Hike to Huchuy Qosqo

Skill level: Challenging

overview

Explore Huchuy Qosqo

High above the Sacred Valley lie the mysterious and little-known ruins of Huchuy Qosqo. Your hike takes you along the old Inca trail, through remote farming communities and stunning mountain scenery to finally reach this fantastic Inca site. If you are looking for a great day hiking, far from the crowds, this is a truly spectacular option. We also have a 2-day hike to Huchuy Qosqo available too.

This one-day hike is packed full of excitement and wonder. Blaze the ancient Inca Trails through the countryside

Travelers should give themselves 2 to 3 days to acclimatize before going on this 4km hike.

Did you know: We plant two trees per person, per day when you travel with us- making us the sustainable choice.

Trip Highlights

Explore ancient Inca Ruins
Hike a lesser visited, but still completely authentic, Inca Trail.
Experience the Andes in all of their tranquil glory.

Included

English-speaking guide
Transport
Box lunch
Huchuy Qosqo entrance
Trekking poles
Carbon Positive travel: carbon emissions offset, two native trees planted per person per day

NOT Included

Hotels
Flights (international or domestic)
Tips
Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)
Personal expenses

You will start this adventure by driving to Chinchero alongside the beautiful lake of Piuray. Our transport leaves us as we arrive at the small village of Taucco, where the hike will start.

As we leave the vehicle behind, we follow a sharp ascend to the plateau. With most of the day’s ascent now done you can relax as you follow a mainly flat and well-preserved Inca trail for the rest of the day. This little-used route will take you past herds of alpacas and llamas and on a clear day, the views to the snow-capped mountains of the Urubamba range are fantastic. Along the way, you can enjoy a tasty packed lunch.

After lunch you descend through a delightful canyon full of Inca remains to emerge high above the Sacred Valley for your first views of Huchuy Qosqo.

Little is known about this mysterious site, though ‘little Cusco’ (as it translates from Quechua) may have been the country retreat of one of the first Incas. Its three-story houses, extensive niched walls, large central square, three-meter high terraces, and hidden location make this one of the real gems of the Cusco area.

After time to explore, you head down to Lamay on a steep donkey trail where your vehicle awaits.

Summary

High-Altitude Trek: Start with a sharp ascent to a plateau, completing most of the day’s climb early on. Then, enjoy a largely flat and well-preserved Inca trail, a little-used route offering fantastic views of the snow-capped Urubamba range and passing herds of alpacas and llamas. A tasty packed lunch is provided en route.
Huchuy Qosqo Exploration: Descend through a charming canyon filled with Inca remains to emerge high above the Sacred Valley, revealing your first views of Huchuy Qosqo (Little Cusco). Explore this mysterious site, believed to be a country retreat for an early Inca, featuring three-story houses, extensive walls, a large central square, and impressive terraces.
Descent to Lamay: After exploring, take a steep donkey trail down to Lamay, where your vehicle awaits to transfer you back.

Equipment & Packing List

Trekking Kitlist

Important Trip Details

Trip length

1 Day

Difficulty

Challenging

Peak altitude

~4,215m

Season

All Year Round (Closed Feb)

Trip Availability

Private upon request

See What Past Travelers Have to Say

See what our past travelers had to say

Just to say that everything went perfectly on our weekend trip to Llactapata, so thanks so much for arranging that – and the vodka was really appreciated!! Peter, the director, also commented on how smoothly it all went and how good the staff and food were. We were lucky with the weather, the solstice did exactly what it was supposed to do, and aren´t the views from there amazing? Will speak to you soon, but just wanted to write quickly to say thanks. Our team of travel experts created Adrian’s own personalized adventure according to his preferences. If you would like to do the same, get in contact with one of our experts, and see what we can create for you.

Adrian Gallop | National Geographic

Peru EXPERTS

I’m not sure anyone knows more about having adventures in the Cusco area of Peru (and beyond) than Amazonas Explorer. Guides are properly trained, itineraries are well-thought-out; the emphasis is on safety but also on FUN! They do the classic trips brilliantly but also have lots of ideas for more offbeat escapades. And they’re a B Corporation, too, so have excellent environmental credentials. Check out Sarah’s adventure, our in depth Sacred Valley Explorer, here.

Amazonas Explorer delivered an unforgettable

We recently returned from a two-week adventure in Peru organized by Amazonas Explorer, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, the trip was flawlessly executed and thoughtfully tailored to meet our specific needs and pace. Whether it was the gentle start to the Inca Trail to help with altitude, the high-quality accommodations, or the balance of activity and rest, every detail showed how much care went into planning our journey. The highlight, of course, was hiking the Inca Trail with our incredible guide, José Rivas, whose deep knowledge and calm presence made each step more meaningful. The entire support team—our cook, porters, and crew—provided not just logistics, but genuine hospitality that made us feel completely cared for. After the hike, Amazonas Explorer kept the magic going with a stunning train ride aboard the Andean Explorer across the high plains to Lake Titicaca. There, we explored the floating Uros Islands and Taquile Island, adding a whole new cultural dimension to our adventure. Amazonas Explorer delivered an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience—from mountain passes above the clouds to peaceful moments on the highest navigable lake in the world. We’re incredibly grateful for everything they put into making this trip so personal, rich, and memorable. Good work everyone!

Amazonas Explorers flawlessly planned and executed the perfect Inca Trail trip for my husband and I

Amazonas Explorers flawlessly planned and executed the perfect Inca Trail trip for my husband and I. Lourdes was patient with all my questions and made great suggestions. Our guide Jose was wonderful, he took care of us, taught us so much, and kept us laughing the whole time! Meals were delicious and they whole experience was top notch. They even went above and beyond when out fight out of Cuzco was delayed, sending a rep to the airport to stay with us and booking us a last minute hotel even though our time with them was technically over.

Vanessa P.

Amazonas Explorers was fabulous and they gave our family an amazing experience!

Amazonas Explorers was fabulous and they gave our family an amazing experience! We do travel quite a bit, and this experience may have been my favorite! They were fantastic in every way! We especially loved our guide! He was very knowledgeable, positive, a great coach, had a great sense of humor and was such a joy to be around! He poured out so much goodness and happiness in to us that we hope we’ll be able to pass it on to others! We also loved all of the porters, our chef, waiter and EVERYONE who came on the trail with us! Everyone was so eager, happy, hardworking, diligent, kind, helpful, friendly-I could go on and on! We loved the food and being alone on the trail, immersed in the Peruvian culture. I was also surprised how clean and nice everything was kept! Everyone went above and beyond for us at Amazonas Explorers! We felt we had the BEST of the BEST!

Sara Cross

Exceeded expectations- We loved Peru

Paul and I arrived home from Peru last night and I wanted to let you know that we had the most fantastic time. Our itinerary packed so much into the few days that we had available and Elias was a superb guide, he was easy company, friendly, knowledgeable and clearly loved the sites that we visited as much as we did. You are very lucky to have him as part of your team. Special mention also for Ninos, our driver. We felt safe with him behind the wheel at all times, despite very tricky roads and he never kept us waiting. Elias and Ninos worked very well together. Overall our trip far exceeded expectations and we loved Peru. Many thanks for all of the organisation that made it possible. Check out Paul’s adventure, The Machu Picchu Express, and find out for yourself what makes it so special.

Amazonas Explorer is a first class adventure company.

We did the Ultimate Inca Trail Adventure. Amazonas Explorer is a first-class adventure company. Their execution of the trip was flawless. Communication, guides, porters, transports, food, hotels, luggage, permits, tickets, knowledge, and history are excellent on all counts. I would recommend this company without any hesitation or qualification. If I go back and I just might, this is the Company I will choose again. Check out SH’s adventure, the incredible 5-day Inca Trail trek to the world-famous Machu Picchu.

We loved Peru and it was so different from any other country I’ve visited

As you could tell by the pictures – I still have more to post – it was a memorable trip. We loved Peru and it was so different from any other country I’ve visited. It has a unique culture and the scenery is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Plus, the history – man – the Inca were busy little buggers. It’s amazing to wonder what kind of structures still remain uncovered. At Machu Picchu, Gonzalo (guide) pointed out a massive aqueduct across the valley/river from the site. It had just been discovered in the last nine months. Crazy. He told us they estimate less than 50% of Machu Picchu has been exposed and just a bit more than 20% of Choquequirao has been identified. Speaking of Gonzalo, he was great. If I were you, I wouldn’t hesitate to request him to guide future guests you send to Peru. He’s warm, upbeat, enthusiastic, and funny and he knows his stuff. Plus he is so proud of his country and his heritage. Having a private guide and vehicle really enhanced our experience. Check out Susan’s adventure, our Choquequirao Trek, here.

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