Alternative Trek to Machu Picchu
Huchuy Qosqo Hike (small Cusco) to Machu Picchu is perfect if you are looking for a one day walk in the mountains observing the beautiful landscapes and wildlife of the Urubamba Mountian Range in the Andes. Huchuy Qosqo Hike is one of the excellent and popular alternative treks to Machu Picchu. On this trek, you will see impressive Andean mountains, birds, creeks and sacred lakes, as well as the magnificent archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo. You will pass through different communities and have the opportunity to see their customs, agriculture, clothing, and language.
We will begin the tour with an early morning pick up from your hotel, at 7:30 am, to drive right over to Patabamba (3800 m.). The day’s hike will start at this point, and will continue through Andean landscapes and over the Pukamarca Pass at 3,800m, we will hike along a path that leads to the Tauca town, where we encounter archaeological remains and wild crops, such as tarwi, and a large quantity of cactus. We continue on to the Pukamarca pass at 4200, where we may enjoy views of the Surrounding area, immense mountains, Veronica, Pitusiray, Chicon and San Juan snow peaks.
Continuing the path, we will descend towards the beautiful, remote Andean pueblo, Pukamarca at 4010m, where we stop and have a short break. As get back on the move, we will walk downhill into a mystical ancient path which will lead us to the Leon Punku Ravine. We will be led into a very narrow corridor, between some immense rock walls, where we will discover some Incan remains and various Inca bridges and sets of stairs (some of the best Inca Stairs anywhere). This canyon is absolutely magical and boasts geological formations surrounded by majestic rocks and boulders that direct the river to Huchuy Qosqo at 3600m, where we will soon be arriving. Upon our arrival to the ruins in the evening, we will actually continue on past the ruins and to our accommodations for the night. We will have dinner and sleep in the typical home of a native of the area, just to the side of the Huchuy Qosqo ruins.
Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca archaeological complex which is perched precariously on the side of a mountain with imposing architecture that includes a large open ceremonial center, from which we enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, the Vilcanota River, and the snow capped mountain range of the same name. While in the complex, we will receive a guided tour as we make our way around the ruins after which we continue our way down the mountain, to Lamay at 3000m/ 9840 ft. Lamay is a town dedicated to agriculture and cattle raising. Later in the afternoon, our private transport drives us to Ollantaytambo, where we will board an afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride to get there is an absolutely gorgeous route, renowned the world round for its’ beauty. Upon our arrival to Aguas Calientes all passengers will be shown their respective hotels.
After enjoying an early morning breakfast at your hotel, you will want to take the earliest bus up to Machu Picchu that you can. The first bus leaves at about 5:30 am and arrives to the ruins about 30 minutes later (though the line for the first bus starts a good deal earlier). You will be able to explore around the ruins a bit (or you can sign up for Huayna Picchu) before taking part in your 2 and a half hour guided tour of the site , as your guide explains to you about the rich history and architecture as he shows you around. Afterwards, you will have some more time to explore on your own (or you can walk up Huayna Picchu), before descending back down the mountain to Aguas Calientes, to catch the afternoon train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco at about 5:05 (earlier for the Vista Dome)(subject to availability). We arrive to Poroy at approximately 8:00 pm. There will be an Andina Travel representative waiting there for you to bring you back to your hotel in Cusco
