Huchuy Qosqo Full Day Hike: One-Day Trek from Cusco
If you’re looking for an exciting day trip from Cusco that takes you off the beaten path through beautiful Andean scenery, small communities, and to a fascinating archaeological site, we highly recommend the Huchuy Qosqo 1-Day hike. You’ll escape the bustling city and spend the day immersed in nature, learning all about the stunning surroundings and rich Inca history.
Huchuy Qosqo, meaning “Little Cusco,” is a rarely visited yet wonderful archaeological site located north of Cusco. Experts suggest it initially served as an administrative and military center near the Inca site of Pisac. Within the archaeological park, you’ll observe impressive Inca buildings with delicate, perfectly executed stonework and grain-storage facilities called Collcas, which were crucial for storing and preserving food. It was also an important agricultural hub for producing corn, an essential food source for the ancient culture.
1 Day
Aventure
Easy
Cusco
7:00 am
12 people
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 – From Cusco to Huchuy Qosqo and the Sacred Valley
Explore Huchuy Qosqo and the Sacred Valley
Your exciting adventure begins with a 7:00 AM pickup from your accommodation in Cusco. We’ll drive for about 30 minutes to the small town of Ccorao (also known as Qorao or Corao), before venturing onto a high Andean road to the tiny village of Patabamba (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). A further 15-minute drive brings us to Qoricocha Lake (4,050 m / 13,287 ft), the starting point of our trek. Enjoy the unmissable Andean scenery along the way!
From the starting point, we’ll ascend for approximately 45 minutes to Apacheta Pass, the highest point of our day’s trek (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). The remainder of the 2-hour hike is downhill, making it gentle on your legs. Our route will take us through the ancient Pukamarca Community, where we’ll take a short break, then continue through beautiful green valleys and the impressive Puma Punku Canyon (“The Puma Gate”). Here, you’ll hike along an original section of the Inca Trail, meticulously restored as part of the Qhapaq Ñan project, adding an exciting historical dimension to your journey.
This trail leads us to the isolated and mysterious Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo (“the little Cusco”), perched above the Sacred Valley of the Incas at 3,600 m / 11,811 ft. Upon arrival, your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the archaeological park, showcasing its impressive Inca buildings, including sacred temples, storehouses, agricultural terraces, and the Inca reservoir. You’ll gain deep insights into Inca culture. After a guided tour and a delicious box lunch, we’ll begin our 2-hour descent to the village of Lamay (2,941 m / 9,649 ft), nestled beside the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley. Our private transport will be waiting there to take you back to your accommodation in Cusco, leaving your evening free to relax and enjoy dinner.
Daily Highlights:
- Box lunch and snacks provided
- Approx. 6 hours walking time
- 13 km (8.1 miles) walking distance
Inclusions
What's included
- Entry ticket to Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Site
- Pre-departure briefing
- Experienced, bilingual (English/Spanish) tour guide
- Medical Kit / First Aid Kit (including oxygen for emergencies)
- Backpack cover
- Walking sticks (trekking poles) with rubber tips
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Box Lunch and snacks (includes a reusable cloth snack bag)
- Hygiene products (small towel and soap for hand cleaning)
- Private transportation (hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, and all transport during the tour)
What's not included
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Personal hiking clothing and gear (beyond what's provided)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for our staff (guides, drivers)
- Additional costs or delays beyond our control (e.g., landslides, strikes, itinerary changes for safety)
- Optional entry tickets to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain ($75.00 USD per person each)
- Upgrades to PeruRail Vistadome Train ($70.00 USD per person)
Packing List
A valid passport is required for this tour. Be aware that strikes or adverse weather conditions may alter the itinerary; your safety is always our highest priority.
- Valid passport
- Extra money in Peruvian soles
- Personal medication
- Reusable water bottle or CamelBak
- Sunscreen (SPF 70+ recommended)
- Hiking boots or trekking shoes, preferably waterproof
- Trekking pants
- Trekking socks
- Thermal pants
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Waterproof jacket
- Rain poncho
- Waterproof or wool gloves
- Sun hat or cap
- Warm wool hat
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Small trekking backpack (15–25 liters)
- Camera and charger
- Power bank
- Energy snacks
- Trekking poles (optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the recommended tips for preventing altitude sickness during the trek?
To minimize the risk of altitude sickness, we highly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2-3 days before your trek to acclimatize. During this time, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and take it easy. Your guide will also carry oxygen and a first aid kit for basic emergencies.
2. Is this Huchuy Qosqo Full Day Hike suitable for children or families?
The trek is rated ‘Easy to Moderate’ with approximately 6 hours of walking and some elevation gain. While children with hiking experience and good physical condition can participate, it’s best to consult with us beforehand if you plan to travel with young children to assess their suitability for the trail.
3. What is the policy for solo travelers joining a group tour?
Solo travelers are very welcome! This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests, so you don’t need to worry about minimum group size. You’ll join a group of like-minded adventurers, and there are no single supplements for joining a group tour.
4. Are there any specific facilities or restrooms available along the trail?
Given that much of the trek is off-the-beaten-path through natural Andean landscapes and small communities, formal restroom facilities are generally limited along the trail. Your guide will advise on appropriate spots for comfort breaks during the hike. Basic facilities might be available in communities or at the archaeological site.
5. What happens in case of an emergency or injury during the trek?
Your safety is our top priority. All our guides are highly trained in first aid and carry a comprehensive medical kit, including oxygen. In case of an emergency or injury, the guide will provide immediate assistance, and if necessary, arrangements will be made for a prompt evacuation to the nearest clinic for treatment.
Feel free to call us. We’re a team of experts and would be happy to speak with you.
- +51 970 409 091
- [email protected]
