Tour Details:
This 3-day private trekking experience combines the majestic visit to Machu Picchu with a scenic and culturally rich hike through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Your journey begins by exploring the lesser-known but impressive archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo, meaning “Little Cusco” in Quechua, once used by the Incas for sacred rituals and offerings to their gods.
Hiking along ancient Inca trails between Cusco and traditional Andean villages, you will witness breathtaking landscapes and connect with Peru’s living culture in a more intimate and authentic way.
This trek is available exclusively as a private service (from 2 participants), meaning you control the group size, and no outside travelers will join your tour. It’s the perfect choice for couples, friends, families, or small groups looking for a personalized and flexible adventure.
Highlights:
- Trek a scenic and uncrowded route through the Andean highlands, far from the typical tourist trails.
- Explore the hidden Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo with panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.
- Visit traditional Andean communities and experience authentic local culture.
- Marvel at landscapes featuring lakes, canyons, and snow-capped mountains.
- Travel by train through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes.
- Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- Ideal for travelers with limited time who want adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
- No special permits needed — a flexible and accessible Inca Trail alternative.
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Itinerary
DAY 1: Cusco – Tambomachay – Patabamba
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft). After a short 25-minute drive, you’ll arrive at the Inca site of Tambomachay (3,700 m / 12,139 ft), a ceremonial center known for its finely carved aqueducts and water fountains used in spiritual rituals.
From Tambomachay, you begin your trek along original Inca trails, ascending gradually through high Andean landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass remote farming areas, interact with local shepherds, and enjoy panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the snowcapped Vilcanota range.
The route takes you through wide puna grasslands, small lakes, and native flora and fauna. With luck, you may spot wild Andean geese, falcons, or even the elusive Andean fox.
After about 12 km (7.5 miles) of trekking—approximately 6 to 7 hours of moderate walking—you arrive at the picturesque community of Patabamba (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), where you will be warmly welcomed by local hosts.
Settle into a traditional rural lodge or homestay, enjoy a nourishing homemade dinner, and experience the tranquility of Andean village life.
- Trekking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Estimated hiking time: 6–7 hours
- Starting altitude: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft
- Overnight altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
- Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: Patabamba – Huchuy Qosqo – Aguas Calientes
After an early breakfast in Patabamba (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), you begin your trek towards the ancient Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo. The trail ascends gently through open landscapes with stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Urubamba range. You’ll pass through Pumamarka Pass, the highest point of the day at approximately 4,200 m / 13,780 ft.
From the pass, the trail descends through a narrow canyon into a lush valley before reaching Huchuy Qosqo (3,600 m / 11,811 ft), an impressive yet little-visited archaeological complex perched on a plateau above the Sacred Valley. Your guide will lead a tour of the site, explaining its significance as a ceremonial and administrative center used by the Incas.
After lunch near the ruins and time to explore, you continue descending to the village of Lamay (2,940 m / 9,646 ft), located in the Sacred Valley. From here, a vehicle will transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board an evening train to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft), the gateway to Machu Picchu.
- Trekking distance: Approx. 14 km / 8.7 miles
- Estimated hiking time: 7–8 hours
- Highest altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
- Overnight altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
DAY 3: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
After an early breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft), you will board one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft) to enter the citadel as it opens, avoiding the larger crowds.
Enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, during which your professional guide will explain the history, architecture, and spiritual significance of this legendary Inca city. After the tour, you will have free time to explore on your own, take photos, or hike an optional short trail (such as the Inca Bridge or Sun Gate, if available).
After descending back to Aguas Calientes by bus, you’ll have time for lunch (not included) before boarding your train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, a private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco, with drop-off at your hotel in the early evening.
- Walking distance (within Machu Picchu): Variable, approx. 2–4 km
- Estimated time at site: 3–4 hours including free time
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Cusco arrival altitude: 3,400 m / 11,155 ft
- Meals included: Breakfast
Included / Excluded
- 1 night in a comfortable rural lodge or homestay in Patabamba (with basic amenities).
- 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (double or twin room with private bathroom).
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and snacks during the hike.
- Professional cook and cooking equipment during the trek.
- Dining and kitchen tents where applicable.
- Coca tea served each morning.
- Boiled water provided at campsites to prepare tea or coffee.
- Dietary options such as vegetarian or vegan meals are available upon request. Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to Tambomachay (starting point).
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Expedition or similar).
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo.
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
- Professional bilingual (English/Spanish) guide.
- Assistant guide for groups of 9+ travelers.
- All guides are certified and have a minimum of 3 years of experience.
- Guides carry a first aid kit and an emergency oxygen bottle.
- Entrance ticket to Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Detailed pre-departure briefing with your guide at our office in Cusco, one day before the trek (between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.).
- Breakfast on the first day (you can bring your own or purchase it en route).
- Lunch and dinner on the third day (in Aguas Calientes or Cusco).
- Bottled water during the trek (you can buy water along the route or refill with boiled water at campsites).
- Sleeping bag (available for rent: $15.00 USD).
- Trekking poles (available for rent: $20.00 USD).
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($60.00 USD). Advance booking required and subject to availability.
- Shuttle bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes ($12.00 USD per person) — or hike down at no cost.
- Tips for the guide, cook, or drivers.
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- National or international flights.
- Any services not clearly mentioned in the itinerary.
What to Bring:
- Original passport (required for trail checkpoints)
- Valid student ID (if applicable, for potential discounts)
- Warm sleeping bag (rated to at least -8°C / 17°F)
- Sturdy hiking boots (well broken-in and waterproof)
- Layered clothing for variable temperatures, especially at night
- Insulated jacket, thermal base layers, and trekking pants (avoid jeans)
- Wool socks, gloves, scarf, and a warm hat for cold nights
- Rain poncho and/or waterproof rain jacket (especially important in rainy season)
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
- Insect repellent (recommended for forested areas)
- Plastic bags to organize items and protect from moisture
- Garbage bags to line your backpack and keep items dry
- Toiletries, biodegradable soap, toilet paper, and a small towel
- Bathing suit (for optional hot springs visit)
- Reusable water bottle (optional: water purification tablets or filter)
- Personal first-aid kit and any prescribed medications
- Small whistle for emergency signaling
- Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
- Extra cash for snacks, souvenirs, and optional tips
- Trekking poles (strongly recommended; available for rent)
Additional Information
IMPORTANT:
To issue your Machu Picchu entry ticket, the Peruvian authorities require the following information exactly as it appears on your passport:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
Please ensure all details are accurate when making your reservation.
Pre-Trip Briefing:
A representative from Sungate Peru Travel will contact you one day before your departure to arrange a pre-trip briefing. This meeting will take place in your hotel lobby or at our office, as agreed in advance, around 6:00 PM.
During the briefing, we will provide a detailed step-by-step itinerary map and deliver all relevant tickets and documents for your journey.
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
