Private Small Group Journeys

Day Trip The Huchuy Qosqo Trek

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Tour Details

The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is an amazing day trek from Cusco that offers both stunning natural landscapes and rich Incan history. This lesser-known trek is ideal for those who want to explore ancient ruins while enjoying the beautiful Andean scenery without the crowds of more famous hikes.

Departure & Return Location

Cusco – Peru

Type of Activity:

History, Trek & Adventure

Duration:

One Day

What to Expect

Immediate confirmation of your booking
Personalized advice to prepare for your trip
Hand-Selected Boutique Accommodations
Personalized attention and constant support throughout your trip
Carefully selected activities and excursions to maximize your experience
Quality and safety in every aspect of your trip

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Itinerary

Early Morning: Pickup and Drive from Cusco

Early Morning: Pickup and Drive from Cusco

Time: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Activity:
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco by your tour guide and driver.
- Travel by private transport for about 1.5 hours to the starting point of the trek, which is usually near the village of Tambomachay or Pucamarca. Along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the Andean mountains and sacred valleys.

Start the Hike to Huchuy Qosqo

Time: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Activity:

The trek begins with a moderate hike uphill, where you’ll start at around 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) of altitude.
The hike takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, including high-altitude grasslands and cloud forests.
Along the way, you may see llamas, alpacas, and local flora. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the quieter and more tranquil part of the Sacred Valley.

Arrival at Huchuy Qosqo

Time: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Activity:

After around 2.5 to 3 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Huchuy Qosqo, an Inca archaeological site perched high above the Sacred Valley.
Explore the site with your guide, who will explain its history and significance. Huchuy Qosqo, meaning “Little Cuzco” in Quechua, was an important Inca settlement and royal retreat.
The site is known for its impressive terraces, ruins, aqueducts, and viewpoints over the Sacred Valley.
You’ll have plenty of time to explore and take in the views of the Urubamba River and the surrounding mountains.

Lunch with a View

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Activity:

You’ll enjoy a packed lunch or a simple picnic at the archaeological site, allowing you to relax while soaking in the beautiful surroundings.

Descent to Lamay (Sacred Valley)

Time: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Activity:

After lunch, you will begin your descent to the village of Lamay in the Sacred Valley, a charming village surrounded by beautiful nature.
The descent takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, and you’ll get more stunning views of the valley as you hike down.
Along the way, you may also encounter traditional Andean farms and local life.

Return to Cusco

Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Activity:

Once you reach Lamay, you’ll meet your driver for the return trip to Cusco. The drive back is around 1.5 hours.
You’ll pass through beautiful Sacred Valley villages, including Pisac and Calca, as you head back to Cusco.

Arrival in Cusco

Time: 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Activity:

You’ll arrive back in Cusco in the late afternoon, and the tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel.

Additional Information for the Trek:

Difficulty: The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is moderate in difficulty. The elevation and some uphill sections can be challenging for those not accustomed to high altitudes.

Altitude: The highest point on the trek is around 3,700 meters (12,100 feet) at Huchuy Qosqo. Make sure you are acclimatized to Cusco’s altitude to avoid altitude sickness.

What to Bring:

Hiking shoes/boots
Warm layers (it can be chilly in the mornings)
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat (for sun protection)
Water and snacks
Camera for stunning views!
Small backpack for carrying essentials

Best Time to Visit: The best time for this trek is from April to October, during the dry season in the Andes.

Highlights:

Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site with its ancient terraces, canals, and ruins.
Beautiful views of the Sacred Valley and the Urubamba River.
Peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience away from the crowds of other popular treks like Inca Trail or Rainbow Mountain.

The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is a great option if you’re looking for a shorter trek with rich history and stunning landscapes. It provides a rewarding experience of both nature and Incan culture, while still being relatively easy for those who don’t want to commit to longer, more strenuous hikes.