Huchuy Qosqo Full Day Hike
Dificulty
Moderate
Duration
1 Day
Group Size
14 a 19 People
Max Altitude
4,200 msnm
Description
Huchuy Qosqo, known as “Little Cusco”, is an archaeological site located north of Cusco, Peru. Originally, it was an important administrative and military center close to Pisaq, with multiple constructions that dominate the surrounding landscape. At this site, it is possible to observe impressive Inca stone structures, as well as the Collcas, ancient warehouses designed to preserve food, since Huchuy Qosqo was also a prominent agricultural center for the cultivation of corn, a fundamental food in the Inca civilization.
This enigmatic site is located (3,650 m / 11,800 ft), above the town of Lamay and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Its name in Quechua means “Little Cusco”, but in ancient times it was known as Kakya Qawani.
According to the chronicler Pedro Cieza de León, in his Second Chronicle of Peru, the palaces of Huchuy Qosqo were built by the Inca Viracocha, the eighth ruler of the empire. Among its many buildings are stone and adobe constructions, including an impressive 40-meter-long kallanka (great ceremonial hall). In addition, the site has a sophisticated system of Inca irrigation canals, lined with stone along 800 meters, which still amazes visitors with its engineering.
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is one of the most fascinating short hiking routes in the Cusco region. It offers a variety of spectacular panoramic views along the route, making it the ideal destination for trekking lovers looking for an authentic experience in the Andes.
The path is full of climbs and descents that pass through diverse landscapes, from alpine forests and rivers, to Inca temples and palaces. The journey provides the opportunity to admire the majestic Andes mountain range, adding a special touch to the beauty of the region.
Although Huchuy Qosqo is not accessible by road, its route is a hidden gem for those who want to explore an Inca treasure in a short time. It is the perfect option for those who do not have several days for long mountain expeditions, but still want to feel the charm of the Andes and Inca history at its best.
Cusco | Ccorao - Patabamba Community - Qoricocha Lake - Huchuy Qosqo - Lamay (Sacred Valley) – Cusco
Our exciting adventure begins early in the morning when we pick you up from your hotel at 6:00 a.m. From Cusco, we will take a 30-minute drive to the small town of Ccorao (Qorao or Corao). Then, we will follow a road that leads us to the Andes and the charming village of Patabamba (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). From there, we will continue for 15 more minutes until we reach the beautiful Qoricocha Lake (4,050 m / 13,207 ft), our starting point for the hike. Make sure to enjoy the Andean landscape through the window—the views are simply breathtaking!
We will begin our hike with a 45-minute ascent to Apacheta Pass, the highest point of the day (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). From here, the rest of the path will be downhill for approximately 2 hours, making the trek easier.
Along the route, we will pass through the ancient community of Pukamarca, where we will take a short break before continuing towards the Puma Punku Canyon (“The Puma Gate”). Here, you will have the unique opportunity to walk on an original section of the Inca Trail, restored as part of the Qhapaq Ñan project. This world-renowned trail adds a special touch to our adventure.
Following the path, we will arrive at the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo (“Little Cusco”), located above the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas (3,600 m / 11,811 ft). Upon arrival, your expert guide will take you on a tour of this fascinating complex, showing you its impressive Inca structures: sacred temples, grain storage buildings (Collcas), agricultural terraces, and Inca water reservoirs used during the dry season. You will uncover the secrets of this ancient Inca center and its significance in the history of Andean civilization.
After the guided tour, we will enjoy a delicious box lunch while relaxing in this incredible setting. Then, we will begin our 2-hour descent to the town of Lamay (2,941 m / 9,649 ft), located next to the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley.
From there, our private transport will take us back to Cusco, where you will have enough time to rest and enjoy a relaxed dinner after a day full of adventure and history.
An unforgettable experience in the Andes that combines nature, culture, and Inca history. Huchuy Qosqo awaits you!
- MEALS: Box lunch
- TOTAL WALKING DISTANCE: 13 km / 8.69 miles
- TOTAL HIKING TIME: 6 hours
- DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate
- MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 2,941 m / 9,649 ft
- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Incluye
✓ Pre-Departure Briefing
✓ Entrance Ticket to the Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Site
✓ Field Staff
- Professional Guides:
Specialized in trekking and selected from accredited universities. Our guides are fluent in English and have between three to ten years of experience in different hikes in the region. They are experts in group management under pressure, first aid, and rescue techniques. Most of them come from different Andean communities and bring their cultural heritage with them. Along with the rest of the field team, our guides will make your trip a unique experience.
✓ Meals
- Food: 1 box lunch
✓ Transportation
- Day 1: You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and will travel in private transport along with the group to the hiking starting point.
- Day 1: Return transportation from Lamay station to Cusco.
✓ Emergency Equipment & Remote Medical Assistance
- Radios:
They have a range of 10 km and 8 frequencies so that our guides, cooks, and porters can communicate with each other. Additionally, the radios can be used to contact park rangers in case of emergency. - First Aid Kit:
We have alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine tincture, germicidal soap, cotton, gauze, bandages, medical adhesive tape, surgical gloves, pain relievers for muscle and stomach pain, and antipyretics. If you take prescription medication, you may bring your own. - Portable Oxygen Tank
✓ IMPORTANT:
- Please note that only a medical professional can issue a prescription. Our guides do NOT have the authority to prescribe treatments to clients. All medications will be administered with your consent and under your own responsibility. If you have a medical prescription, it is recommended that you bring your own medication(s).
No Incluye
- Original ID or Passport.
- Sun hat and wool hat for different temperatures.
- Warm clothing (jacket, scarf, gloves, hats).
- Short-sleeved T-shirt.
- Trekking shoes or waterproof boots for your comfort, if they are sneakers with rubber or thick soles it is an excellent option.
- Rain gear: A good raincoat, rain pants (only for the rainy season).
- Long pants.
- Sunglasses.
- Small backpack to carry water, snacks, camera, etc.
- 2 liters of water (there are options to buy along the route).
- Snacks such as apple, cereal bar, candy and chocolates.
- Personal medical kit.
- Sunscreen.
- Cash in soles for personal expenses.
Huchuy Qosqo comes from the Quechua words “Huchuy,” meaning “small,” and “Qosqo,” referring to Cusco, the archaeological capital of South America, known as the city of the Incas. Together, the name means “Little Cusco.”
- Exact location: Huchuy Qosqo is on the northern slope of the Sacred Valley, at an altitude of 3,600 meters, in the district of Lamay, Calca province.
- Distance: While it is often said to be 5 km from Calca, this is a straight-line measurement. Hiking from Lamay or Tambomachay takes a longer route, ranging from 7 to 10 km, depending on the starting point.
- Access: You can reach Huchuy Qosqo by hiking from Tambomachay (near Cusco) or from Lamay in the Sacred Valley.
The tour is available year-round, subject to weather conditions.
We recommend booking in advance since we operate during both high and low seasons, with varying numbers of tourists. Booking ahead ensures availability and avoids last-minute inconveniences.
While no specific training is required for hiking in Cusco, the best way to prepare physically is by using a treadmill with steep incline settings, climbing stairs, or using a stair stepper. It is recommended to spend at least two days in Cusco before starting the hike to acclimate.
We always recommend wearing the lightest trekking shoes possible. High-ankle support shoes are especially helpful for inexperienced hikers, as the trail includes many stone steps built by the Incas.
Any luggage not needed for the trek should remain in Cusco. Most hotels in Cusco are accustomed to storing luggage for guests. If you don’t have a place to store your belongings, you can leave them at our office until the end of your adventure. We will ensure they are kept securely, so you don’t have to worry!
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