2 days
12
6+
Hotel - Bus - Train
Huchuy Qosqo: The Royal Palace in the Heights
Huchuy Qosqo, often called «Little Cusco,» is a majestic Inca archaeological site located north of Cusco, Peru. Originally known as Kakya Qawani, this site served as the administrative and military retreat of Viracocha, the Eighth Inca Emperor, who commissioned its construction as his royal palace. Perched strategically at an elevation of 3,650 meters (11,800 feet), it stands high above the town of Lamay, offering unparalleled views of the Sacred Valley and serving as a historical gateway between Cusco and the lower valleys.
The architecture is a stunning display of Inca engineering, blending fine stonework with multi-story adobe (mud brick) structures. Notable features include a 40-meter-long Kallanka (great hall) and impressive Collqas (granaries) used to preserve corn, the region’s primary crop. The site also boasts an 800-meter-long stone-lined irrigation channel that remains a testament to Inca hydraulic skill. Since the site is inaccessible by road, its tranquil and secluded atmosphere provides an exclusive trekking experience before heading to the world-famous Machu Picchu on the second day.
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 to Ollantaytambo with Guide in a private transport, arriving at about 6:30pm to catch the train at 7pm to Aguas Calientes (nearest town to Machu Picchu)
Early in the morning at 4:30hrs enjoy your breakfast at Hotel, and then you take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu where our guide will show and explain to you the most representatives sites for about 2 hours, after this you can stay in Machu Picchu until 5pm and then return to Aguas Calientes to be at the train station at 18:30 hrs to catch the train heading to Ollantaytambo where you will be seat in a van/bus returning back to Cusco at 22:30 approx.
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.
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.