1 Day
Daily Tour
16 people
English, Espanol, Portuguese
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is a trip that lasts about 8 hours, with breaks, lunch, and a guided tour of the archaeological site. This trip takes you through different ecological areas, such as Quechua, Suni, and Puna, each with its own plants and animals.
Early Morning Departure: We leave Cusco early in the morning and head north to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. As we drive toward Chinchero, you'll be amazed by the huge fields of crops that have been grown there since Inca times. We keep going along the shores of Piuray Lagoon until we reach the community of Tauca (3762 meters / 12343 feet), where the trek starts.
The trek begins on an old dirt road that is no longer used. The road slowly rises as we make our way to the Pucajasa Mountain Pass (4393 meters / 14413 feet). From here, you'll be able to see the Urubamba Mountain Range in all its glory. The pass is about 200 meters long and has amazing views. It also marks the start of a new ecological zone.
As we go down, we'll see parts of the Inca Trail and the landscape will change dramatically as we move through different ecological zones. We'll finally get to Huchuy Qosqo (3688 meters / 12099 feet), where we'll stop for lunch in this historic place. After lunch, go on a guided tour of the site to learn about its historical importance and see its architectural wonders.
After the tour, we start to go down to Lamay, which is 2938 meters (9639 feet) below sea level. As we finish the trek, the changing scenery makes for a beautiful background. When we get to Lamay, a private car will take us back to Cusco, ending our trip.
Distance: About 12 km or 7.5 miles
Elevation gain: 650 meters (2,133 feet)
Highest point: 4,393 meters (14,413 feet)
Lowest point: 2,938 meters / 9,639 feet
Duration: 8 hours of hiking, with breaks and the tour included
Level of difficulty: Moderate to Hard, with high-altitude trekking and different types of terrain.
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is considered a moderate trek. It involves a full day of hiking, with some steep ascents and descents. The trek is suitable for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness. However, the altitude can be challenging, so it’s recommended to acclimatize in Cusco for a few days before the trek.
You should bring comfortable trekking shoes, layers of clothing for varying weather conditions, a hat, sunscreen, a rain jacket, a daypack, a water bottle, and snacks. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes! Walking sticks can also be useful and are available for rent.
The best time to do the Huchuy Qosqo Trek is during the dry season, from May to September. During this time, the weather is generally clear and dry, offering the best conditions for trekking. The wet season, from November to March, can make the trails muddy and slippery, and there is a higher chance of rain.