Included: An experienced English-speaking hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 6-day Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu (guided hikes & sightseeing as in the itinerary) Accommodation for 5 nights: 1 night in an astrotourism property 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes 3 nights in a hotel in Cusco Some meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners) Transfers: Airport transfers (to and from the hotel) Ground transfers, as in the itinerary Round-trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes One-way bus ticket and return from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Pre-departure briefing at the hotel 1 or 2 days before the trek Entrance fees to Huchuy Qosqo, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, and various sites that we’ll visit Emergency oxygen bottle and first-aid kit Not included: Flights Additional snacks Personal expenses Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

To join this Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu, you should have a good level of fitness and feel comfortable hiking at high altitude . The longest hiking day covers up to 7 km (4.3 miles) , with walking times of up to 3 hours. Keep in mind that the real challenge here is the altitude , reaching up to 4,200 m (13,779 ft), where even shorter hikes can feel more demanding. You don’t need prior trekking experience, but you should be able to walk steadily uphill and downhill for a few hours and enjoy being active for several days in a row. Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Machu Picchu hiking tours here!

Adjusting to the altitude

Adjusting to the altitude is an important part of this trip, as we’ll be spending time above 3,000 m (9,800 ft), with the highest point reaching 4,200 m (13,779 ft). We recommend arriving in Cusco at least a day or two early to acclimatize. Take it easy at first, stay well hydrated, and avoid heavy meals and alcohol upon arrival. It’s normal to feel a bit short of breath at altitude, but our pace is gradual and designed to help your body adapt comfortably along the way.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Backpack for your personal belongings Hiking poles — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Quick-dry towel Battery charger (there is no place to plug in while trekking) Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Extra snacks Cash Camera — optional (but recommended) Clothing and gear list: Hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) Dry-wicking t-shirts Hiking pants Undergarments Hiking socks Fleece jacket Warm down jacket Rain jacket and pants Sun hat Wool hat Headlamp Waterproof gloves Waterproof jacket/rain poncho High quality sunglasses Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu , the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8 :1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 16 participants . A Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

A single occupancy room is not available on this Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu is Cusco . To get there, most people fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) . From there, you’ll be picked up and transported to the hotel in Cusco. You will meet your guide at the hotel in Cusco on Day 1.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

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CUSCO | PERU

Machu Picchu After Dark: 6-Day Hiking & Astronomy Tour

6 days | Moderate | 5.00

From $1,099 ()

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Cusco has stories written in stone, but the best ones come out after dark. On this 6-day journey, we leave the classic routes behind and follow quieter paths through the Sacred Valley, hiking to the lesser known Inca city of Huchuy Qosqo before reaching the world-famous Machu Picchu. We share a night with a local family, eat food that doesn’t come with a menu, and step outside into a sky the Incas once read like a map. With telescopes pointed at constellations they named centuries ago, this isn’t just a cool hiking tour. It’s Peru, past, present, and possibly future, dialed all the way up.

Roland

Adventure Highlights

Starstruck in the Andes: Step into a night sky untouched by light pollution and learn how the Incas mapped their world through constellations
Peak Picchu energy: Take the long way to Machu Picchu, hiking through Huchuy Qosqo and hidden Inca paths
Stay where the stories are: Share a home-cooked meal and stories with a local family in the Andes, then wake up surrounded by mountains

Duration

6 days

Season

May through October

Group size

Up to 16 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

This 6-day journey takes us from Cusco into the heart of the Sacred Valley, following lesser-known trails to the remote Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo and all the way to Machu Picchu. Along the way, we hike through high-altitude landscapes, explore ancient ruins, and connect with local communities during a homestay experience. As night falls, we turn our attention to the sky, using telescopes to discover the constellations the Incas once used to navigate their world. With logistics, lodging, and guiding all taken care of, we can focus on the experience, the history, and the views above and below.

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco & tour of the Imperial City

The guides will pick you up at the airport and transport you to the hotel before heading out to explore Cusco on foot. We stroll through Plaza de Armas, the city’s lively heart, then visit Qoricancha, once the most important Inca temple, later transformed by the Spanish. From there, we wander into San Blas, a neighborhood of narrow cobbled streets, artisan workshops, and sweeping views. Along the way, we dive into stories of Inca life, colonial history, and modern Cusco before wrapping up with some free time to relax or explore at our own pace.

Meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Hiking: 3–3.5 km (1.8–2.2 mi)
Elevation: 3,399 m (11,152 ft)

Day 2: Cusco to Huchuy Qosqo via Sihuas

We set off early and drive to the highland village of Sihuas, where our trek begins. From here, we hike steadily uphill to our highest point at 4,200 m, with wide-open views of the Andes unfolding around us. After soaking it all in, we descend toward Pucamarca to explore its Inca ruins, then follow a section of the original Inca Trail into Huchuy Qosqo. We settle into a local homestay, share a warm meal with our hosts, and as night falls, step outside for our first real stargazing session, tracing Inca constellations across a sky untouched by light pollution.

Accommodation: Homestay in Huchuy Qosqo
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hiking: 2.5–3.5 km (1.5–1.8 mi), 2.5-3 hours
Elevation: Up to 4,200 m (13,779 ft)

Day 3: Huchuy Qosqo to Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, we explore the Inca city of Huchuy Qosqo, walking through its temples, terraces, storehouses, and intricate water channels while learning how this site shaped Inca history. We then descend toward Lamay, where our hike ends, and continue by van through the Sacred Valley to Urubamba for lunch. From there, we head to Ollantaytambo to explore this impressive Inca town, known for its astronomical significance, before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 7 km (4.3 mi)

Day 4: Machu Picchu & return to Cusco

We start early and take the bus up to Machu Picchu, where we explore the Lost City of the Incas with a guided tour. We walk through its agricultural, residential, and religious sectors, uncovering the stories behind one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. After the tour, there’s free time to soak it all in or hike Huayna Picchu if pre-booked. We then return to Aguas Calientes, catch the train along the Urubamba River, and continue by transfer back to Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco

Day 5: Moray & Maras salt mines to Cusco

We head out from Cusco toward Moray, an impressive Inca site known for its circular terraces that functioned as an ancient agricultural laboratory. Walking through these layered depressions, we get a glimpse into how the Incas experimented with crops across microclimates. From here, we continue to the Maras Salt Mines, a striking patchwork of thousands of salt pools still harvested by local families. After exploring this unique landscape, we return to Cusco in the early afternoon, leaving the rest of the day free to relax or explore the city.

Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco
Elevation: Up to 3,762 m (11,482–12,342 ft)

Day 6: Departure from Cusco

Depending on your flight time, the guides will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your journey home. After days spent exploring ancient trails, Inca sites, and night skies, it’s time to say goodbye to Cusco and the Andes.

Elevation: 3,399 m (11,152 ft)

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Machu Picchu After Dark: 6-Day Hiking & Astronomy Tour

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What others say about this adventure

5.00 (4 reviews)

Emma Fenning

When I was in Peru, Rolend was the lead tour guide and he was the absolute best! Along with him, Juan Carlos led us on some tours with our driver Jimmy, and both were also fantastic. Very knowledgeable, and energetic about the tours and activities. These three made my trip amazing. The absolute best!

Michelle McCarthy

Great experience with Roland! Would highly recommend.

Patrick Vaillant

A very professional agency and my guide Carlos was great for his professionalism, he explained Machu Picchu to me in every detail, had a magical day.

Show all reviews

Emma Fenning

Michelle McCarthy

Great experience with Roland! Would highly recommend.

Patrick Vaillant

A very professional agency and my guide Carlos was great for his professionalism, he explained Machu Picchu to me in every detail, had a magical day.

Evelyn Pacheco Ticona

The best Agency to visit Cusco and MachuPicchu, 100% recommended!

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced English-speaking hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 6-day Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu (guided hikes & sightseeing as in the itinerary)
  - Accommodation for 5 nights:
- - 1 night in an astrotourism property
    
    1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
    
    3 nights in a hotel in Cusco
- - Some meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners)
  - Transfers:
- - Airport transfers (to and from the hotel)
    
    Ground transfers, as in the itinerary
    
    Round-trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
    
    One-way bus ticket and return from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  - Pre-departure briefing at the hotel 1 or 2 days before the trek
  - Entrance fees to Huchuy Qosqo, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, and various sites that we’ll visit
  - Emergency oxygen bottle and first-aid kit
Not included:
- - Flights
  - Additional snacks
  - Personal expenses
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
To join this Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu, you should have a good level of fitness and feel comfortable hiking at high altitude. The longest hiking day covers up to 7 km (4.3 miles), with walking times of up to 3 hours.

Keep in mind that the real challenge here is the altitude, reaching up to 4,200 m (13,779 ft), where even shorter hikes can feel more demanding. You don’t need prior trekking experience, but you should be able to walk steadily uphill and downhill for a few hours and enjoy being active for several days in a row.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Machu Picchu hiking tours here!
Adjusting to the altitude is an important part of this trip, as we’ll be spending time above 3,000 m (9,800 ft), with the highest point reaching 4,200 m (13,779 ft).

We recommend arriving in Cusco at least a day or two early to acclimatize. Take it easy at first, stay well hydrated, and avoid heavy meals and alcohol upon arrival. It’s normal to feel a bit short of breath at altitude, but our pace is gradual and designed to help your body adapt comfortably along the way.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Backpack for your personal belongings
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Quick-dry towel
  - Battery charger (there is no place to plug in while trekking)
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Extra snacks
  - Cash
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Clothing and gear list:
- - Hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
  - Dry-wicking t-shirts
  - Hiking pants
  - Undergarments
  - Hiking socks
  - Fleece jacket
  - Warm down jacket
  - Rain jacket and pants
  - Sun hat
  - Wool hat
  - Headlamp
  - Waterproof gloves
  - Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
  - High quality sunglasses
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 16 participants.
A Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
A single occupancy room is not available on this Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu.
The starting point of your Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu is Cusco. To get there, most people fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). From there, you’ll be picked up and transported to the hotel in Cusco.

You will meet your guide at the hotel in Cusco on Day 1.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

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