ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – PATABAMBA – HUCHUY QOSQO
Your adventure begins at 6:00 AM with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. From here, we drive about 1 hour in private transport to the highland village of Patabamba (3,800 m / 12,467 ft)—the starting point of today’s trek.
Into the Highlands
After gearing up, we begin a gentle uphill hike lasting approximately 3 hours, gradually reaching the highest point of the trek at 4,200 m / 13,779 ft. The reward: open views over snow-capped peaks, wide valleys, and remote Andean landscapes.
From the pass, we descend toward the village of Pucamarca, where we visit the Inca ruins and take time to explore this lesser-visited archaeological site.
Arrival at Huchuy Qosqo
Continuing along a section of the original Inca Trail, we arrive at the impressive Inca city of Huchuy Qosqo, dramatically perched above the Sacred Valley. You’ll have time to explore the site, learn about its history, and enjoy panoramic views stretching far below.
Andean Homestay Experience
In the afternoon, we head to a local family homestay, where your guide will introduce you to your hosts. You’ll be shown to your room and bathroom, equipped with a proper toilet, ensuring comfort while still enjoying an authentic experience.
Later, enjoy afternoon tea, followed by a home-cooked dinner shared with your host family.
As night falls, the experience becomes truly special. Far from city lights, you’ll witness a sky filled with stars. Your guide will point out Inca constellations, offering a unique connection to ancient Andean cosmology.
Day Overview
- Meals Included: Picnic lunch, afternoon tea, dinner
- Accommodation: Local family homestay (proper toilet included)
- Distance: ~13 km / 8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 2: HUCHUY Q’OSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
After a nourishing breakfast, we begin the day with a guided tour of the Huchuy Qosqo Inca City. Walking through the site, you’ll discover finely built Inca temples, farming terraces, storehouses, and water channels, all strategically positioned high above the Sacred Valley. Your guide will explain the historical importance of Huchuy Qosqo and how it played a pivotal role in shaping Inca political and religious history.
Descent to the Sacred Valley
Once the visit is complete, we begin a 2-hour downhill walk toward Lamay, enjoying changing landscapes as we descend from the high Andes into the valley. At Lamay, our private van will be waiting to continue the journey to Urubamba, where we’ll stop for lunch.
Moray: The Greenhouses of the Incas
In the afternoon, we visit the remarkable archaeological site of Moray, often referred to as “The Greenhouses of the Incas.” This unique circular complex features concentric terraces carved deep into the earth, each level creating a distinct microclimate. Archaeologists believe the Incas used Moray as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with crops and growing conditions—an extraordinary display of scientific ingenuity.
Maras Salt Mines: Pre-Inca Engineering
Next, we travel to the colonial town of Maras and descend to the famous Pre-Inca Salt Mines (Salineras). Thousands of salt pans cascade down the hillside, fed by a natural saltwater spring. These pans have been worked continuously since pre-Inca times and are still owned and maintained by local families. This is one of the rare places on Earth where you’ll find naturally occurring pink salt.
Ollantaytambo & Train to Machu Picchu
Our journey continues to Ollantaytambo, the only living Inca town still functioning as it did centuries ago. Here, you’ll explore its massive stone terraces and astronomical structures, learning how the city served as a strategic, ceremonial, and agricultural center.
After dinner at a local restaurant, we board the 19:04 train to Aguas Calientes, traveling through the dramatic Urubamba River canyon. Upon arrival, we’ll walk to your hotel for a well-earned night of rest—ready for the highlight of the journey the following day.
Day Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: 2★ hotel in Aguas Calientes (Intipunku Tambo or Wiracocha Inn Hotel)
- Distance: ~7 km / 4.3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Wake up early for the highlight of your trip! After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise over this legendary citadel. The view is unforgettable—a perfect way to start the day.
Your expert guide will lead a two-hour tour through the main sectors of Machu Picchu: agricultural terraces, residential areas, and sacred temples. You’ll see the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry, and the House of the Inca, all while learning about the history and significance of this Incan masterpiece.
Optional Hikes:
If you booked in advance, you can hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views. These extra hikes let you experience the citadel from new perspectives and create unforgettable photo opportunities.
After your tour, you’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your schedule, you’ll also have free time to explore the town, shop for souvenirs, visit the museum, or relax at the hot springs.
Return Journey:
In the afternoon, board the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo. The scenic ride follows the winding Urubamba River, with narrow canyon views, rushing whitewater, and the chance to spot the ancient ruins of Wiñay Wayna along the cliffs. At Ollantaytambo, your private driver will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 7:00 p.m.
Meals included: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE HUCHUY QOSQO TREK?
- Transfer from your the airport to your hotel
- Briefing at our office the night before the trekking departure
- Pick up from your hotel on the morning of the trek departure
- All transfers in our van only for Apple Travel Peru clients’
- Entry fee to Machu Picchu
- Entrance tickets to Moray, Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo
- Entry to Huchuy Qosqo
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Homestay with a local family
- English speaking experienced professional tour guide
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
- 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
- First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Round trip train ticket (Expedition service) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and room, hot shower, phone, storage, wifi, and breakfast included!
- Rain ponchos
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE HUCHUY QOSQO TREK?
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu –$75 USD
- Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain –$75 USD
- Walking Poles -$15 USD
- First breakfast and last lunch
- Upgrade to Vista Dome Train -$67 USD (Return only)
- Optional upgrade for your hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Tips for your guide and the crew of Apple TRAVEL PERU
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request it in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
PRICE
This trek can be done any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers!
- PRICE -$517 USD per person
All-inclusive package, hiking, cultural tour, homestay in the community with local and Machu Picchu. We include the entrance tickets to the Salt mines, Moray, and Ollantaytambo Inca Ruins
EXTRAS
- Optional hotel upgrade
- Upgrade to Vistadome train: $67 USD per person. (Return Only)
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu –$75 USD
- Entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain –$75 USD
- Walking Poles -$15 USD
- Hotel single supplement -$30 USD 2* (for solo travelers)
**Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel which do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request it in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guide tour.
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
- SMALL GROUP up to 8 people, usually around 2 to 6 hikers
- ENGLISH SPEAKING guide
- EARLY TRAIN for the way back to Cusco at 14:55 OR 15:20
- TOURS OF MORAY, SALT MINES, AND OLLANTAYTAMBO
WHY CHOOSE APPLE TRAVEL PERU?
Apple Travel Peru is a family-owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. Apple Travel Peru is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering to PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff is our extended family. We offer them a fair salary to ensure they become financially strong. We are proud of our team without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and amazing experiences to our clients.
Apple Travel Peru knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on, TRIPADVISOR for yourself! Also, we are highly recommended on Conde Nast Travelers, Lonely Planet, and many blogs like Salkantay/Inka Trail! July 14th to 20th 2016 Trek de Lares 4 hours, “It’s the journey, not the destination…”, Lares Pass – Day 3, Trekking in the Sacred Valley.
SMALL GROUPS
To ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at Apple Travel Peru we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES
We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun-loving, great sports, and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
At Apple Travel Peru, we have always believed that we should give back to the local isolated communities. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we always do many service projects and hire locally.
Apple Travel Peru is so proud to be able to support these people, not only employing them but also going back to our own grassroots as they share with their families. It makes us happy to have this holistic approach with our highland employees and their families!
Please read carefully the following information. It will help with your questions about our services and the trek to Machu Picchu!
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be greeted at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange Apple Travel Peru board at the exit from the arrival terminal.
THE BRIEFING
Your briefing will take place the night before your trek. It will be held at our office at 6 or 6:30 pm, depending on your confirmation email details. The office is located at Calle Garcilaso 2010; office 2012.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Lares trek to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE HUCHUY QOSQO TREK
FIRST, to book your Huchuy Qosqo Trek Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here on the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Huchuy Qosqo Trek Machu Picchu entrance and train without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd/ mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the Lares trek Machu Picchu. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address appletravelperu@gmail.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately, the answer is No. Once the tickets for Machu Picchu have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Huchuy Qosqo Trek Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Huchuy Qosqo Trek, other entrances, and reservations. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passports to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, or get on the train.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.
The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA, and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness.
We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing. Check out our day tours on our Main Page.
HIKING HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14 lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30L backpack is usually sufficient.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu is a 20 km/12 hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is (4,200m/13,779ft). The trail is an easy to moderately difficult trek. You have to be moderately fit and be used to regular exercise.
In preparation: try walking 15kms a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well-acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, Apple Travel Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick-up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED OFF AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too. If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we will pick you up there!
AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability (high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore, we usually book the train at 14:55 or 15:20.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many AppleTravel Peru destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory but you can give it when you receive excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, and respect the places and the local people.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING
- A lightweight, waterproof day pack with a change of clothes (about a 30-liter size)
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Warm clothes and trekking pants (trousers)
- Layers of clothes, including thermals, for variable temperatures especially at night
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Camera with extra film and batteries
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
- Woollen socks, gloves, scarf, woolen hat for cold nights
- Insect repellent
- Extra plastic bags, especially in the wet season
- Waterproof clothing or a rain poncho
- Water bottles
- Personal medical kit with a simple whistle
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips
- Walking poles (rentable)
- Favorite snacks
- Toilet paper
- Sandals or flip-flop
- Swimming suit (optional for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Original passport and university card if is applicable
