A compact two-day trek that combines a remote Inca ruin above the Urubamba Valley with an early morning visit to Machu Picchu. Expect high passes, sharp descents, and sweeping Vilcabamba views—ideal for hikers who want a quick, immersive Andean experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A pre-dawn van pulls out of Cusco and the road climbs into a gray, thin air where ichu grass bends like a chorus line across the puna. By the time hikers step out at Tauca (3,750 m) the horizon has been rewritten by the jagged silhouettes of the Vilcabamba peaks—Verónica, Pitusiray, Chicon—each one daring the next to rise higher.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Moderately fit—able to hike 5–7 hours with sustained ascents to ~4,050 m and long descents
Wildlife
History
Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca administrative and agricultural complex overlooking the Urubamba Valley, featuring fine stonework and terraces tied to regional food production.
Conservation
Machu Picchu and nearby trails are strictly managed—follow official paths, pack out waste, and respect capacity limits to protect fragile terraces.
Reserve your spot on the Machu picchu & Huchuyqosqo Trek 2 days today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco
Spend 24–48 hours in Cusco before you start to reduce altitude sickness risk and hydrate well.
Start early for Machu Picchu
Take the first bus from Aguas Calientes (around 5:30am) to see Machu Picchu in softer light and fewer crowds.
Pack a 30L daypack
Carry rain protection, warm layers, snacks, water, and your passport—the site requires it for the stamp.
Respect trail restrictions
Walking poles are not allowed inside Machu Picchu and some narrow sections require single-file movement.
Sturdy hiking boots
Provide traction on rocky ascents and steep, uneven descents.
Waterproof shell
Protects from frequent afternoon showers during the wet season.
summer
Insulating midlayer
Keeps you warm during cold mornings and high-elevation exposures.
winter
Hydration system (1–2L)
Accessible water for high-effort stretches where water stops are limited.