valley below—storage structures, water channels, and agricultural platforms still aligned with the terrain.

The route then descends toward Lamay over a steady two-hour walk. The environment shifts gradually into a warmer valley, with cultivated fields and local activity becoming more present. Lunch is shared near the valley floor.

From Lamay, transport follows the Sacred Valley toward Ollantaytambo. The town maintains its original Inca layout, where streets and water channels continue in use. There is time to walk through the town before continuing.

In the afternoon, the train follows the river deeper into the valley toward Aguas Calientes. Vegetation becomes denser, and humidity increases. Upon arrival, the group settles into the hotel. Dinner takes place in town, followed by a short briefing for the next day.

Details:
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 3,600 m / 11,808 ft
• Walking time: 6 hrs
• Walking distance: 12 km / 7.4 mi
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Huchuy Qosqo (trailhead): 3,600 m / 11,808 ft
• Ollantaytambo: 2,840 m / 9,315 ft
• Aguas Calientes: 2,070 m / 6,791 ft
• Arrival: approx. 6:00 pm

The day begins early, before the main flow of visitors. The ascent to Machu Picchu takes place in low light, either on foot or by bus. As the site becomes visible, the surrounding mountains define its scale and position.

The guided visit focuses on relationships—between structures, water systems, and the terrain. Rather than isolated facts, the approach follows how the site functions within the landscape. Native vegetation and cloud forest conditions remain present, with occasional sightings of local birdlife such as the Andean cock-of-the-rock and other species adapted to this environment.

After the guided portion, time is left open to move independently. The descent returns to Aguas Calientes, where lunch is taken according to individual preference.

In the afternoon, the train follows the river back to Ollantaytambo. From there, transport returns to Cusco, arriving in the early evening.

Details:
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft
• Walking time: 5–6 hrs
• Walking distance: 8 km / 4.9 mi
• Aguas Calientes: 2,070 m / 6,791 ft
• Machu Picchu: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft
• Cusco (final): 3,350 m / 10,990 ft
• Arrival in Cusco: approx. 6:30 pm
• Total distance: 34 km / 26.7 mi