Towards Huchuy Qosqo

Route: Cusco → Tambomachay → Pumamarca

Early morning pick up from hotel at 7.30 am and drive to Tambomachay (3800 m.), an archaeological complex situated in the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park. Tambomachay is comprised of a series of ceremonial water fountains, which are thought to have been dedicated to a water cult. The day’s hike will start at this point, and will continue through puna landscapes and over the Sicllaccasa pass at 4020m/13186ft. Down the other side, we hike along a path that leads to the Ccauca ravine, where we encounter archaeological remains and wild crops, such as tarwi, and a large quantity of cacti. We continue on to the Queullococha pass at 4185m/13727ft, where we may enjoy views of the lake with the same name. Surrounding the area in spectacular views stand the Veronica, Pitusiray, Chicon and San Juan snow peaks. Continuing the path, we walk past the Queullococha Lake, where we may see huallatas, ducks and small fish, to then climb towards the Challu Challu pass at 4220m/13842ft. From this point, we observe the Chinchero plains and the Piuray and Qoricocha lagoons. We then ascend towards the fourth pass at Rumicruz at 4230m/13874ft and enjoy a panoramic view of the Qoricocha and the Vilcanota snowcapped range. Here we rest and eat lunch. We then make our way to the Inca rock quarry at 4220m/13842ft, which was the place from where the rocks were extracted to build Huchuy Qosqo. Finally, we descend towards the Pucamarka community at 4010m/13153ft, where we arrive in the late afternoon. Here we dine and camp through the night.

• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner (snacks and afternoon tea time).
• Overnight: Camping.

Enjoying The Hike – Towards Machupicchu

Route: Huchuy Qosqo → Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes

We leave camp at around 8.00 am, and walk downhill towards the Leon Punku ravine, where we find remains of an Inca bridge and trail. This canyon boasts geological formations surrounded by majestic rocks and boulders that direct the river to Huchuy Qosqo at 3600m/11808ft, where we arrive by mid-morning. Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca archaeological complex with imposing architecture that includes a large open ceremonial center, from which we enjoy a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, the Vilcanota River, and the snowcapped mountain range of the same name. While in the complex, we receive a guided tour until lunchtime, after which we continue our way to Lamay at 3000m/9840ft. Lamay is a town dedicated to agriculture and cattle raising. In the afternoon we head down in to the Sacred Valley to the village of Lamay where we take a bus to Ollantaytambo and then a train to Aguas Calientes.

• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (snacks and afternoon tea time).
• Overnight in Aguas Calientes: 3*, 4* or 5* accommodation
  Meals: Breakfast

Machu Picchu – The Cristal Condor

Route: Aguas Calientes → Machupicchu → Aguas Calientes

Waking up early we’ll take the first bus back up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as it opens. We’ll have a 2 hour guided tour of the site during which you’ll learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour you’ll have free time to explore the site by yourself and if you have permits to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will carry on by bus back to Cusco.