Huchuy Qosqo Trek 2 Days

We start in private transportation from the city of Cusco to the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay sector, where our walk begins. This archaeological center is considered a center of worship to water. From here you can see Puca Pucara, possibly a checkpoint at the entrance to the city of Cusco. 

We leave Tambomachay up the stream of the same name, where we can observe the city of Cusco to the vicinity of the Abra Sicllajasa, where we will enjoy the view of the Ccauca ravine, as well as a typical landscape of puna, walking along the side of the mountain in half of a pajonal of Ichu. On our way we will stop at the Qeullacocha lagoon, where we will enjoy our lunch. 

We wait for the ascent to Challu Challu, from where we can see the lagoons of Piuray and Qoricocha. We continue climbing in the middle of the puna to reach the Abra Rumicruz from where we will descend to the community of Pucamarca. This beautiful and typical high Andean community will house us as a campsite. Dinner and overnight.

Meals: lunch and dinner 

Maximum Altitude: 4247 masl / 13933 ft 

Minimum Altitude: 3600 masl / 11811 ft 

Distance traveled: 9.75 km / 6.05 ml 

Approximate walking time: 5 hr

We leave the community continuing our way of descent, to cross an Inca bridge and a paved passage at the foot of the river that will take us to Huchuy Qosco. Arriving at this archaeological site, we will rest briefly and then start the guided tour of the place. Double jamb doors, three-story houses, mixed construction with stones and adobe; and a spectacular view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Urubamba Mountain Range is what awaits us here. 

After descending for 2 hours, we will arrive at the town of Lamay, end of our walk. Here we will take our private transport to return to the city of Cusco. 

Meals: breakfast and lunch 

Maximum altitude: 4000 masl / 13123 ft 

Minimum Altitude: 2959 masl / 9708 ft 

Distance traveled: 6 km / 3.72 ml 

Approximate walking time: 6 hr

• Pre-trekking briefing. Give us details of the place that will be in Cusco, please.
• Meals: 02x breakfast, 01x lunch, 01x dinner, 2x snacks, and 1x afternoon tea. (Vegetarian food option available).
• Professional tour guide;
• Trekking cook;
• Muleteer and horse, who carry all camping equipment and your personal belongings (5 kg per person);
• Camping equipment: Personal double tents,
• Sleeping bag (-5°C) and sheets for sleeping bags;
• Inflatable sleeping mattress (Therm-a-Rest Mattress) with cover;
• Air mattress with cover;
• A pair of hiking poles;
• Rain poncho (in case you need it);
• Duffel bag, where you put your clothes and personal equipment;
• Dining tent, kitchen and eating tents, portable chairs, and tables;
• Tourist transport Cusco – trailhead – Cusco;
• Oxygen tank and first aid kit for emergencies.

Additional during the trek

• Hot water every morning and night for washing;
• Water during the hike (for the first 4 hours, you need to bring bottled water);
• Toilet paper;
• Boiled water to fill your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunchtime if requested in advance;
• Liquid soap to wash your hands at each camp;
• Small towel to clean your hands.

Responsible Travel

Inca Trail Machu works with Responsible People to recover the landscapes lost during the year. If you book your trek, Inca Trail Machu makes a donation for reforestation in the Andean community, and every year we help the community improve the life of families. For more information visit Responsible People.

Walkie-talkie – Radio Communication

Our guide and trekking cook will take a pair of radios with long-range communication. They will coordinate throughout the trek, and in case of emergency, these walkie-talkies are connected with SERNANP and the Ministry of Culture to contact immediately. Also, during the hike, there are sections with cell phone signal and internet coverage.

• Breakfast on the first morning (ask at your hotel) 
• Last lunch.
• Travel insurance
• Tips

• Original passport and copies (and student card (ISIC) green card if you are a student). 
• Sleeping bag (not included) 
• Waterproof hiking boots (with ankle protectors) 
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho 
• Sun hat and gloves 
• T-shirts / shirts 
• Rain pants 
• Sunscreen cream (factor 25 recommended) 
• Insect repellent (for mosquitoes) 15% deet at least 
• Water bottle. 
• Water purifying tablets (Micropur recommended) 
• Toilet paper and wet wipes 
• Personal medication 
• Camera 
• Flashlight, we recommend headlights 
• Additional contribution suggested in soles the money for the porters, cook and guide. and for any emergency. 
• Walking poles (with rubber tips) can also be hired from us

This archaeological site is located north of Cusco city, at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level, in the district of Lamay, province of Calca. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, after the renowned complexes of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

Where is Huchuy Qosqo?

Huchuy Qosqo is located in the rural community of the same name, less than 5 kilometers from the city of Calca, in the Cusco department, within the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas. This archaeological site is situated on a peak 570 meters above the Urubamba (Vilcanota) River valley. The route to Huchuy Qosqo is truly impressive, as traveling it will allow you to cross Andean communities, visit archaeological sites, and marvel at spectacular landscapes. Many travelers take advantage of their excursion to Huchuy Qosqo as part of their itinerary to Machu Picchu.

About the Archaeological Complex of Huchuy Qosqo

The archaeological complex known as Huchuy Qosqo houses the enclosure called Qaqyaqawana, whose name in Quechua translates as "the place where the beam overlooks". This site, located in the upper third of the Qaqya mountain (which means thunder), stands out for its impressive engineering works and adaptation to the terrain. The carefully sculpted terraces mold the edges of cliffs and vertical ravines over the majestic Vilcanota valley. These structures culminate in terraces used as ceremonial esplanades, surrounded by buildings constructed with stone and adobe, materials worked with remarkable mastery and high-quality finishes. Additionally, the architectural layout of the complex bears a striking resemblance to the city of Cusco, which led to this place being named Huchuy Qosqo, meaning "Little Cusco," at the beginning of the 20th century.

What to see in Huchuy Qosqo?

In this archaeological site you will find various fascinating structures, such as:

• Three level building: The first and second floors are made up of regular stone polyhedrons, while the third level is built with adobe.
• Rectangular enclosure: Its imposing architectural design stands out.
• Long building: Built on a raised platform, it has a rectangular floor plan and multiple doors facing the valley.
• Small scattered enclosures: Although many are in poor condition, they are evidence of the extent of this ancient settlement.
• Inca road to Cusco: Very close to the ruins, you can observe part of an ancient path that connected to the capital of the Inca Empire.
• Watchtowers: Small structures located at the edge of the cliff, designed to maximize visual control over the valley.