Grand Andean and Amazonian Combo: Huchuy Qosqo Trek, Flavors of Huayopata, and Machu Picchu (7 Days)

Your trekking guide or tour leader meets you at your hotel for a logistical briefing and equipment check. You then hit the road to Tambomachay, the starting point of your walk. The trail climbs for about 4.5 hours to the Queullacocha pass, offering a splendid view of Cusco and the Andes mountain range. After lunch at the summit, you continue your hike for 4 hours through the pampas and high-altitude lagoons towards Patabamba. Upon your arrival, Rosalio and his family warmly welcome you to share a pachamanca, a traditional dish cooked underground. You spend a convivial evening immersed in local culture.

Distance: 15 km
Elevation gain/loss: +675 m / -675 m
Maximum altitude: 4,275 m
Accommodation: Homestay in Patabamba.

After breakfast with Rosalio's family, you begin your walk towards the 'balcony' of the Sacred Valley, offering a grandiose panoramic view of Pisac, Calca, Lamay, and the snow-capped peaks (Pitusiray, Sawasiray, and Verónica). You climb up to the Pukamarka pass, before descending into the spectacular León Punku canyon for lunch amid impressive rock formations. In the afternoon, you take a preserved section of the Inca Trail leading to the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, nicknamed 'Little Cusco'. The day ends at Natividad's home for another night of sharing and Andean hospitality.

Distance: 14.5 km
Elevation gain/loss: +500 m / -650 m
Maximum altitude: 4,080 m
Accommodation: Homestay in Huchuy Qosqo.

Last day of effort for this section of the trek: you walk 4 hours from Huchuy Qosqo to the Tauca pass (4,435 m), the highest point of the hike, offering a spectacular view of the Urubamba mountain range. After a good contemplative break, you start a 3-hour descent towards the Piuray lagoon and the traditional village of Chinchero, where you have lunch. The afternoon is free to rest at the pace of slow tourism or enjoy local hospitality.

Distance: 12 km
Elevation gain/loss: +800 m / -575 m
Maximum altitude: 4,435 m
Accommodation: Homestay with Sonia's family in Chinchero.

Heading to the Sacred Valley! Your morning begins in Chinchero with a fascinating demonstration in a traditional textile workshop to discover the ancestral techniques of weaving and natural dyeing. You then visit the archaeological site of Moray, a mysterious Inca agricultural laboratory consisting of amphitheater-like terraces. The adventure continues at the spectacular Maras salt mines, from where you begin a superb downhill hike amid thousands of white pools down to the banks of the Urubamba River. After meeting up with your driver, you explore the strategic fortress and the living Inca village of Ollantaytambo.

Accommodation: Night at your hotel in Ollantaytambo.

Today you hit the road towards Huayopata, a charming village nestled on the Amazonian route leading to Machu Picchu. Upon your arrival, Julia and her family warmly welcome you. You take the time to settle into your room before savoring a delicious traditional lunch. In the afternoon, you set off with your hosts to explore the family citrus and coffee plantations. You learn the entire process of making famous Peruvian coffee, from the plant to the cup, and prepare your own coffee to taste on-site. The evening continues with a shared dinner with the family, surrounded by nature and hospitality.

Accommodation: Homestay (Julia's family) in Huayopata.

This morning, after a typical breakfast, you return to the family fields to dedicate yourself to discovering Peruvian cacao. This flavor-rich morning allows you to understand the transformation from the natural fruit to the artisanal crafting of cacao paste. At midday, you hit the road again to reach Hidroeléctrica, the starting point of your walk. You begin a pleasant 3.5 to 4-hour hike along the railway tracks to Aguas Calientes. This flat trail winds through lush vegetation and already lets you glimpse, on the heights, the ridges of Machu Picchu.

Accommodation: Night at the Hatun Inti Classic Hotel (standard room).

Early in the morning, you take the official shuttle (a 30-minute ride) to pass through the gates of the mythical Machu Picchu (2,430 m). During a comprehensive guided tour, you wander its cobbled streets, sacred temples, and dizzying agricultural terraces, bearing witness to architectural perfection in absolute harmony with nature. After the exploration, you hike back down to Aguas Calientes via a pleasant trail of about 1.5 hours (bus option available on site). You then board the train back to Ollantaytambo (1h45 journey), where a railway company shuttle picks you up to take you back to Wanchaq station in Cusco, followed by your private transfer to your hotel.