The Old Peak & Small Cusco

LEVEL: Medium

(3 days/ 2 nights)

For those short of time, yet adventurous in nature, this is the perfect trip, combining a visit to Machu Picchu ( The Old Peak) and the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo (Small Cusco)

The Huchuy Qosqo hike enables you to cross from Cusco to the Sacred Valley. Even though it would appear to be in a populated area, you soon discover the true wildness of the Andes. Gain appreciation of the isolated lives that the Andean Indians live. Huchuy Qosqo (Small Cusco) is an interesting set of ruins that are believed to have been abandoned by the time the Spanish arrived in Peru.

On day three you will visit the famous citadel of Machu Picchu, the old peak.

Day 1
We leave Cusco at 8am, and catch a local bus to the interesting ruins of Tambo Machay. From here we climb upwards until we have spectacular views over Cusco City.

We then cross the mountains, pass pretty alpine lakes, and pastures where llamas graze. Campesino farmers also grow potatoes here. We then follow an Inca trail downward to a village of stone huts, with thatched straw on their roofs.

From here we pass through a narrow but spectacular canyon and arrive with wonderful views over the Sacred Valley. After about 8 hours of walking, we camp in the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, where we will relax, talk of the Incas and spend the night.

Day 2
In the morning we explore the ruins of Huchuy Cusco and ponder its role as "Small Cusco". From here it is three and a half hours stunning descent into the Sacred Valley. We will have a late lunch in the typical and untouristed village of Lamay.

From here, we will take local transport to to Ollantaytambo, where you should have time to visit the ruins and explore this village which has a similar layout as in Inca times.

8pm train departs Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, arrives 9.30pm

Night in Aguas Calientes

Day 3

Day at Machu Picchu (the first bus leaves at approx. 6am) including climbing Huayna Picchu if you wish.

4.20pm train departs Machu Picchu, arrives Ollantaytambo 6.30pm (approx.) or Cusco 8.30pm

The story of this adventure is recounted at
On the Trail to Small Cusco

Want to visit Huchuy Qosqo in one day, why don't you check out the Inca Estates tour?

Included:

• Transport to Tambo Machay
• Transport to Aguas Calientes return on backpacker train
• Accomodation in basic hostal in Aguas Calientes
• While camping, 3 good and nutritious meals per day made by experienced cook. Optional meals for vegetarians.
• Camping equipment includes tents, mattresses, and kitchen equipment.
• Guide
• Cook
• Mules for camping and kitchen equipment.
• First-Aid kit.

Not included:

• Camping fee at Huchuy Qosqo
• Entry fee to Machu Picchu (118 soles/ $35)
• Bus to the ruins of Machu Picchu ($6 each way)
• Snacks or high energy trekking food
• Drinking water.
• Breakfast Day 1/ Dinner Day 2/ all meals day 3

PRICE

APUS PERU Adventure Travel  Specialists 

Copyright A.Svenson 2005. All material used within this web site is original work and is subject to international copyright law.Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.