Day trips

Huchuy Qosqo day trek: the complete guide

7 min read Local Cusco team Updated February 2026

Not every great Andean walk needs days and a tent. This single-day trek climbs from Chinchero over a high pass and down to the royal ruins of Huchuy Qosqo — a quiet, rewarding day with big Sacred Valley views and almost no crowds.

A full day, a real trek

You start near Chinchero and the Piuray lagoon, climb to the Pucajasa pass (around 4,400 m) for sweeping views of the Urubamba range, then descend along sections of Inca trail to Huchuy Qosqo and on to Lamay.

The day trek crosses a high pass before dropping to the ruins.

What to know before you go

It is a moderate-to-hard full day with a high pass, so it is best done after a couple of days acclimatizing in Cusco. Bring layers, sun protection and water — see our packing guide.

Walk to Little Cusco in a day

See the Huchuy Qosqo day trek and dates.

View the day trek

Frequently asked questions

It is a full day of about 8 hours including breaks and the guided visit, covering roughly 12 km over a high pass.

The Pucajasa pass reaches around 4,400 m, so acclimatizing in Cusco beforehand is recommended.

IA
INKANET Adventure Team
Local guides and trip planners based in Cusco, Peru