Enjoy a unique experience hiking to Huchuy Qosqo, the “little Cusco,” a stunning Inca archaeological site located high above the Sacred Valley. During this day hike, you’ll follow ancient Inca trails restored by the Qhapaq Ñan project, passing through Andean landscapes, lagoons, local communities, and mountain paths, accompanied by llamas. Upon arriving at Huchuy Qosqo, you’ll explore its agricultural terraces, stone and adobe structures, Inca granaries, and spectacular views of the Sacred Valley.
Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco and drive north through Poroy toward the highlands of Chinchero. Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcabamba and Urubamba mountain ranges, including peaks such as Salkantay, Humantay, Veronica, Chicon, and Qolque Cruz.
After passing Piuray Lagoon, we will arrive at the community of Taucca, where the trek begins accompanied by llamas and a local llama herder. The hike continues past Cusicocha Lagoon and climbs to Apacheta Pass at 4,200 meters above sea level, the highest point of the route.
From there, we will descend to Pukamarca, where we will stop for lunch, before continuing through Puma Puncu Canyon along a restored section of the original Inca Trail. This path leads to Huchuy Qosqo, an impressive and remote Inca archaeological site located above the Sacred Valley.
At Huchuy Qosqo, you will enjoy a guided tour of its temples, agricultural terraces, storage buildings, stone and adobe structures, and ancient water reservoir. After the visit, we will hike downhill for approximately two hours to Lamay, where our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Cusco.
This full-day trek combines breathtaking Andean landscapes, Inca history, local culture, and a peaceful hiking experience away from the city.
Important information: Please bring your passport or a valid ID on the day of the tour. If your tour includes hotel pickup, please be ready at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time. Our team will contact you the day before the tour to confirm the exact pickup details.
Health and Safety: Some tours take place at high altitudes; therefore, we recommend that you stay hydrated and get plenty of rest if you are not yet acclimated. If you have any medical conditions, please consult your doctor before participating in the tour.
Local tips: Bring some cash in case you want to buy snacks, drinks, or souvenirs in the local communities during the tour.
We hope to show you the beauty and culture of the region. We hope you have an incredible adventure!
Passport
Cash
Mosquito repellent
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Hiking boots
Light shoes / sandals
Hiking pants
Warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Trekking poles
Small backpack
Camera / phone
Portable power bank
Energy bars
It is a 1-day hike from Cusco to the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo, known as “Little Cusco”. Along the way, visitors hike along ancient Inca trails, through Andean landscapes, local communities, and mountain paths accompanied by llamas.
During the tour, visitors will explore Cusco, the community of Taucca, Cusicocha Lagoon, Apacheta, Pukamarca, Puma Puncu Canyon, the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo, and the village of Lamay in the Sacred Valley.
The journey begins early with departure from Cusco toward the community of Taucca, passing through Chinchero and Piuray Lagoon. The hike continues with llamas to Cusicocha, Apacheta, Pukamarca, and Puma Puncu. From there, the route follows an original Inca trail to Huchuy Qosqo. After the guided visit, the group descends to Lamay and returns to Cusco by vehicle.
At Huchuy Qosqo, visitors explore agricultural terraces, stone and adobe structures, sacred temples, Inca storage buildings, and an ancient water reservoir. The site also offers spectacular views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The difficulty level is moderate. The hike includes uphill and downhill sections, as well as high-altitude terrain, reaching its highest point at Apacheta, approximately 4,200 meters above sea level.
The tour includes meals according to the program, a professional Spanish-speaking guide, shared transportation, entrance tickets to the attractions, and the llama trekking activity.
The package does not include travel insurance, drinks during meals, optional tips, or domestic and international flights.
