This alternative Inca Trail trek gives you the chance to experience life in the Andes by staying at a homestay en route.
We have 3-5 day versions of the Huchuy Qosqo hike, depending on how long you would like to walk for.
Our hike leads to Huchuy Qosqo, an ancient Inca archaeological site perched on a cliff over the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
An Andean welcome awaits you at the Qosqo ruins, as you enjoy a hearty evening meal cooked by your local host, whose home is your shelter for the night.
As you walk, there is a large array of local flora and fauna to see.
After the hike, travel by train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
We use the Vistadome train, which has panoramic windows in the roof so you can make the most of the great views as you travel alongside the river Urubamba.
After a night in a hotel, you rise early for a guided tour of the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu, a fitting end to your endeavours.
There is plenty of time to explore on your own, before returning to Cusco by train the same evening.
Stay with a local family and experience life in the Andes, from authentic food to learning about farming.
Trek remote Inca Trails to beautiful, isolated ruins high above the Sacred Valley.
Scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley en route to Machu Picchu, with a full tour of the Inca citadel.
Choice of routes depending on how long you wish to walk.
I had such a fantastic time. I really didn't want to leave. This trek felt very special as there were so few other people around and it was wonderful to see Saul perform a ceremony at Huchuy Qosqo. I really appreciate everything that you have done to make this holiday a unique and seamless experience. I would certainly highly recommend Andean Trails to others. I couldn't have asked for any more from you.
Anne-Marie Hesmondhalgh, Huchuy Qosqo
We begin with an early morning pick up from your hotel at 07:30 and drive to Patabamba (3,800m/12,467ft).
With daypacks on, we head into and through Andean landscapes that lead to the town of Tauca. This town is known for its archaeological remains and crops, such as tarwi, as well as a large quantity of cactus.
The path leads upwards still, and our destination is the Pukamarca pass at 4,200m/13,780ft. From here, we can enjoy views of the surrounding area, including the immense, snow-capped mountains of Veronica, Pitusiray, Chicon and San Juan.
We descend towards the beautiful and remote Andean pueblo of Pukamarca (4,010m/13,156ft) where we stop and have a short break, admiring the views. As get back on the move, we walk down an ancient path to the Leon Punku Ravine. En route, we go through a narrow corridor between some immense rock walls.
As we pick our way through, Inca remains, Inca bridges and sets of Inca stairs – some of the best Inca Stairs anywhere – are revealed. This canyon is absolutely magical. The majestic rocks and boulders, a beautiful geographical feature, guide the river to our destination, Huchuy Qosqo (3,600m/11,811ft).
Upon our arrival, we continue on past the ruins and to our accommodation for the night.
We have dinner and sleep in the typical home of a native of the area, just to the side of the Huchuy Qosqo ruins.
Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca archaeological complex perched precariously on the side of a mountain.
The architecture is quite imposing in sections. A highlight includes a large open ceremonial centre, from which we enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, the Vilcanota River, and the snow capped mountain range of the same name.
After our guided tour, we make our way around the ruins and continue our way down the mountain to Lamay at 3,000m/9,843ft, a town dedicated to agriculture and cattle raising.
Later that afternoon our private transport drives us to Ollantaytambo, where we board an afternoon train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride takes you along an absolutely gorgeous route, renowned the world over for its beauty.
Upon our arrival to Aguas Calientes you are transferred to your hotel.
After enjoying an early morning breakfast at your hotel, we take the earliest bus up to Machu Picchu, usually leaving Aguas Calientes at about 05.30 (we can also arrange tours to start later and/or at midday).
We arrive at the ruins about 30 minutes later, and you can explore independently for a while, or sign-in for entry to Huayna Picchu, before taking part in your two-and-a-half hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Your guide can tell you about the rich history and architecture as he shows you around. After the tour, there is plenty of time to explore on your own (or walk up Huayna Picchu if you’ve signed in), before descending back down the mountain to Aguas Calientes to catch the afternoon train to Poroy. Arrive Poroy at approximately 20.00, met on arrival, and transfer back to Cusco.
IMPORTANT – Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountain permits.
If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, permits have to be pre/booked and come at an additional cost.
Machu Picchu mountain has to be climbed before 11am, and there are two departure times for Huayna Picchu:
Group 1 (G1): 0700 – 0800
Group 2 (G2): 1000 – 1100
The price is USD25 including the entrance fee to Machu Picchu.
For a short description of the walks, please see below.
Huayna Picchu mountain
A steep one-hour climb (360m above the main Machu Picchu ruins), much of which is up Inca stairs. The climb involves scrambling and requires a good head for heights as there are some drops and a set of steep stairs – with no railing.
The views from above are wonderful and certainly reward those who tackle it. It’s worth visiting the Temple of the Moon on the west side of Huayna Picchu mountain, 400m below the summit. There is some high quality Inca stone work inside a cave, once a sacred place. Climbing Huayna Picchu is popular and permits usually sell out, which means there will be 200 climbers for each time slot given.
Do not attempt this climb if you are concerned about suffering from vertigo.
Machu Picchu mountain
Just south of the site, and overlooking it, is a 650m climb up a well made Inca pathway (approx 1.5 hrs to top, 1 hr down) to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain.
There are some Inca constructions on the top that were probably for religious ceremonies, given the prominent position of the mountain. The hike takes you through lush forest, keeping a look out for interesting birds, flowers and snakes sunbathing on the path.
The views over the site a great and you can view the iconic Huayna Picchu as the backdrop to Machu Picchu, as well as the mountains beyond. It is attracting more and more people as an alternative to Huayna Picchu but is still a lot quieter.
Aguas Calientes River Walk
A very simple and straight forward, yet very enjoyable walk is the walk along the river in Aguas Calientes. Keep your eyes open, as otters and capybara have been spotted here before! Your hotel receptionist can point you in the right direction and once you are the river, you just walk along from there.
And last but not least – don’t forget you can soak your aching muscles at the Aguas Calientes hot springs in town!
Prices From $965 / £785 per person
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Transfer Cusco to trek start, English speaking professional guide, porters with horses, emergency horse, first-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle, Huchuy Qosqo entrance fees, meals as listed, transport from Lamay to Ollantaytambo, Vistadome train Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes, simple hotel Aguas Calientes, buses between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, entrance fee to Machu Picchu, guided tour of Machu Picchu, backpacker train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Cusco), transfer to Cusco.
Meals not listed, sleeping bag, tips, personal items, insurance, flights.
Homestay accommodation is basic but clean, warm and with flush toilets.
The bed is usually a solid clay structure with mattress and blankets on top to keep you warm. There is no electricity. There are showers – currently cold water only.
Hotels are 2-3* with private bathrooms, located in the centre of Cusco and/or Aguas Calientes. Upgrades 4-5* available at extra cost.
All guides are certified, bilingual, English-speaking guides who have worked with us for many years.
Cooks, mule drivers and additional staff are all from the local, nearby communities and we have worked with them for a long time.
Your homestay is with a local family. They will show you their lifestyle, high in the Andes.
Vegetarians and many other dietary requirements are catered for without problems. Please let us know in advance of any requirements you have.
You wake early, usually around 07.00. Breakfast at the homestay is served in the kitchen and will include many local dishes – corn/maize pancakes, fruit, eggs and coffee. Hotels will offer a continental or American breakfast.
Lunch will either be a sandwich, snacks and fruit or a full meal with soups, potatoes and local produce. The exact arrangements depend on the route – some lunches are ‘al fresco’ and others are taken in local villages were a local will cook for you.
At the homestay, a local will cook a traditional dish for you – this can include soup, quinoa, meats/fish and a pudding/fruit.
Most days you will wake early, either at your hotel or the homestay, and set off walking for a few hours. We can tailor the trek to your exact requirements.
This trek is ideal for acclimatising for a longer, higher trek, or tailored to suit the needs of a family.
All days are slightly different, as day 1 we will trek for 4-6 hours in total, see some ruins and experience a homestay.
The second day we have a tour of the Huchuy Qosqo ruins, head down the hills to catch transport and train to Aguas Calientes, where we relax at night time.
The third day we are up early to tour the ruins, with free time afterwards, ending with an afternoon train to Cusco.
Peru is the perfect holiday destination for adventure travellers that want an amazing variety of activity, geography and cultural travel experiences.
The breadth of travel experiences in Peru is breathtaking – from trekking in the Andes to Machu Picchu to the tropical jungle of the Amazon, and plenty in between.
The people of Peru make it a special destination too, with its colourful and traditional street life and friendly locals.
Peru is made up of 3 distinct geographical areas: the coast, the mountains and the jungle.
The costa or coastal region is a narrow ribbon of desert 2,250 km long, crossed by fertile river valleys flowing from the Andes. It takes up 11% of the country and holds more than 40% of the population.
The cold Humboldt current gives rise to a blanket of mist – the garua – which hangs above coastal cities like the capital Lima from May to November.
Heading east, you’re soon climbing above the garua and into the Andes. The sierra, or mountainous region, covers some 25% of Peru’s territory and contains 50% of the population. The sierra inhabitants are mainly Indigenous or Mestizo, and many still speak Quechua or Aymara.
The sierra contains dozens of 6,000-metre snow peaks and volcanoes, including Huascaran (6,768m) the highest mountain in the tropics. The deep valley basins contain most of the towns and arable land; the terracing and canal systems of the Incas and pre-Incas are often still used today.
The eastern Andes are heavily forested up to 3,350m and sweep down into the Amazon Basin.
Peru’s selva or jungle makes up almost two thirds of the country’s area, but holds only about 6% of the population: the only towns with significant populations are Iquitos and Pucallpa.
You can also read about the weather of Peru in our blog.
Peru is located in the southern tropics (latitudes 0º to 18º), but climate varies significantly according to season, altitude and region.
Lima & the coast
From May to October, Lima is often overcast, but with minimal precipitation. There are sunny spells, and it’s a fresh to pleasant 13-20ºC.
At the same time, inland areas and the north coast mid to high 20’s ºC.
November to April is generally warm and sunny and Lima enjoys warm temperature of 19-25ºC, with the coast averaging 22-30ºC.
The Andes
Climate depends largely on altitude. As a rule of thumb, below 2,000m climate is mild and above 2,000m warm clothing is required for evenings, nights and early mornings.
The Andean sun is very strong.
May to Oct (dry season in The Andes)
Cusco (3,300m): Average max/min temps: 22ºC /2ºC. Average 3 or 4 wet days per month.
Arequipa (2,380m): Average max/min temps: 26ºC /9ºC. Sunny more than 340 days/year with minimal precipitation.
On highland treks: Conditions are generally dry. However, at this time of year, expect a range of conditions within a single day: cold/freezing nights at camps above 4,000m, where pre-dawn temperatures can be -5ºC; warm, spring-like mornings and afternoons; and cold evenings.
Note that mountain weather can be fickle and localised, and that precipitation is not unknown in the dry season. Expect temperatures to swing between sun and shade, sheltered and exposed ground and with altitude gain and loss. A quick-setting sun means temperatures drop fast.
In the cloud forest, e.g. around Machu Picchu, daytime conditions are generally warm or hot, and evenings cool.
Nov to March/April (wet season in The Andes)
Cusco: Average max/min temps: 23ºC /6ºC. Average 13 wet days per month.
Arequipa: Average max/min temps: 25ºC /14ºC.
On highland treks: Wetter conditions, with cooler days and milder nights than dry season. Jan-Mar usually the wettest months.
The Amazon rainforest
Year-round, weather conditions are hot and humid and there is always the risk of rain
There is a ‘dry season’ in Tambopata and Manu between May and October. The average daytime high temperature is between 25°C and 34°C and the average nighttime low is between 16°C and 22°C. Heavy downpours typically occur every few days.
Around 80% of annual average rainfall – approx 2,000 mm in Manu and Tambopata and 1,400 mm in Iquitos – occurs in the wet season Nov-April.
On rare occasions, between May and September, cold fronts from Argentina – ‘friajes’ – can sweep into southwest Amazonia and push temperatures down to 9° C. (Friajes usually last between 1 and 3 days).
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
Overview
When planning for the varied climatic conditions you will encounter across Peru, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system.
The sun is very strong throughout the country, so good sun cream, a hat and sunglasses are vital.
It can also get very cold at night time especially in the mountains. Jumpers, fleeces and warms hats – which you can buy there – are also essential.
Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.
Below is a more detailed guide.
Detailed kit list
Miscellaneous others
Andean Trails has 25 years of experience of putting together the best South America holidays.
We pay a fee to the CAA for every licensable passenger we book since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking.
We also offer ATOL (Civil Aviation Authority) protected holidays to give our customers peace of mind when booking and travelling.
When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package from Andean Trails Ltd you will receive a Confirmation Invoice from us confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 6275.
You can read more about ATOL, who is covered and what protections you have if not ATOL-covered, on our ATOL page.
What is ATOL?
The CAA’s ATOL scheme offers protection to your money and your holiday if you book with us. Not everybody is covered (see ‘Who is covered?’ for more), as you must purchase an ‘air package holiday’ with Andean Trails to be protected.
And ‘air package holiday’ is defined as including a flight and some ground services (hotel, transfer, trek etc). This is also known as an ‘ATOL-protected holiday’.
Who is covered?
To be covered by ATOL, you must book a flight and some ground services with us and be from the UK. If you are from the UK and only book ground services and no flights, you are not covered by ATOL (see below for more on how non-ATOL clients are covered).
If you are outside the UK and buy flights with us, you will be ATOL protected IF any of the flights booked with Andean Trails touches/stops in the UK at any point during your holiday package booked with us.
If you buy your flights elsewhere, please check with that agent if you are ATOL protected. Be careful with online flight purchases and make sure you know what protection you have, if any, before paying for flights.
Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.
For land only holidays not involving any air travel, in accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992”, all UK passengers booking with Andean Trails Ltd. are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all money paid to us, arising from cancellation or curtailment of travel arrangements due to the insolvency of Andean Trails.
I’m not ATOL covered, what protection do I have?
If you are not ATOL covered, any payments you make to us go to a Trust account.
We can only access this money once your tour has been completed, meaning that if anything happens to Andean Trails Limited while you are on holiday, then your money is secure and you can either complete the trip or be able to make it home.
If you pay for your holiday with a credit card, some offer payment protection – please check with your cardholder.
You also should have cancellation protection written into your insurance (which we recommend you have at the time of booking) in case you need to cancel.
Peru boasts in its Amazonian region a vast swathe of world-class tropical wilderness with several rain forest and cloud forest reserves which are home to an immense diversity of wildlife.
Accessible from Lima, Iquitos or Cusco, the Amazon jungle is just a short flight away.
In Peru’s southeast lies the extraordinary region comprising the Tambopata National Reserve and the Bahuaja Sonene and Manu National Parks, with the greatest animal and plant diversity anywhere in the world.
Whether you choose to base yourself at a comfortable lodge or enjoy a more demanding camping trip, you can be sure of a unique, exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
The beautiful colonial city of Arequipa is replete with history and culture, and is the gateway to the condors of Colca Canyon.
Nestled at 2,325m/7,627ft, the ‘white city’ sits at the foot of three tremendous volcanoes: El Misti (5,821m/19,098ft), Chachani (6,075m/19,930ft) and Pichu Pichu (5,542m/18,182ft).
Arequipa’s attractions include the Cathedral, Compañía de Jesús Church, Santa Catalina Convent and the Dama de Ampato (Juanita Mummy) Museum.
With a year-round spring climate and sunshine guaranteed for 300 days of the year, it is the perfect place to begin acclimatising before continuing upwards.
Nearby is the famous Colca Canyon. At hundred kilometres long, this incredible gorge is said to reach a maximum depth of 3,400m/11,155ft – twice that of the Grand Canyon.
An overnight tour to Colca gives you the chance to see the iconic, soaring condors of the canyon.
Cusco is the archaeological and cultural capital of South America.
The one-time centre of the vast Inca Empire is a bustling highland city with bags of character.
Its whitewashed streets and plazas feature a fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish colonial stonework and offer endless possibilities for exploration.
You don’t have to venture far to find outstanding examples of high quality Inca architecture, including the monumental temple fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
There is also the fertile farming land of the Sacred Valley on the doorstep, with many Inca terraces, temples and fortresses, plus colourful local markets and small villages.
At night, Cusco offers an excellent array or restaurants and bars plus the continent’s best Andean folk music scene.
In the northeast of Peru lies Kuelap – the jewel in the massive archaeological crown of the Chachapoyas Cloud People.
The mystical structure of Kuelap – dubbed the Peru’s second Machu Picchu by locals – is 1,200 years old.
It features massive limestone walls towering 60 feet, pottery, bones and hundreds of mysterious round stone structures, and away from the crowds of other sites.
This is a remote area of sub-tropical valleys, half way down the eastern slopes of the Andes. The jungle is impenetrable, dense with low trees, bromeliads, bamboos, orchids and mosses.
Lake Titicaca, at around 4,000m/13,123ft above sea level, is a vast shimmering body of water on the Peru/Bolivia border.
It is the world’s highest navigable lake, set against a breathtaking background of towering ice-covered Andean mountain peaks.
The islands and shoreline of Lake Titicaca support many Indian communities, including the well known floating islands of Uros and the more remote islands of Taquile and Amantani. Here, traditions are strong and it appears time really does stand.
Agriculture, fishing, knitting and weaving are important to the islanders and by staying a day or two you gain just a small insights into this traditional way of life.
Islanders welcome tourists into their homes and this is a wonderful opportunity to experience island life.
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is a vibrant bustling place with a wide variety of things to do.
Stroll or bike around the historic centre, visiting the many museums or just chilling out in a café or restaurant in Miraflores.
In Parque Kennedy you can sit outside in Parisian fashion and watch the world go by in cafes and restaurants, or walk to the shore and the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
There are a number of artisan shops & market stalls, plus a big silver jewellery trade, and a burgeoning number of top end restaurants with delicious food.
The centre of Lima is home to impressive Colonial architecture – Plaza de Armas has the Palace, official residence of the president, on one side, and on another is the Cathedral.
San Francisco Church, home of the Catacombs, is well worth a visit, as is the Inquisition museum.
Nothing says Peru quite the way Machu Picchu does.
The Lost City of the Incas, perches dramatically on a ridge-top 400 metres above the Urubamba river. The extensive site, with its many terraces, temples and palaces, is set amid a beautiful landscape of deep gorges and thickly forested mountains.
When Machu Picchu was rediscovered early in the 20th century and cleared of forest, it was found to be very well preserved. It has since presented archaeologists with many unanswered questions regarding the role it played in Inca times.
The sense of grandeur, whether you arrive on the Inca Trail or not, is impressive.
Try to arrive early at the site to enjoy it at its best – and late afternoon can often see you almost alone in the ruins.
North east of Lima, the Cordillera Blanca offers fantastic mountain scenery and some of the best trekking and climbing in the Andes.
The Cordillera Blanca boasts dozens of peaks over 6,000 metres, including Peru’s highest Huascaran at 6,768m/22,205ft above sea level.
The Blanca range also contains the world’s largest concentration of tropical glaciers.
This is an ideal destination for treks, from just a few to 12 days or so and also an ideal starting place for learning or improving mountaineering skills.
The nearby Huayhuash mountain range contains a dazzling array of snow peaks including seven summits above 6,000 metres.
This is a trekking paradise with breathtaking majestic panoramas and stunningly remote and picturesque camping spots. There is no better place to visit to get away from it all.
2023 price, per person, shared room basis Price based on two people Price reduces with larger groups Daily departures Single supplement applies
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