Inca Trail 2027 - Limited permits. Plan early with Apple Travel Peru.
Check availability3 Days / 2 Nights
The 3-Day Huchuy Qosqo trek takes you to fascinating Inca ruins, picturesque rural indigenous villages, magnificent snow-capped m,ountains and exotic vegetation. This trail goes off the beaten track, leading you over high Andean passes and through the Sacred Valley of the Incas with its unforgettable scenic views. Along the route, you will visit Moray, often called “the Green House of the Incas,” and the ancient Salt Mines of Maras. Your journey concludes at one of the New 7 Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.
Archaeologists believe the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo was built during the reign of the eighth Inca ruler, Wiracocha. Ancient Inca leaders acquired large royal estates to expand their wealth, leaving these properties to their descendants. These royal estates served as elegant country palaces and, during times of conflict, fortresses to fend off rivals for power. Meaning “Little Cusco,” Huchuy Qosqo was designed as a royal estate and government center modeled after the Inca capital. Your guide will share the full historical significance of this beautiful site throughout your journey.
Trip Highlights
Private or Group
Trekking and Adventure
Up to 8
Camping
Easy
3 Days / 2 Nights
Huchuy Qosqo Trek To Machu Picchu 3 Days
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: Agricultural Laboratory of the Incas
In the afternoon, we visit the remarkable archaeological site of Moray, often referred to as the greenhouse of the Incas. This unique circular complex features concentric terraces carved deep into the earth, with each level creating a distinct microclimate. Archaeologists believe the Incas used Moray to experiment with crop cultivation, demonstrating remarkable agricultural ingenuity.
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.
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 will walk to your hotel for a restful evening before visiting Machu Picchu the following morning.
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 early morning light over the citadel creates an unforgettable start to your 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.
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.
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
This trek can be done any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers!
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
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.
At Apple Travel Peru, we know how essential it is to choose a reliable, honest local operator for your trip of a lifetime. We invite you to explore our verified guest reviews and Certificates of Excellence directly on TripAdvisor.
Our high-quality treks and custom itineraries are also recognized across major travel platforms, including Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and leading travel blogs featuring the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail.
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.
We take great pride in our guiding team. All of our guides are fluent in English, highly professional, and passionate about Andean history. Through continuous research, they provide accurate cultural insights on every site visited. Every lead guide holds a university degree in Tourism, Archaeology, History, Botany, or Anthropology, ensuring an engaging and educational experience.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe responsible tourism means actively supporting highland communities. We prioritize hiring local staff and funding community projects in isolated villages. By offering fair living wages and working directly with local families, we ensure the financial benefits of tourism are shared directly with the people who make these regions so welcoming.
Please read carefully the following information. It will help with your questions about our services and the trek to Machu Picchu!
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.
Your pre-trek briefing will take place the night before departure at 6:00 PM at our office located at Calle Garcilaso 210, Office 212.
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.
FIRST, to book your trek, please complete our online booking form by clicking BOOK NOW on our website.
Please have the following details ready for each participant:
SECOND, a deposit of $200 USD per person is required to confirm your permits and train reservations. Deposits can be made securely via Visa or PayPal on our booking portal.
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
Once Machu Picchu entrance permits and train tickets are issued, government regulations strictly prohibit any date changes, transfers, or refunds. If you must adjust your travel dates, please notify us immediately. Please note that all trip deposits are strictly non-refundable.
Yes, you must bring the physical, original passport that matches the details submitted at booking. If you renew your passport prior to the trip, you can update your permit details for a $25 USD administrative fee by sending us copies of both documents.
Alternatively, if you choose not to update your permit, you must carry both your old and new physical passports to Peru. Officials at Machu Picchu checkpoints and train stations strictly require both original documents to allow entry.
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.
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.
At your pre-trek briefing, you will receive a duffel bag to pack your personal items for the trek. In accordance with Peruvian law, the maximum duffel weight allowance is 7 kg (15 lbs) per person, which covers your sleeping gear and clothing. Our support team transports these duffel bags between accommodation stops, meaning you will only need to carry a lightweight daypack (approx. 30L) containing daily essentials such as water, rain gear, camera, and sunscreen.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
January 10, 2024 · Apple Travel Peru
It was my best experience with Apple Travel. I had incredible excellent service. The team is very attentive and friendly.
Read moreOctober 21, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
Incredible service and experience in Inca Trail 4 days travel. Everything was top of the notch. Thanks Ivanoe, my guide.
Read moreOctober 19, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
The 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was everything I expected and more. Gorgeous from beginning to end. The tour guides were great and very knowledgeable.
Read moreOctober 11, 2022 · Apple Travel Peru
It was a great experience with all the team Apple Travel. I enjoyed my whole trip. Thanks a lot for being part of my vacation in Cusco.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A very organized Salkantay experience with caring guides, strong support at altitude, and memorable food after long hiking days.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide and chef made the trek feel safe, enjoyable, and personal, even when altitude made the journey challenging.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A difficult hike became possible thanks to a patient guide who encouraged the group and helped through the hardest sections.
Read moreMar 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide adapted the pace and itinerary well, combining knowledge, courtesy, and flexibility throughout the tour.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
A smooth multi-day trip with patient guiding, careful logistics, clean transport, and thoughtful help at every site.
Read moreJan 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The experience exceeded expectations with a local guide whose knowledge and enthusiasm made the journey feel meaningful.
Read moreOct 29, 2025 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide brought history and culture to life while keeping the group comfortable and helping capture great memories.
Read moreFeb 29, 2026 · SAM Travel Peru
The team handled planning easily and adjusted the route around weather and walking ability without losing key highlights.
Read moreApril 21, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
Expert guides, strong porters, and memorable meals helped turn a demanding trail into a remarkable group experience.
Read moreApril 18, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guides kept the schedule smooth and attentive, making the first visit to Machu Picchu easy to recommend.
Read moreApril 9, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide, cook, and porter team brought great energy, answered questions, and even helped celebrate a birthday.
Read moreApril 17, 2024 · SAM Travel Peru
The guide respected a slower pace, shared useful knowledge, and made the route feel supportive and enjoyable.
Read more
Permits
