Huchuy Qosqo was used as a royal estate by Viracocha. During the last days of his rule, he faced a revolt from Cancha People. Huchuy Qosqo Hike is an off-the-beaten-track experience that takes you to the lesser-known yet prominent Inca site, Huchuy Qosqo Peru.
Huchuy Qosqo Hike is an off-the-beaten-track experience that takes you to the lesser-known yet prominent Inca site, Huchuy Qosqo Peru.
Huchuy Qosqo Peru
Nestled at 3650 metres above sea level high up in the Vilcabamba Mountain range, overlooking the Sacred Valley’s village of Lamay. Huchuy Qosqo in Quechua means Little Cusco. The archaeological complex was built by the Inca emperor Viracocha.
During the Inca civilization, they did not practise the regular tax system. Instead, they controlled the land and labour. This allowed them to acquire more land and pass it down in the line of succession.
Huchuy Qosqo was used as a royal estate by Viracocha. During the last days of his rule, he faced a revolt from Cancha People. Fearing his life, he handed over the throne of Cusco to his son, Pachacutec and took asylum in Huchuy Qosqo.
Pachacutec in turn deposed the conflict and took over the role of the new Inca Sapa (Inca Emperor). On Viracocha’s death, his mummified corpse was stored in Huchuy Qosqo. When the Spanish invaded South America. They found Huchuy Cusco, they removed the mummified corpse and burnt it.
The archaeological site saw a massive expansion under Pachacutec’s rule. He built many farming terraces and built a storage place called Qolqas. The farmers stored the dried meat and other grains like Quinoa and beans here.
Huchuy Qosqo Hike is a high-altitude experience. It involves hikes through high mountain passes. We highly recommend you spend 3-4 days in Cusco before the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
The Andean weather condition is quite unpredictable. We highly recommend hiking the trek during the dry season – between March and November.
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Huchuy Qosqo Trek
Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu is also a popular alternative trek to the classic Inca Trail. On this three-day tour, instead of returning to Cusco, you will be taking a train to Aguas Calientes from Ollantaytambo.
Here’s a detailed introduction to Huchuy Qosqo Trek Peru.
Reasons to hike Huchuy Qosqo Trek with us
We are a fully locally owned tour operating company in the Cusco region. All our guides are locals with a passion for history and are fluent in English. They are also trained in first aid and providing assistance in case of altitude sickness.
At 06:00 AM, we will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then in our private transport, we will be driving you to Tambomachay. It is 30 minutes away from the city of Cusco. This is the starting point of the trek.
We will begin the experience with two hours uphill hike to our first pass at 13451 ft/4100 m. From the summit of the Cauca ravine, you will get a panoramic view of the valley rimmed by the Urubamba mountain range.
You will have plenty of time to soak in the serenity and enchanting views of the highland Qoriccohca Lake.
Once you have had your fill of this view, we will descend to the lunch camp. It normally takes three hours.
After relishing a local Andean meal, we will be hiking through some beautiful terrains to our campsite in Quencco (11811 ft/3600 m). We will be camping near the village so you will get an insight into their traditions and customs as well.
After breakfast and a hot cup of coca tea, we will begin with a full-day hike. We will be hiking up the hill to the highest point of the trek, Apacheta Pass at 4200m/13779ft. for almost an hour and a half.
From the summit, you will get staggering views of the valley and Qoricocha Lake. We will have a brief stop here to soak in the view and have some snacks.
Once you have had your fill of the views, we will gradually start descending on the original Inca Trail, Qhapaq ñan. The route is dotted with canyons and some lesser-known Inca sites like Pucamarca.
Our tour guide will be giving you an insight into this historic trail and the prominence of the Inca ruins that we will be hiking through along the way.
We will then descend for two hours to our lunch camp. Our lunch camp is closer to the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo at 1811 ft/ 3600 meters.
From here, you will get a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the town of Lamay tucked amidst the snow-capped Andean peaks.
After lunch, we will be giving you a guided tour of the Huchuy Qosqo ruins. We will be visiting some of the prominent sites. Our local tour guide will walk you through the ancient Inca buildings, sacred temples, storehouses, and Inca terraces for their agriculture and the Inca reservoir.
After the full day trip, we will descend for an hour and 45 minutes to the village of Lamay. Here we will be having lunch. After lunch, we will be taking the transport back to Cusco.
Departure & Return Location
Cusco Hotel Transfer
Departure Time
6:00 a.m.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Packing list
It is a two-day hike along lesser-known Inca paths to the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo, ending on day two back in Cusco.
Many routes ascend to around 4,100 meters at mountain passes like Sicllaccasa. Some versions cite maximum altitudes near 4,200 m.
The trek is classified as moderate difficulty, appropriate for travelers with trekking experience and good fitness, considering steep sections and altitude.
Yes. It is recommended to spend 3 to 4 days in Cusco before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
Essentials include:
Original passport
Layered clothing (thermal base, warm mid-layers)
Waterproof jacket / poncho
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
Hat, gloves, buff
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Headlamp and extra batteries
Sleeping bag (if not provided)
Reusable water bottle and snacks
Chargers, power bank
From:
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