Huchuy Qosqo Trek Full Day from Cusco

Huchuy Qosqo Trek: From the Cusco Highlands to the Sacred Valley in One Day

The Huchuy Qosqo trek is one of the best day hikes from Cusco for travelers who want real trail time, Inca history and very few crowds. Huchuy Qosqo, Quechua for “Little Cusco”, is an Inca site perched high above the town of Lamay. No road reaches it, so the only way in is on foot.

After hotel pickup, our tourist transport drives you through Ccorao to the trailhead at Qoricocha Lake, at about 4,050 m (13,287 ft). From there you climb gently to the Apacheta Pass, the highest point of the day at about 4,200 m (13,780 ft), then walk downhill past the Andean community of Pukamarca and through the Puma Punku canyon, partly on original Inca trail. After a guided visit of Huchuy Qosqo, at about 3,650 m (11,975 ft), you descend a steep path to Lamay in the Sacred Valley, at about 2,934 m (9,626 ft), where our vehicle takes you back to Cusco. In total you walk about 13 km (8.1 mi) in 5–6 hours.

What's Included in the Huchuy Qosqo Trek

Included 6

Pickup from your hotel in Cusco (Sacred Valley with prior coordination)
Tourist transport Cusco – Qoricocha Lake (trailhead) and Lamay – Cusco
Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English), up to 8 travelers per guide
Box lunch and a snack
Huchuy Qosqo entrance fee, whenever it is collected at the site
First-aid kit and emergency oxygen

Not Included 5

Breakfast and dinner
Drinks other than those with your box lunch, and personal expenses
Trekking pole rental (USD 20)
Travel insurance
Tips for your guide and driver

What Should You Bring? 11

Passport or a copy
Small daypack
At least 2 liters of water
Broken-in hiking boots with good grip
Warm layers (fleece or light down jacket) for the cold morning
Rain jacket or poncho
Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Snacks and personal medication
Insect repellent for the descent to Lamay
Cash in Peruvian soles for drinks and tips
Trekking poles (your own or rented)

Huchuy Qosqo Trek Itinerary

1

Day 1

Cusco – Qoricocha Lake – Apacheta Pass – Pukamarca – Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Cusco

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco early in the morning (the exact time is confirmed the day before; pickup in the Sacred Valley can be arranged in advance). Our tourist transport drives you through Ccorao and the Patabamba area to Qoricocha Lake, at about 4,050 m (13,287 ft), where your guide gives a short briefing before the hike.

The first part of the trail climbs gently across the high plateau to the Apacheta Pass, the highest point of the day at about 4,200 m (13,780 ft). From here it is mostly downhill: you pass the small Andean community of Pukamarca, at about 4,010 m (13,156 ft), and continue into the Puma Punku canyon, following sections of original Inca trail.

A few hours after setting out you reach Huchuy Qosqo, at about 3,650 m (11,975 ft). Your guide leads a visit of the site: the great hall, the terraces, the storehouses and the stone-lined irrigation canal, with views over the Sacred Valley. You enjoy your box lunch here before the final descent, a steep zigzag path down to the town of Lamay, at about 2,934 m (9,626 ft).

In Lamay our vehicle is waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, where you arrive in the late afternoon or early evening.

Hiking: about 13 km (8.1 mi) · max. altitude 4,200 m (13,780 ft) · 5–6 hours

Huchuy Qosqo Trek Elevation Profile

13 kmhiking distance (8.1 mi)
4,200 mhighest point: Apacheta Pass (13,780 ft)
+150 melevation gain from Qoricocha Lake (start)

Approximate altitudes and distances along the trail.

km 0 Qoricocha Lake (start) 4,050 m · 13,287 ft Trailhead on the high plateau
km 3 Apacheta Pass 4,200 m · 13,780 ft Highest point of the day
km 6 Pukamarca 4,010 m · 13,156 ft Andean community; descent to Puma Punku canyon
km 9.5 Huchuy Qosqo 3,650 m · 11,975 ft Inca site, guided visit and lunch
km 13 Lamay (end) 2,934 m · 9,626 ft Steep descent; transport to Cusco

Good to know

History of Huchuy Qosqo, the “Little Cusco”

The site was probably established around 1420 as a royal estate of the Inca ruler Viracocha (also spelled Wiracocha). Its Inca name was Caquia Xaquixaguana; it only became known as Huchuy Qosqo in the 20th century. According to the chronicles, when the Chanka attacked Cusco late in his reign, Viracocha withdrew here and left the defense of the city to his son, who defeated the invaders and went on to rule as Pachacuti. After the Spanish conquest, Gonzalo Pizarro looted the estate and burned the mummy of Viracocha.

Today you walk among stone and adobe buildings, a great hall (kallanka) about 40 m (130 ft) long, terraces, restored storehouses (qolqas) and an Inca irrigation canal lined with stone for about 800 m (2,600 ft), all with wide views over the Sacred Valley and the snow-capped peaks above it.

Who This Hike Is For

Travelers with basic fitness who are comfortable walking 5–6 hours on uneven ground.
Hikers looking for a quiet alternative to the busier day trips around Cusco.
Anyone preparing for a longer trek such as Salkantay or the Inca Trail: it is an excellent acclimatization hike.
Families with children aged 8 or older who are used to walking.

The climb is short, but you start above 4,000 m and finish with a long, steep descent of more than 700 m (2,300 ft) from the ruins to Lamay. Please spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the hike to acclimatize.

Best Time to Do the Huchuy Qosqo Trek

The dry season, from April to October, brings the most stable weather, firm trails and the clearest mountain views. We run the hike all year: from December to March, expect afternoon rain and muddy sections, so bring a rain jacket and good boots. Mornings on the high plateau are cold in any season, while the Sacred Valley at the end of the day is usually mild.

Huchuy Qosqo Trek FAQs

How difficult is the Huchuy Qosqo trek?

It is a moderate day hike. You walk about 13 km (8.1 mi) in 5–6 hours. The only climb is short, from about 4,050 m (13,287 ft) to the Apacheta Pass at about 4,200 m (13,780 ft), but the altitude makes you breathe harder, and the last section is a steep descent of more than 700 m (2,300 ft) from the ruins to Lamay. Trekking poles help a lot on that stretch.

How can I avoid altitude sickness on this hike?

Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the trek, drink plenty of water and walk at a steady pace. Your guide carries a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen, and will adjust the pace for the group. If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor before booking.

Is there an entrance fee for Huchuy Qosqo?

Huchuy Qosqo is managed by Peru's Ministry of Culture, and ticket sales at the site have been suspended in recent official fee schedules. If a fee is being collected on the day of your hike, it is already included in your tour, so you do not need to bring extra money for it.

What is the minimum age for the Huchuy Qosqo trek?

We recommend it for children aged 8 and older who are used to walking several hours and have acclimatized in Cusco. The hike has no camping and only a short climb, but the day is long and the descent to Lamay is steep. Ask us about discounts for children (2–11) and students (12–17).

Can I join the tour if I am staying in the Sacred Valley?

Yes. The standard pickup is from hotels in Cusco, but we can arrange pickup in the Sacred Valley with prior coordination. Since the hike ends in Lamay, in the Sacred Valley, let us know if you prefer to be dropped off there instead of returning to Cusco.

When is the best time to hike to Huchuy Qosqo?

The dry season, from April to October, offers the best trail conditions and the clearest views. The hike runs all year, but from December to March you should expect afternoon rain and muddy sections.

Who carries my belongings?

This is a day hike without pack animals, so you carry a small daypack with water, layers, rain gear, sunscreen and snacks. Leave your main luggage at your hotel in Cusco; your box lunch is handed out by your guide.

How do I pay for the tour?

You pay a deposit when you book. The balance is due up to 2 days before the hike, in cash (USD or Peruvian soles) at our office at Av. El Sol 900, Cusco, or by card or PayPal with a 5% surcharge.

Can I rent trekking poles?

Yes. You can rent trekking poles for USD 20 for the tour. We recommend them for the steep descent from Huchuy Qosqo to Lamay.