If you are looking for a unique and exciting trek to explore the beauty of Peru, then the Huchuy Qosqo Short Inca Trail trek is just the right choice for you. This 4-day trek offers an unforgettable experience that includes breathtaking scenery, ancient ruins, and a visit to one of the seven wonders of the world – Machu Picchu. Let’s dive into the itinerary of this amazing trek.
Day 1: Cusco – Tambomachay – Qenqo City
The trek starts early morning at 6:00 am from your hotel in Cusco. The first destination is Tambomachay, which is just 20 minutes away from Cusco. From here, you’ll start a slow walk towards the highest passes of Cusco. The trek will take around 4 hours, during which you’ll witness the beauty of wide meadows, birds, and beautiful lakes.
After the trek, you’ll have lunch at Lake Koriccocha at an altitude of 3,700m (12,130ft). After lunch, the trek continues towards Qenqo village at an altitude of 3,800m (12,467ft). Along the way, you’ll be able to see herds of llamas and alpacas belonging to the local residents. Qenqo is a small town with only a few hundred inhabitants who make a living from agriculture.
The trek will cover a distance of 10 km and will take around 6 hours to complete. You’ll have lunch and dinner provided, and you’ll spend the night camping. The trek’s difficulty level is medium.
Day 2: Qenqo – Lamay – Ollantaytambo
On the second day of the trek, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the local village in the early morning while having a cup of coffee and watching the first rays of sunshine. After breakfast, the trek will continue with a gradual ascent to the highest mountains, offering spectacular views of the Sacred Valley.
After the ascent, you’ll drive downhill for 2 hours to Huchuy Qosqo, which is an ancient city in the Sacred Valley at an altitude of 3600m (1118127 feet). Along the way, you’ll cross refreshing streams, beautiful gorges, and stunning views of the Andes.
After exploring the Inca site, the trek will continue for 1 hour and 30 minutes to the Sacred Valley for the last picnic. The last part of the trek will be by minibus, covering the Sacred Valley until you reach Ollantaytambo where you’ll check-in at the hotel.
The trek will cover a distance of 8 km and will take around 5 hours to complete. You’ll have breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided, and you’ll spend the night at Tunupa Lodge or similar. The trek’s difficulty level is easy.
Day 3: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – City of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes)
The third day is the highlight of the trek as you embark on the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You will wake up early at your hotel in Ollantaytambo, have breakfast, and then take the first train from the Ollantaytambo train station at Km. 104 to start the trek. Once you pass the checkpoint, you’ll begin the Short Inca Trail, which takes approximately 7 hours to complete. This trail is known for being the most picturesque and culturally significant of all the trails to Machu Picchu.
The trail takes you through stunning landscapes of Andean valleys, cloud forests, and ancient Inca ruins. Along the way, you’ll visit incredible Inca sites such as Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna and pass through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) where you’ll be greeted by an unforgettable view of Machu Picchu.
The Short Inca Trail Trek allows you to visit the most important sites of the Classic Inca Trail, including the Wiñaywayna ruins and the Sun Gate. Plus, you have the option of going twice to Machu Picchu. If you plan your times correctly, you can arrive in Machu Picchu after 4 pm and find the place almost empty as everyone starts leaving the citadel early.
After spending a full day on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus to Aguas Calientes, check in at your hotel, have dinner at a local restaurant, and get an early sleep to prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Day 4: Machu Picchu (The lost city of the Incas)
On the last day of the trek, you’ll wake up early at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, have breakfast, and take the first buses to Machu Picchu. If the weather is nice, you can witness the fantastic sunrise over Machu Picchu, which is truly an unforgettable experience.
The guided tour lasts from 2 to 3 hours, during which your guide will show you the best of Machu Picchu. You’ll learn about the history and culture of the Incas, their engineering feats, and the spiritual significance of the site. You’ll then have free time to explore the area on your own, take photographs, or climb Mount Huayna Picchu or Mount Machu Picchu. These tickets must be booked in advance and are subject to availability.
After exploring Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included), then take the scenic train and bus to Ollantaytambo and a private van to Cusco. The TreXperience team will take you back safely to your hotel around 7:30 pm.
In conclusion the Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu is a fantastic option for those who want to explore the Andean region of Cusco and witness the beauty of Machu Picchu. This 4-day trek takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley, where you’ll see stunning lakes, snow-capped mountains, and ancient Inca ruins.
The trek is suitable for anyone with moderate fitness levels, and the professional and knowledgeable
