We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco; the walk starts at Tauca near Piuray Lake and finishes with transport back to your hotel from Lamay.
A beautiful full-day Huchuy Qosqo trek from Cusco — hike from Piuray Lake over the Pucajasa pass (4,393 m) to the hilltop Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo, with sweeping views of the Chicón and Verónica snow peaks.
The Huchuy Qosqo trek is a beautiful day hike through the highlands above the Sacred Valley. Starting near the village of Chinchero and the turquoise Piuray Lake, you’ll walk through terraced fields and rich Andean flora and fauna to Huchuy Qosqo — an Inca site built by order of the Inca Wiracocha as a place of rest.
The roughly 8-hour route (including breaks, lunch and a tour of the complex) crosses ecological zones from quechua to suni and puna, climbing to the Pucajasa pass (4,393 m) for spectacular views of the Urubamba range before descending along sections of original Inca trail to the ruins and on to the village of Lamay.
Begin near the serene turquoise lake of Piuray, framed by Andean fields and villages.
Climb to 4,393 m for a spectacular panorama of the Urubamba mountain range.
Explore the hilltop Inca site once built as a royal resting place by the Inca Wiracocha.
Walk genuine sections of Inca path through dramatic changes in ecological zones.
Enjoy views of the Chicón and Verónica glaciers across the Sacred Valley.
Spot native plants and wildlife across quechua, suni and puna zones.
A rewarding highland day hike — Piuray Lake, the Pucajasa pass, the Inca ruins of Huchuy Qosqo and a descent to Lamay before returning to Cusco.
Early AMCusco – Piuray Lake – Tauca. We leave Cusco early toward the Sacred Valley, passing Chinchero’s ancient fields and the shores of Piuray Lake to Tauca (3,762 m), where the walk begins.
Mid-MorningPucajasa Pass. We follow a gentle dirt track to the Pucajasa pass (4,393 m) for spectacular views of the Urubamba range, then begin our descent along sections of original Inca trail.
MiddayHuchuy Qosqo & lunch. We reach Huchuy Qosqo (3,688 m) for a box lunch and a guided tour of the archaeological complex.
AfternoonDescent to Lamay – Cusco. We descend to the village of Lamay (2,938 m) and board our transport back to Cusco.
Exactly what is covered in your Huchuy Qosqo tour — and what to budget separately.
A few essentials we recommend to make your Huchuy Qosqo day the most rewarding possible.
The trek crosses the Pucajasa pass at 4,393 m. Spend a day or two in Cusco first, hydrate, and bring warm, waterproof layers and good boots. Oxygen is carried throughout.
The hike is rated moderate: 3 hours uphill + 1.5 hours back down. If you can walk steadily for 4–5 hours at home, you'll be fine. Horses are available at the trailhead (~ US $20) if needed.
Dry season: April to October. Skies are clearer, trails firm, colors most vibrant. Avoid the rainy season (Dec–Mar), when colors mute under cloud cover. We run tours year-round but recommend the dry months.
The Andean sun is intense at 5,000 m. Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF, and dress in layers. Pre-dawn is below freezing; midday can hit 18°C in the sun.
Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour. In case of dangerous weather (snowstorms, road closures), we'll offer a free reschedule or full refund. Safety always comes first.
Travel light but smart. Here's exactly what we recommend bringing for a comfortable, safe day at altitude.
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. The more travelers in your group, the lower the price per person.
| Group Type | Group Size | Price / Person | What's Different |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Group Most popular | 2 – 14 travelers | US $125 / pp | Mixed international group · set departure |
| Private Group ★ Best experience | 2 – 6 travelers | US $150 / pp | Your group only · personalized pace |
| Family Package | 4+ adults & kids | US $119 / pp | 5% discount for adolescents & children |
| Group of 8+ | 8 or more travelers | From US $112 / pp | Automatic group discount at checkout |
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Full refund for cancellations 30+ days before. 50% refund 15–29 days before. Weather-related cancellations from our side = full refund or free reschedule.
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. More? See the full FAQ page or reach us on WhatsApp.
Huchuy Qosqo guides
