Huchuy Qosqo Hike - Full day

It's a guided one-day hike from Cusco to the Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo, above the Sacred Valley. You start at Tauca, near Chinchero, cross Pucajasa Pass, explore Huchuy Qosqo with your guide over a box lunch and walk down to Lamay, where our vehicle takes you back to Cusco. It doesn't include Machu Picchu.

Huchuy Qosqo sits on a natural balcony high above the Sacred Valley, near the village of Lamay, about 12 mi (20 km) north of Cusco. Its Quechua name means "Little Cusco." It was an Inca royal estate traditionally linked to the ruler Wiracocha, with wide terraces, stone foundations, tall adobe halls and water channels, and there's no road to it: you arrive on foot.

You'll walk about 7.5 mi (12 km) in 6 to 7 hours, including the guided visit and lunch at Huchuy Qosqo. With the drive from Cusco to Tauca and back from Lamay, it's a full day: you leave early in the morning and get back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

The highest point is Pucajasa Pass, at 14,413 ft (4,393 m). You start at Tauca, 12,343 ft (3,762 m), visit Huchuy Qosqo at 11,811 ft (3,600 m) and finish at Lamay, 9,649 ft (2,941 m). It's a moderate to challenging hike: the climb to the pass is at high altitude, and the last part is a long, steep descent, so good knees and trekking poles help.

Yes. We recommend at least two days in Cusco before the hike, since the pass is above 14,000 ft (4,300 m). A gentle start such as our Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley tour helps your body adjust. In turn, Huchuy Qosqo is a great way to prepare for a longer trek.

We pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco's historic center and drive past Chinchero and Piuray Lake to Tauca, where you start walking. The hike ends in Lamay, in the Sacred Valley, where our vehicle takes you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Your hike includes a professional bilingual guide, the entrance ticket to Huchuy Qosqo, a box lunch, a first-aid kit and transport from your hotel in Cusco's historic center to Tauca and back from Lamay. Drinking water, extra snacks, breakfast and dinner aren't included; the full list is in the Inclusions tab.

Your box lunch is included, but drinking water isn't, so bring at least 1.5–2 L per person in a reusable bottle or hydration bladder, plus snacks for the climb. There are no shops along the trail.

It's a small-group tour of up to 10 travelers, with daily departures for a minimum of two. You may share the hike with other travelers. If you'd like a private hike or you're more than eight, contact us for a personalized quote.

We recommend it for travelers aged about 12 and up who are used to walking several hours; it's a recommendation, not a strict limit. Children travel with an adult. Tell us the ages and hiking experience of your group when you book, and we'll help you decide if it's the right hike.

Tell us about any allergy or food intolerance when you book, so we can plan your box lunch around it. For your safety, we can't accept travelers with life-threatening allergies on this hike: the trail crosses remote highlands, far from roads and hospitals, and a severe reaction couldn't be treated in time. If you're not sure whether your allergy falls into this group, write to us before you pay and we'll help you find the right option.

Yes. You can rent trekking poles from us for US$15 (see Extra Services), or bring your own. They're very useful on the long, steep descent from Huchuy Qosqo to Lamay.

Wear broken-in hiking boots and layers: a breathable base layer, a fleece, a windproof and waterproof jacket, a warm hat and gloves for the pass, plus a sun hat and sunglasses. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen and your passport or ID in a small daypack. The Packing List tab has the full list.

The best months are April to October, with May to September usually the driest and clearest. From November to March, rain is more frequent and the trail can be muddy, but the hills are green and there are even fewer hikers. Whatever the month, it can be cold and windy at the pass and sunny in the valley.

There are no restrooms along the trail until you reach Lamay, so use the facilities before leaving Cusco and carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Your guide will show you where to stop and how to leave no trace.

Tell your guide right away if you feel unwell, dizzy or unusually short of breath, or have a headache or nausea. Your guide carries a first-aid kit, knows the route and will decide with you whether to slow down or head down. Make sure your travel insurance covers hiking at high altitude.

No. This hike returns to Cusco the same day. If you'd like to continue to Machu Picchu, our Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days follows a similar trail and takes the train to Aguas Calientes, and our Huchuy Qosqo and Short Inca Trail 4 Days arrives through the Sun Gate.

The rate is per person and depends on the size of your group: the more of you there are, the lower the price. You'll find it in the Prices tab. Use the booking button or contact us with your date and number of travelers, and we'll confirm availability, your total and the booking and payment conditions.

A 40% deposit is specified for this tour. We will confirm the actual amount required, the available payment methods and any payment-related charges before you complete your booking.

Cancellation charges depend on when we receive written notice. The charges below apply to the cancellation periods shown. We can explain the complete booking conditions, including cancellations more than 60 days before departure, before you pay.