1 Day
Huchuy Qosqo Trek Full Day the Little Cusco is an archeological site north of Cuzco, Peru it was originally an administrative and military center around Pisaq, with many though-provoking constructions in the surrounding vicinity. You may also observe Inca buildings with fine, perfect stonework & grain-storage structures called Collcas to store and preserve food, because it was an important agricultural center to produce corn.
Its name is Quechua for Little Cusco and it is found at an elevation of 3650 meters (11,800 feet), above the 3000-meter high town of Lamay and the Sacred Valley. The site received its name in the 20th century previously it had been known as Kakya Qawani.
Pedro de Cieza de León, in his Second Chronicle of Peru, claimed that the palaces were built by Viracocha, the Eighth Inca. Amongst a large number of buildings, some stone, some adobe, is a kallanka (great hall), 40m long. Providing water to the site is a marvelous Inca-built irrigation channel, lined with stones for about 800m. The site is inaccessible by public road
Tour Huchuy Qosqo Trek Full Day
This Huchuy Qosqo Trek is one of the most favorite short trekking destinations in Cusco region for its wide ranges of scenic views all along the ways. It’s a life time dream of passionate hikers as the quest provides an opportunity to witness a beautiful mountain range from a close. The trials to the enthralling place are comprised of climbs and descend that traverse lush low land, alpine forests, rivers, picturesque communities, Inca temple and palace.
The route on the trek is loaded with the panoramic views of majestic mountains range adding glitters to the splendid beauty of the region. Huchuy Qosqo Trek takes you to explore the treasure of the Andes in a short time, it’s perfect for people who don´t want to spend much time in the mountains but still want to feel the charm of the Andes.
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek takes you to the lovely trek to the lesser-known Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo. This site is situated on a plateau with stunning views overlooking the Sacred valley and the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba range.
The day starts by driving to the small town of Corao, around 30 minutes from Cusco, before branching off the road into the high Andes and the tiny village of Patabamba at 3848 MASL/12624 FASL. It is at this location where the Huchuy Qosqo trailhead is located.
This trail will first take you to the little village of Sihua, then up to the Pukamarca pass (4150 MASL – 13615 FASL), overlooks the village with the same name. Here, you will have a splendid viewpoint of the Urubamba mountain range and the Sacred Valley. After reaching the top of the pass, there is a 2 km/0.6 mile (approximately 30 minute) downhill hike to the Pumamarka Community for lunch.
After lunch, you will continue your trek to the Puma Puncu canyon ( “the puma door” ). From here, you will hike along an original Incan trail, which has be restored as part of the Qapacñan project. This trail will lead you to the isolated and mysterious Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo (“the little Cusco’’) perched above the Sacred Valley of the Incas at 3600 MASL/11811 FASL. Once in the site, your guide will walk you through and show you all the site’s amazing Inca buildings like sacred temples, storehouses, Inca terraces for agriculture and the Inca reservoir used to store water during the dry season.
After your guided tour of the site, we will begin our 2-hour walk downhill to the village of Lamay (2,800 meters) by the Urumbamba River in the Sacred Valley, where a bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
07:00 – 07:30
Pick up from the hotel in Cusco.
07:30 – 08:20
From Cusco to Coorao by bus.
80:30 – 11:00
Walk Patabamba to Sihua.
11:00 – 12:00
Sihua, Pukamarca.
12:00 – 13:00
Lunch Pumamarka.
13:30 – 14:00
Pumamarca to Puma Puncu canyon
14:00 – 15:00
Guided tour of Huchuy Qosqo
15:00 – 17:00
Descent on to Lamay
17:00 – 18:30
Return to Cusco by bus for your overnight in Cusco.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Collection from your hotel in the morning and private transport to Patabamba, the starting point of the trek
- Huchuy Qosqo entrance fee
- English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 8 people)
- Boxed lunch – Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost.
- First-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle
- Private transport from Lamay to Cusco, including drop-off at your hotel
- 24 hour/day guest service: please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit
- 1 Porter
Not Included
- Dinner
- Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid, so feel free to tip or not as you wish
Packing List for the Huchuy Qosqo Trek
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is a beautiful and challenging trek in the Cusco region of Peru, and it is important to be prepared with the right gear. Here is a recommended packing list:
Clothing:
- Waterproof jacket
- Fleece jacket or warm sweater
- T-shirts
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Hiking pants
- Thermal underwear
- Hiking socks
- Sun hat
- Warm hat or beanie
- Gloves
Footwear:
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Sandals or comfortable shoes for camp
Equipment:
- Backpack (35-40 liters)
- Sleeping bag (rated for at least 0°C/32°F)
- Sleeping pad or inflatable mattress
- Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Trekking poles
- Water bottles or hydration system
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Personal toiletries
- Basic first aid kit (including any necessary medication)
Optional:
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Book or journal
- Snacks or energy bars
Note: Please be aware that the weather in the Andes can change quickly, so it is important to bring appropriate layers and gear to stay comfortable and safe.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Huchuy Qosqo?
Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca site located in the Cusco Region of Peru. The site consists of a series of terraces, buildings, and plazas and is thought to have been used as a royal estate or country retreat. The name Huchuy Qosqo means “Little Cusco” in Quechua, the language of the Inca. Huchuy Qosqo was built in the 15th century during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti. It is believed that Pachacuti ordered the construction of the site as a summer retreat for himself and his family.
The Huchuy Qosqo was likely abandoned after the fall of the Inca Empire in the 16th century. Today, it is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the site’s ruins, including several buildings and plazas. There is also a museum on-site that contains artifacts from the Huchuy Qosqo and other Inca sites.
Why is the Huchuy Qosqo Trek the best way to see Machu Picchu?
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is the best way to see Machu Picchu because it takes you through some of Peru’s most amazing scenery. The trek starts in Cusco, where you will spend a few days acclimatizing to the altitude before embarking on the 3-day journey to Machu Picchu. The first two days are spent trekking through the stunning mountains of Cusco and the Sacred Valley. On the third day, you will reach the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu.
What will you see on the Huchuy Qosqo Trek?
On the Huchuy Qosqo Trek, you will see llamas, alpacas, Andean lakes, local villages, canyons, ancient Inca Sites, and finally, arrive at Machu Picchu.
How to get to the Huchuy Qosqo Trek starting point?
To begin the Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu, you must make your way to Tambomachay, located just 15 minutes outside Cusco City.
How difficult is the Huchuy Qosqo Trek?
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is challenging due to the altitude, but it is doable for people with moderate fitness levels. The first day is the most difficult, with a steep ascent to the highest mountains of Cusco. After that, the remainder of the trek is relatively easy. However, there are still some challenges along the way. The scenery is breathtaking, though, and well worth the effort required to complete the trek.
What is the best time of year to do the Huchuy Qosqo Trek?
The best time of year to do the Huchuy Qosqo Trek is from April to October. The weather is dry and warm during these months, making for ideal trekking conditions. Plus, you’ll have the chance to see some of the area’s most beautiful flora and fauna in bloom.
What are the highlights of the Huchuy Qosqo Trek?
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is a must-do for any traveler to Peru. This popular trek takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the country, from the Andes Mountains to Machu Picchu. Highlights of the tour include:
- The Andes Mountains: The Huchuy Qosqo Trek takes you through the majestic Andes Mountains, offering incredible views of snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys.
- Andean Lakes: You will visit 2 important lakes for locals, and you can see many species of birds.
- Local Villages: You will interact with locals, learn about their lifestyles, and camp next to them.
- Machu Picchu: The highlight of the trek is undoubtedly a visit to the world-famous Inca site of Machu Picchu. Situated high in the mountains, this ancient city is truly breathtaking.
- Inca Sites: Huchuy Qosqo Trek is located on the top of the Sacred Valley. To reach this place, you must pass through beautiful valleys and canyons.
- Sacred Valley: After the trek, you will travel along the Sacred Valley until Ollantaytambo, enjoying the fantastic views of the most important town in the area.
How long does it take to complete the Huchuy Qosqo Trek?
The Huchuy Qosqo trek, including Machu Picchu, takes approximately 3 days to complete.
The total distance covered is around 25 km in the first two days of hiking.
Are there any age or fitness requirements for the trek?
No, there are no age or fitness requirements for the trek. This trek is doable for people of all ages and fitness levels. The total distance of the tour is 25 kilometers (16 miles) and can be completed in 2 days. On the 3rd day, you visit Machu Picchu.
