GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Group Size: 4 to a maximum of 10 hikers
Starting Point: Cusco
Ending Point: Cusco
Travel Style: Hiking, trekking, archaeological and cultural excursion
Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult
Hiking Distance: 23 km / 14.29 miles
Trekking Altitudes: From 3,800 m.a.s.l. to 4,100 m.a.s.l. or feet (highest point
Tour Dates: Daily departures with a minimum of 2 participants
Hike Rating:
Huchuy Qosqo Trek is classified as an excellent alternative route for everyone.
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
The Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site, whose name in Quechua means “Small Cusco”, was built in the early 15th century as the royal residence of the Inca Viracocha. It is located at 3,600 m.a.s.l. in the Sacred Valley and preserves agricultural terraces, enclosures, plazas, temples, and water fountains. The site can only be reached on foot or by horse, as there is no road access.
This 2-day, 1-night hike starts from the Tambomachay sector on the outskirts of Cusco, passing through puna landscapes, lakes, and rural communities before reaching the archaeological site. Camping is in tents with air mattresses. Conditions are basic: no shower is available, but water for personal use is provided. Be prepared for low temperatures during the night.
IS THIS ROUTE FOR ME?
This is a good option for travelers with limited time who are looking for a two-day hike with archaeological and scenic interest off the main tourist circuits. A moderate to good level of fitness is required.
SHORT ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – TAMBOMACHAY – HUCHUY QOSQO
- 9:00 a.m. Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
- 9:15 a.m. Departure by private transportation to Tambomachay.
- 9:45 a.m. Arrival at Tambomachay and preparation with the muleteer and pack animals.
- 10:00 a.m. Start of the hike.
- 1:00 p.m. Approximate arrival near Qoricocha and Yanacocha lakes.
- 1:45 p.m. Arrival at Queullacocha Lagoon.
- 2:00 p.m. Lunch.
- 3:00 p.m. Continue hiking toward the highest point of the route.
- 4:00 p.m. Approximate arrival at the highest point, 4,100 m.a.s.l.
- 4:15 p.m. Start of the descent toward Huchuy Qosqo.
- 5:00 p.m. Approximate arrival at the campsite near Huchuy Qosqo.
- 7:00 p.m. Dinner and overnight camping.
DAY 2: HUCHUY QOSQO – LAMAY – CUSCO
- 8:30 a.m. Breakfast at the campsite.
- 9:00 a.m. Guided visit to the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site.
- 10:30 a.m. Free time to explore the site.
- 11:00 a.m. Start of the descent toward the Sacred Valley.
- 1:00 p.m. Approximate arrival in Lamay.
- 1:15 p.m. Lunch.
- 2:30 p.m. Departure by transportation to Cusco.
- 3:30 p.m. Optional stop at the Awanacancha textile center, depending on time.
- 6:00 p.m. Approximate arrival in Cusco.
ITINERARY
1 DAY: CUSCO – TAMBOMACHAY – HUCHUY QOSQO
At 9:00 a.m. we will pick you up from your hotel to begin the journey. We travel by private transport for approximately 30 minutes to the Tambomachay archaeological site, located about 11 km north of Cusco. This is the starting point of the hike, where we will meet the muleteer and the horses and mules that will carry the camping equipment and food supplies.
At around 10:00 a.m. we begin the hike. The first section is a moderate ascent of approximately 3 hours. Along the way we pass the Qoricocha and Yanacocha lakes, located at around 4,000 m.a.s.l., where it is possible to spot various species of wild birds including andean geese, partridges, and birds of prey.
Upon reaching the higher section we continue along a flat trail for approximately 45 minutes to the Queullacocha lagoon, where we stop for lunch. The surroundings are open puna, with mountains covered in ichu, the hardy grass typical of this high-altitude zone.
After lunch we continue for approximately 1 hour to the highest point of the route at 4,100 m.a.s.l. From here it is possible to see three chullpas, Inca funerary structures used to house mummies.
From the pass we begin a descent of approximately 2 hours along a section that partly follows the original Inca trail, with rock formations characteristic of the area. We arrive at the campsite at around 5:00 p.m., located next to the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site at 3,600 m.a.s.l. Tents are set up and dinner is prepared by our cook.
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Distance: 16 kilometers / 9.94 miles
- Weather: Cool and windy
- Altitude: From 3,800 m.a.s.l to 4,100 m, then down to 3,600 m.a.s.l
- Accommodation: Camping
DAY 2: HUCHUY QOSQO-CUSCO.
Breakfast at the campsite at 8:30 a.m. After packing up the equipment, we carry out the guided visit to the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site.
The site preserves structures built on finely cut stone bases, with clay in the better-preserved sections and upper floors of adobe. The areas covered during the visit include temples, storehouses, agricultural terraces, water channels, and an Inca reservoir used to store water during the dry season. The guide will explain the historical and architectural context of the site. After the guided visit there will be free time to explore independently.
At around 11:00 a.m. we begin the descent toward the Sacred Valley. The hike takes approximately 2 hours to reach the town of Lamay (2,800 m.a.s.l.), situated on the banks of the Urubamba River, where we stop for lunch.
From Lamay, our transport will take us back to Cusco. If time allows, we will make a stop at the Awanacancha textile center, where it is possible to see South American camelids such as llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, and learn about the traditional weaving techniques of the region. Estimated arrival in Cusco at 6:00 p.m.
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Distance: 4.35 miles / 7 kilometers
- Weather: warm
- Altitude: from 3600 m.a.s.l to 2800 m.a.s.l
Included services
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
- Pre-trek briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before the hike at our office in Cusco.
- Hotel pickup in Cusco.
- Private transport from Cusco to Tambomachay (starting point of the hike).
- Professional English-speaking guide.
- Additional guide for groups of 11 or more participants.
- Cook and kitchen assistant for the preparation of all meals.
- Entry ticket to the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site.
- All meals during the hike: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner.
- Vegetarian and special diets available at no additional cost.
- Boiled water to refill your bottle at the campsite.
- Muleteers and horses to carry all camping equipment, food, and personal items.
- Transport of up to 8 kg of personal luggage.
- Canvas bags provided at the briefing to organize your items.
- Full camping equipment: high-altitude tent for 4 people used by 2 for greater comfort, Thermarest inflatable mattress, dining tent with tables, chairs, and gas lamp, and kitchen tent with complete utensils.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen cylinder.
- Private transport from the town of Lamay back to your hotel in Cusco.
OPTIONAL SERVICES
- Up to the day before your trip, at our Cusco travel office located in the city center, you have the option to add the following to your reserved trip for an additional charge:
- Sleeping bag (available for rent at our office for USD 10).
- Trekking poles (available for rent at our office for USD 10).
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal trekking equipment
- Travel insurance.
- Optional tips for the travel team (feel free to tip only if you want, at the end of the tour you can reward the guide, cook and muleteer).
What should you bring
LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO BRING
Weather at high altitude can change throughout the day, with low temperatures especially at night. Below you will find a list of recommended items for this hike. If you do not have any of them, you can purchase or rent what you need in Cusco before departure, as the city has a good selection of stores specializing in trekking gear.
Documents
- Original passport
- Student ID if you are one
- Travel insurance (some copies)
Essential
- Backpack.
- Sleeping bag.
- Bottle of water.
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Some snacks, such as cookies, sweets, chocolates, nuts, energy bars, etc.
- Some cash if you want to buy souvenirs from the Tour.
Clothes and shoes
- Trekking boots and sandals.
- Warm clothing: especially for the night such as thermal jacket, gloves, scarf, woolen socks
- Woolen cap for cold nights.
- Water-resistant clothing (raincoat and rain poncho)
- Synthetic or cotton clothing (hiking pants, socks, shorts, 4 t-shirts)
- Swimwear, for the hot springs.
Pharmaceutical products
- Personal medical kit with band-aids and anti-inflammatory tablets
- Insect repellent.
- Sunblock
- Lip moisturizer
Personal hygiene items
- Small towel.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Soap/shower gel
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Brush/comb
- Spray body deodorant
- Toilet paper
Other items
- Flashlight
- Sunglasses
- Camera with memory cards and additional batteries.
- Sticks with rubber tips (optional).
- Switchblade
- Some biodegradable plastic bags
- Sense of humor.
- Prior acclimatization in Cusco City is recommended for at least 2 days and good general health.
Frequent questions
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Here you will find the Most Frequently Asked Questions from our Customers. Before doing anything, we invite you to carefully read these questions and answers, as well as all our links about this Tour. This will help you obtain information in a simple, quick and practical way.
1. WHAT LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY DOES THE INCA TRAIL TO HUCHUY QOSQO HAVE?
This 2-day trek is considered moderate to high difficulty. The route runs between 3,500 and 4,450 m a.s.l., with sections of sustained ascent along original Inca stone-paved paths. Good physical fitness is recommended, as well as spending at least 2 days in Cusco before departure for proper acclimatization to the altitude.
2. IS PREVIOUS TREKKING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS ROUTE?
No technical mountaineering experience is required, but it is advisable to have completed previous hikes of at least 4 to 6 hours. The route follows sections of the ancient Inca Trail with uneven surfaces and steep slopes, so a basic level of physical preparation will make a significant difference in the enjoyment of the trek.
3. WHAT MAKES HUCHUY QOSQO SPECIAL COMPARED TO OTHER ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN THE REGION?
Huchuy Qosqo, whose name in Quechua means “Little Cusco”, is an Inca archaeological complex located on the Chinchaycocha plateau with panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. Unlike more crowded sites, this route preserves a largely untouched natural environment and offers an authentic Andean landscape experience, with low tourist traffic and passage through active local communities.
4. WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO DO THIS TREK?
The dry season, from May to October, is the most recommended due to its climatic stability and clear skies, which allow for a better appreciation of the landscape and archaeological remains. The rainy season, from November to April, makes the trails more slippery and can hinder access, though the natural surroundings appear greener and more visually striking.
5. WHAT MEALS WILL I HAVE DURING THE TOUR?
All meals are included during the hike. Ingredients are fresh and sourced from the Cusco market the day before the trip. They are carried by the porter team and prepared by our cook at the campsite. No canned or dehydrated products are used.
The meal service begins with lunch on the first day and ends with lunch on the second day, and includes an afternoon tea stop upon arrival at the campsite.
Breakfast: scrambled eggs, bread, pancakes, omelettes, cereals, fruit salad, toast, orange juice, milk, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, butter, and jam.
Snacks: fruit, crackers, cereals, chocolate, and candy.
Lunch: corn soup, cream of mushroom soup, cream of asparagus soup, chicken with rice, sausages, fried trout, ceviche, meat, beans, fried rice, french fries, steamed vegetables, salads, and omelettes.
Afternoon tea: popcorn, fried wontons, tea, and coffee.
Dinner: stuffed chicken, vegetable omelettes, pizza, spaghetti, pork chop, sautéed vegetables, and salads.
If you have any dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or food allergies, we can accommodate you at no additional cost. Please let us know at the time of booking.
6. ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS?
Yes, for this Tour we offer discounts and special rates for babies, children and students.
- Children under 2 years old accompanied by their parents travel free of charge.
Students up to 17 years old have a discount of USD 40 per person.
7. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE, COOK AND CARRIERS?
Tips are not mandatory, there is no exact amount. Only if you wish, at the end of the Tour you can tip the Guide and other collaborators. As you can see, this is something additional and completely voluntary, whatever you consider will be greatly appreciated by our support team.
8. WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET ILL WITH ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Don’t worry! All of our Guides are trained in case you become ill with this problem. They all carry an oxygen tank and a First Aid Kit, this ensures that you are very well and carefully looked after, which will allow you to continue the Hike. Furthermore, our entire team is prepared in case of Emergency. After treatment, if you still feel very unwell and are unable to continue the tour, the Guide will make the best decision for you: to continue or return. For us, your Safety and Health always come first.
9. DO I NEED TO BRING ADDITIONAL MONEY FOR MY TOUR?
Yes, if you want to buy some snacks like cookies, dried fruits, chocolates, etc. or an additional beverage such as soda, beer or energy drink, as these products can be purchased in small grocery stores.
Also, if you want to buy some souvenirs from the Tour, you can do so. For all this, we recommend that you bring between 150 and 300 Peruvian soles. You may not need to spend any of this money, but in case of an emergency, make sure you have enough cash.
10. HOW TO BOOK THIS TOUR?
You can book this trek up to one day before the departure date. Payment is divided into two installments:
First installment (prepayment): made online from anywhere using a credit or debit card. The amount is USD 200 per person, plus a 5% card processing fee. Click on the Reserve link to complete this step.
Second installment: paid in person at our office in the historic center of Cusco, up to one day before the trek.
Steps to book:
- Fill out the booking form available at the Reserve link.
- Make your prepayment: we accept credit and debit cards from any bank, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, and Union Pay.
- Receive your voucher: we will send it to you by email immediately after your prepayment is confirmed.
Other payment methods: if you prefer to pay via PayPal, Western Union, bank deposit, or bank transfer, contact us and we will provide all the necessary details.
11. IF I HAVE ALREADY PAID MY FIRST INSTALLMENT AND DECIDE TO CANCEL, WILL I RECEIVE A REFUND?
Prepayments are non-refundable. However, date or tour changes are possible with sufficient advance notice. Once the prepayment is received, we immediately proceed with the organization and booking of your trip.
For more information, please refer to our changes and cancellation policies.
12. WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY TOUR WITH INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
There are good reasons to book your tour with us, let’s look at some:
- Convenient location. Our office is in the historic center of Cusco, making coordination easy at any point before or during your trip.
- Peruvian-owned and government-authorized agency. We are a 100% local team with over 15 years of experience. All our documentation is current and in order, and we are recognized as an Authorized Operator of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Fair pricing with no hidden fees. We are a direct tour operator working with local staff and no intermediaries, which allows us to offer a fully inclusive service at a competitive price.
- Travel with experts. Our guides, cooks, and porters are trained to assist all types of travelers: groups, families, couples, and solo visitors.
- Guaranteed departures. We operate 100% of our own hikes. Even with a single confirmed traveler, the trek runs at the published price with no surcharge. Our groups average between 4 and 8 people.
- Fair treatment of our staff. We provide our team with accommodation, transport, uniforms, and meals. Cooks and porters have health insurance and receive fair wages. We also support social programs in local communities focused on health and education.
- Sustainable and responsible tourism. We use biodegradable detergents in our kitchen and regularly participate in clean-up campaigns along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Personalized support. We respond to every inquiry by phone or email from anywhere, at any time.
Availability and prices
PRICES
| Category | Price | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | USD 250 | From 14 years old |
| Student | USD 230 | Copy of valid ISIC card required |
| Child | USD 180 | From 5 to 11 years old |
| Baby | Free | From 0 to 4 years old, traveling with parents |
IMPORTANT:
- Please note that this hike requires a minimum of 2 people.
- Incredible Peru Tours – IPT has no hidden charges or fees.
- The times described in this itinerary are approximate.
- Tour times depend greatly on the shape and physical conditions of each person; feel free to walk at your own pace.
- For the benefit of the group, the guide may change food and camp locations according to the group’s progress during the hike.
- Each guide has their preferred and recommended route and may not correspond exactly to the route described here.
