Overview
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
- Combine the Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Short Inca Trail in a single 4-day journey.
- Hike through peaceful high-Andean landscapes and traditional communities.
- Visit the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo overlooking the Sacred Valley.
- Experience a combination of camping and hotel accommodation along the route.
- Travel from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 to begin the Short Inca Trail.
- Explore Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna along the historic Inca route.
- Walk through Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, before reaching Machu Picchu.
- Experience two visits to the Machu Picchu area across Days 3 and 4.
- Explore Machu Picchu with a professional guide on the final day.
- Return from Aguas Calientes by train and continue by private transportation to Cusco.
JOURNEY OVERVIEW
01
Cusco – Tambomachay – Qoricocha – PukamarcaTravel from Cusco to Tambomachay and begin hiking through high-Andean landscapes, stopping near Qoricocha Lake before continuing to the first campsite at Pukamarca.
02
Pukamarca – Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – OllantaytamboDescend toward Huchuy Qosqo, explore the archaeological site, and continue to Lamay before traveling through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo.
03
Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku – Aguas CalientesTravel by train to Km 104 and hike the Short Inca Trail through Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna before reaching the Sun Gate and continuing toward Machu Picchu.
04
Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – CuscoReturn to Machu Picchu for the main guided visit before traveling back through Aguas Calientes and Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Itinerary
Cusco – Tambomachay – Qoricocha – Pukamarca
Your adventure begins with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 7:00 a.m. Travel for around 20 minutes to Tambomachay, where the trekking route begins.
Start hiking gradually into the high-Andean landscapes above Cusco, surrounded by open grasslands, mountain lakes, native vegetation, birdlife, and expansive views of the surrounding Andes.
After approximately four hours of hiking, stop for lunch near Qoricocha Lake at 3,700 m / 12,139 ft. Your trekking team will prepare lunch while you rest and enjoy the mountain surroundings.
After lunch, continue toward Pukamarca at approximately 3,800 m / 12,467 ft. Along the route, you may encounter llamas and alpacas belonging to local families before arriving at the first campsite for dinner and an overnight stay.
- Hiking Distance13 km / 8.1 miles
- Duration6 to 8 hours
- Highest Altitude3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- MealsLunch and dinner
- AccommodationCamping
- DifficultyModerate
Pukamarca – Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Ollantaytambo
Begin the morning in Pukamarca with a hot drink followed by breakfast. From the campsite, continue along the mountain route with views toward the Sacred Valley and surrounding Andean peaks.
Descend for approximately two hours toward Huchuy Qosqo, located at approximately 3,600 m / 11,811 ft. Explore the archaeological site with your guide and learn about its terraces, buildings, and historical importance.
After visiting Huchuy Qosqo, continue downhill toward Lamay, where the trekking section concludes with a picnic lunch.
Later, travel by private transportation through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and rest before beginning the Short Inca Trail section the following morning.
- Hiking Distance8 km / 5 miles
- Duration5 hours
- Highest Altitude3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- MealsBreakfast and lunch
- AccommodationCocatambo Hotel or similar
- DifficultyEasy to Moderate
Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Begin early at your hotel and board the train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. After completing the checkpoint procedures with your original passport, enjoy a fresh picnic breakfast before beginning the hike.
The first archaeological site of the day is Chachabamba, located near the Urubamba River. From there, begin a gradual ascent through cloud forest toward Wiñay Wayna, one of the major archaeological sites along the Inca Trail.
Near Wiñay Wayna, stop for a picnic lunch and take time to rest before continuing along the final section of the trail.
Continue for approximately one hour toward Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where the route offers panoramic views toward Machu Picchu. From there, follow the trail toward the archaeological complex and its panoramic sector.
After completing the Day 3 visit, take the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. Check in to your hotel, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and rest before the main guided visit the following day.
- Hiking Distance15 to 16 km / 9.3 to 10 miles
- Duration6 to 7 hours
- Highest Altitude2,700 m / 8,858 ft
- MealsPicnic breakfast, picnic lunch, snacks, and dinner
- AccommodationFerre Machu Picchu or similar
- DifficultyModerate
Machu Picchu – Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Your entrance time and visit will follow the official ticket and route assigned to your reservation.
Explore Machu Picchu with your guide during an approximately 2 to 2.5-hour visit, learning about the archaeological site’s history, architecture, and cultural significance while following the route permitted by your entrance ticket.
Optional visits to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain require separate entrance tickets and advance reservations and are not included in the standard tour package.
After completing your visit, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Lunch will be on your own before boarding the Expedition train toward Ollantaytambo or Poroy, according to the scheduled service. Continue by private transportation to Cusco, with arrival at your hotel scheduled for approximately 7:30 p.m.
- Guided Tour Duration2 to 2.5 hours
- Machu Picchu Altitude2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- MealsBreakfast at the hotel
- DifficultyEasy
Inclusions
We carefully organize every aspect of your experience from transportation and professional local guides to the services and activities included in your itinerary allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your adventure.
Because every tour is unique, included services may vary depending on the itinerary you choose. We encourage you to review each program carefully before booking to ensure you have all the information you need and can prepare for an unforgettable experience in Cusco and Peru.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
- Entrance ticket to Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Site.
- Official permit and ticket for the Short Inca Trail. Permits are subject to availability and are issued for a specific date under the traveler’s name. Passport number changes are only permitted for passport renewal, in which case both the old and new passports must be provided.
- Machu Picchu Archaeological Site entrance ticket – Circuit 1, Route 1-C.
- Machu Picchu Archaeological Site entrance ticket – Circuit 3, Route 3-B.
Quality Service & Safety
- Pre-departure briefing with your guide before the tour.
- Experienced professional tour guide.
- Private camping equipment, including dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment.
- One duffle bag with a maximum personal baggage allowance of 5 kg, including the weight of your sleeping bag.
- Medical or first aid kit.
- 24/7 customer service.
Meals
- Meals provided according to the daily itinerary.
- Day 3 picnic breakfast and picnic lunch.
- Water on the trail.
Accommodation
- Day 1: Camping accommodation in Pukamarca.
- Day 2: Hotel accommodation in Ollantaytambo.
- Day 3: Hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
Transportation
- Day 1: Pick-up from your hotel and private transportation to Tambomachay, the starting point of the trek.
- Day 2: Private transportation from Lamay to Ollantaytambo.
- Day 3: Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104.
- Day 3: Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 4: Round-trip bus transportation between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Day 4: Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, according to the scheduled service.
- Day 4: Transportation from the train arrival point to your hotel in Cusco.
- Days 1 and 2: Cargo mules for camping equipment and your personal baggage allowance of up to 5 kg.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Sleeping bag.
- Inflatable mattress.
- Walking poles.
- Breakfast on Day 1.
- Dinner on Day 2.
- Lunch and dinner on Day 4.
- Personal hiking gear.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for our staff.
- Additional costs or delays beyond our control, including landslides, adverse weather conditions, itinerary modifications required for safety, illness, changes in government regulations, political instability, strikes, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Before you go
The information below will help you plan your trip, understand how our tours operate, and enjoy a smooth travel experience from the moment you arrive in Cusco until the end of your journey.
Preparing for Your Adventure
A little preparation can make a big difference. We recommend reviewing your itinerary, packing according to the season, and making sure you have all the required travel documents before your tour begins.
If you have any questions before your arrival, our team will be happy to assist you.
Acclimatization in Cusco
Many destinations in the Peruvian Andes are located above 3,000 meters (9,840 feet), making altitude an important factor for travelers.
To help your body adjust, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before beginning any trekking adventure. Staying hydrated, eating light meals, and avoiding intense physical activity during your first day are simple ways to improve acclimatization.
Briefing or Informative Meeting
One day before your departure, our operations team will contact you to confirm your pick-up time, meeting point, and any final details related to your tour.
Please make sure your contact information is available and active during your stay in Cusco.
Trek Balance Payment
If your reservation has an outstanding balance, the remaining payment must be completed before your tour departure according to the terms of your booking confirmation.
For your convenience, we accept payments in Peruvian soles (PEN) or US dollars (USD). You may also pay by credit or debit card or through other available online payment methods. Please note that electronic payments may be subject to a processing fee, depending on the payment platform used.
If you prefer to pay in cash, our team will provide the meeting location and payment instructions before your tour begins.
If you have any questions regarding your balance or payment options, our reservations team will be happy to assist you prior to your arrival.
Hotel Pick-Up
We provide hotel pick-up for most tours within the city of Cusco.
Because the historic center has narrow streets and some areas with limited vehicle access, certain accommodations may require a short walk to the nearest meeting point.
Your exact pick-up time will be confirmed before your tour.
During Your Experience
Our professional guides are committed to providing a safe, enjoyable, and informative experience throughout your journey.
Whether you are joining a cultural excursion or a multi-day trek, we encourage you to travel at your own pace and communicate with your guide if you need assistance at any time.
Group Tours
Group tours bring together travelers from different countries, ages, and fitness levels.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy the experience at a comfortable pace while respecting the group’s schedule and the guide’s instructions. Any operational decisions during the tour will always prioritize safety and the overall experience of all participants.
Weather Conditions
Mountain weather in Peru can change quickly, even during the same day. We recommend wearing layered clothing and carrying rain protection regardless of the season.
Being prepared for changing conditions will help you enjoy every destination comfortably.
Sustainable Travel
We believe that responsible tourism helps preserve Peru’s extraordinary landscapes and cultural heritage.
We encourage our travelers to reduce plastic waste, respect local communities, stay on designated trails, and help protect the natural environment for future generations.
Every small action contributes to a more sustainable travel experience.
Personal Belongings
Please keep your personal belongings with you at all times.
Before leaving transportation, restaurants, campsites, or attractions, check that you have collected all your items.
Experience Colibri Peru cannot be held responsible for personal belongings that are lost, forgotten, or damaged during the tour.
Unexpected Situations
Occasionally, weather conditions, transportation delays, road closures, or circumstances beyond our control may require adjustments to an itinerary.
If this happens, our operations team will always work to provide the best possible alternative while prioritizing your safety and ensuring you continue to enjoy your experience.
We’re Here to Help
Your satisfaction is our priority. From your first inquiry until the end of your journey, the Experience Colibri Peru team is available to answer your questions and provide support whenever you need it.
We look forward to sharing the beauty, history, and culture of Peru with you.
Packing list
Essential
Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Personal medication
Water bottle or CamelBak
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Insect repellent
Personal Care Products
Clothing
Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
Light footwear or sandals
Trekking pants
Trekking socks
Pair of thermal pants
Long sleeve t-shirts
Warm jacket
Rain poncho
Sun hat
Equipment
Trekking poles
Medium trekking backpack (15 – 25 liter)
Sleeping bag
Headlamp
Recommended
Camera and charger
Power bank
Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
Pricing
Huchuy Qosqo & Short Inca Trail 4 Days
Request a personalized quote for your group.
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