Huchuy Qosqo Trek
Discover the best-kept secret of the Sacred Valley with the Huchuy Qosqo Trek, an exciting one-day hike to the “Inca’s Small City.” This archaeological site, nestled on a ledge with panoramic views over the Urubamba River, is believed to have been a royal residence of Inca Viracocha. The route begins on the Andean plateau, leading you through beautiful landscapes of lagoons and snow-capped peaks, before descending into the canyon where the complex is located. Unlike the more frequented routes, Huchuy Qosqo ($3,650$ m / $11,975$ ft a.s.l.) offers a more intimate and authentic experience. It is the ideal hike to enjoy less-explored Inca architecture and complete a high-altitude adventure day before embarking on longer treks.
Cusco, Calca Province (Near Lamay), Sacred Valley of the Incas
Trekking, Historical, Scenic
Spanish and English
Small, Maximum 12 people
Itinerary
The trekking day starts early (approximately 6:00 a.m.) with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We embark on a journey in private transportation through the outskirts of Chinchero to the community of Tauca or Patabamba, the starting point of our hike.Here, we can enjoy a light breakfast before beginning the ascent. The first part of the trek is a gradual ascent, lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, toward the highest point of the day, the Apacheta or Tres Cruces Pass (approximately $4,200$ m / $13,780$ ft a.s.l.). During the ascent, you will enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Urubamba Mountain Range and the Qoricocha Lagoon.After reaching the highest point, we begin a long descent of 3 to 4 hours along an ancient Inca Trail that guides us through canyons and gorges until we arrive at the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo ($3,650$ m / $11,975$ ft a.s.l.).We will have time to enjoy a well-deserved box lunch with views of the Sacred Valley. Subsequently, your guide will offer a detailed tour of the complex, where you will admire its large kallankas (halls), finely finished stone terraces, and an Inca canal system.Upon concluding the visit, we begin the final descent of approximately 2 hours to the town of Lamay ($2,941$ m / $9,649$ ft a.s.l.), located at the base of the valley. Private transportation will await us here for the return to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon.
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and private transportation Cusco – Tauca/Patabamba.
- Private return transportation Lamay – Cusco (with transfer to your hotel).
- Professional bilingual trekking guide (Spanish/English).
- Nutritious Box Lunch (includes snacks; vegetarian option available).
- Entrance Ticket to the Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Park.
- Assistance with a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen tank.
- Breakfast at the start of the day (some agencies include it; ask beforehand).
- Gratuities for the guide and driver.
- Extra bottled beverages or snacks not included in the box lunch.
- Trekking poles (available for rent).
- Personal or emergency expenses.
- Acclimatization: It is advisable to have spent at least 1 to 2 days in Cusco before this tour, as a considerable altitude is reached.
- Clothing: Wear layered trekking clothes. Include a windproof/waterproof jacket, hat, and gloves.
- Footwear: Use trekking shoes or boots with good grip.
- Hydration: Carry at least 2 liters of water and extra snacks.
- Sun Protection: Use high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Trekking Poles: They are very useful, especially for the long, sustained descent to Lamay.
- Documentation: Bring your original passport (or DNI/ID).