Huchuy Qosqo Trek 1 Day
Duration
1 days
Max People
12
Min Age
6+
Pickup
Hotel - Bus
Tour Details
Huchuy Qosqo: The «Little Cusco» Overlooking the Sacred Valley
Huchuy Qosqo is a breathtaking Inca archaeological site located north of Cusco, Peru. Originally serving as a strategic administrative and military hub between the Sacred Valley and Cusco, the site features a unique blend of architectural styles. Visitors can marvel at the «perfect» fine stonework combined with multi-story adobe structures and ancient Collqas (granaries) used to store and preserve surplus corn from the surrounding agricultural terraces.
Perched at an elevation of 3,650 meters (11,800 feet), Huchuy Qosqo sits high above the town of Lamay and the Sacred Valley. Before receiving its modern name in the 20th century, it was known as Kakya Qawani. According to the chronicler Pedro de Cieza de León, these palaces were commissioned by Viracocha, the Eighth Inca Emperor, as his royal retreat.
Key highlights include a massive Kallanka (great hall) measuring 40 meters in length and an impressive 800-meter-long Inca irrigation channel lined with stone. Because the site is inaccessible by road, it remains one of the most pristine and uncrowded destinations in the region—accessible only via a rewarding trek through original Inca trails.
Trip details
Maximum Altitude: 4,150 m / 13,615 ft
Starting Point: 3,848 m / 12,624 ft
Duration: 1 Day / 7 Hours hiking
Walking Distance: 12 km / 7.46 miles
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Route: Open year-round (Except February)
High Season: March – January
Activity: Archaeological & Scenic Trek
Recommendations
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A daypack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek.
Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco).
Strong footwear, ideally trekking or sport shoes.
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, fruits.
Camera, film and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions).
Hat to protect you from the sun, rain and cold.
Insect repellent, minimum recommended 20% DEET.
Sunblock up forty degrees UV.
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Bring With You:
Original passport / Valid ISIC student card
Waterproof clothing and comfortable walking shoes- Camera and extra batteries
Mosquito repellent and sunscreen
Cash in small denominations ($, €, or S/)
Included/Excluded
- Collection from your hotels at 05.30 -05:45 am
- Transfer in private vehicle to Patabamba (starting point of the trek)
- Huchuy Qosqo entrance Fee
- Experienced English speaking guide
- Meal: 1 packed lunch and drinks.
- First-aid kit
- Transport from Lamay to Cusco in private transport
- 24 hour/day guest service: please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit.
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Drinks and snacks.
- Tip for guide not mandatory
Tour Plan
Please organize with your hotel the night before to have an early breakfast or a packed breakfast.
Approx 05:30 am transfer from your hotels, with private vehicle for 1.5 hours to Patabamba community located at 3700 masl. On route, we pass Saqsaywaman and Tambomachay with amazing landscapes we will pass a few small communities such as Siwas, Qenqo and Pumamarka where you can see locals farming their lands with potatoes and bean crops as their ancestors did. This little valley is beautiful with a lot of native trees, flowers and bushes.
Our trek will start with a gentle walk after 2 hours then we need to climb around 400 meters to the reach Pumamarka ruins, the walk from here is one hour to reach the Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo, recently restored by archaeologists, located at 3,450 m.as.l.from this point it is clear to see many beautiful mountains peaks as Chicón, Pitusiray, Sawasiray, Waccaywilca or Veronica ancient sacred mountains called “Apus” very respected and venerated by the locals Incas- Quechuas descendants living in this valleys for centuries. This Inca site is amazing, we arrive and have enough time to rest, relax and recover with a delicious pack lunch, and after we will be ready for our guided tour to visit and explore this interesting Inca complex.
Then we start our all walk down to Lamay, about 2 hours with stops.
Transfer back to Cusco with Guide in a private transport, returning at about 7pm
Using a layering system is essential for this trek; wear a moisture-wicking t-shirt, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof windbreaker or poncho to handle changing mountain weather. Ensure you wear sturdy trekking boots with good ankle support for the uneven Inca stone paths, and don't forget a sun hat and polarized sunglasses for high UV protection.
Safety begins with proper acclimatization in Cusco (at least 2 days) to prevent altitude sickness, as we will reach 4,150 meters. Always stay on the marked trail with your guide, particularly during the steep descent toward Lamay, and carry a small personal first-aid kit for any specific medical needs.
Your physical performance relies on a high-carbohydrate breakfast before departure; during the 12 km hike, consume energy-boosting snacks such as nuts, chocolate, and protein bars. Proper hydration is key: take frequent small sips of water throughout the day to keep your muscles functioning and prevent exhaustion.
Tour Map
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