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For those short of time, yet adventurous in nature, this is the perfect trip, combining a visit to Machu Picchu ( The Old Peak) and the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo (Small Cusco). the Huchuy Qosqo trek offers spectacular views of the Sacred valley

The Huchuy Qosqo trek enables you to cross from Cusco to the Sacred Valley. Even though it would appear to be in a populated area, you soon discover the true wildness of the Andes. Gain appreciation of the isolated lives that the Andean Indians live. Huchuy Qosqo (Small Cusco) is an interesting set of ruins that are believed to have been abandoned by the time the Spanish arrived in Peru. On day three you will visit the famous citadel of Machu Picchu, the old peak.

Old Peak and Small Cusco- at a glance

Contactnos para la version castellano

highlight: spectacular views over the Sacred Valley from Huchuy Qosqo

location: departs tambomachay, about 15 minutes out of Cusco city

duration:3 days/2 nights

level: Easy/ moderate by Andean standards. Still involves several hours of climbing.

adventure rating: although near Cusco and heavily populated areas you feel as if you are well off the beaten track.

departs: any day with two people. We offer affordably priced tours for 2 people so that you can depart any day. To join a group tour or form your own tour, please see Trekkers Wanted. Maximum group size 10.

combos: can be combined with our 'trek extensions' that include Lima and Cusco accomodation and transfers.

departs: any day with two people.

Full itinerary

What's included/What should I bring

Lowest price: $345 - see price list below

Testimonials - what people who have done the trip say!

Reservations - to make a booking or enquire about availability, please read our making a booking page and then email us for reservation forms!

Get excited and enthusiastic about you own dream. This excitement is like a forest fire - you can smell it, taste it, and see it from a mile away. Denis Waitley

Full itinerary & inclusions Old Peak & Small Cusco tour (Huchuy Qosqo trek and Machu Picchu extension)

Day 1 - We leave Cusco at 8am, and catch a local bus to the interesting ruins of Tambo Machay. From here we climb steeply upwards until we have spectacular views over Cusco City.

We then cross the mountains, pass pretty alpine lakes, and pastures where llamas graze. Campesino farmers also grow potatoes here. We then follow an Inca trail downward to a village of stone huts, with thatched straw on their roofs.

During the day we cross four gentle passes, the highest of which is 4350m. As such, while this is considered an "easy" hike by Andean standards you should still be prepared to climb for quite a few hours upwards. After about 6 hours we arrive at a small hamlet known as Pucamarca, where we will camp for the night.

Day 2

After breakfast, we pass through a narrow but spectacular canyon and arrive with wonderful views over the Sacred Valley. After about 2 hours of walking we will arrive at Huchuy Cusco. g we explore the ruins of Huchuy Cusco and ponder its role as "Small Cusco". From here it is three and a half hours stunning descent into the Sacred Valley. We will have a late lunch in the typical and untouristed village of Lamay.

From here, we will take local transport to to Ollantaytambo, where you should have time to visit the ruins and explore this village which has a similar layout as in Inca times. 8pm train departs Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, arrives 9.30pm Night in Aguas Calientes

Day 3 - Day at Machu Picchu (the first bus leaves at approx. 6am) including climbing Huayna Picchu if you wish. 4.20pm train departs Machu Picchu, arrives Ollantaytambo 6.30pm (approx.) or Cusco 8.30pm

The story of this adventure is recounted at
On the Trail to Small Cusco

Want to visit Huchuy Qosqo in one day, why don't you check out the Inca Estates tour?

Itinerary Notes

• The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
• If required, riding horses or horses to carry luggage can be arranged at a reasonable daily rate.

Included:

• Transport to Tambo Machay
• Transport to Aguas Calientes return on backpacker train
• Accomodation in basic hostal in Aguas Calientes
• While camping, 3 good and nutritious meals per day made by experienced cook. Optional meals for vegetarians.
• Camping equipment includes tents, mattresses, and kitchen equipment.
• Guide
• Cook
• Mules for camping and kitchen equipment.
• First-Aid kit.
• Entry fee to Machu Picchu (125 soles/ $35)
• Bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
• Train ticket (Backpacker service) from Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo.
• 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in one star hotel. This will be a nice, clean and safe hostel with breakfast included and private bathroom. If you wish to upgrade from this hotel, please check out the options listed on our Aguas Calientes accommodation page.
• Train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (valued at $8)
• Bus up and down to Machu Picchu (valued at $14 US)
• Celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes village
• Box lunch final day in Machu Picchu
• Camping fee at Huchuy Qosqo

What is not included?

• Breakfast on the first morning.
• Lunch on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu Picchu, you will have the choice to further explore Machu Picchu on your own, dine at the restaurant in Machu Picchu or return to Aguas Calientes
• Entrance to the thermal springs
• Sleeping bags (can be hired from us for US$5 per day) If you haven't got a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have sleeping bags for hire.
• Tips for the guide, cook and porters
• Additional horses for passengers luggage. If there are any substantial items or backpacks, passengers will need to hire an additional mule at a cost of $8US per day.

You should bring:

• A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
• Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
• Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - although no malaria risk has been reported
• Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
  We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
• Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol etc.
• Small towel or sarong
• Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
• Cash - sufficient for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
• Original passport & ISIC card (if you have one).
• Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
• Binoculars (if you have them)
  

optional extras We can hire the following.

• Sleeping Bag suitable for -5deg. ($4.00 per day)
• Deluxe Sleeping Bag suitable for -10deg. ($6.00 per day)
• Walking stick lightweight aluminum ($1.00 per day)
• Inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) ($5.00 per day)
• Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
• Mule - $9.00 per day Most people carry their own day pack with up to 5-10kg of their things - a change of clothes and wet weather gear etc. However, if you think that you will have much luggage and you want a very light day pack (eg. just camera and water) then its advisable that you hire an extra mule .

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APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - we support sustainable, responsible and ethical tourism...

366 Cuichipunco, Centro Historico, Cusco, Peru- Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005-2009. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru