• 2 Days / 1 Nights
  • Rigorous
  • 15km
  • 4,250m

The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is a short two day, one night, camping trek that takes you through diverse terrain, from high altitude plains to fertile agricultural corn and potato fields. A little-known route, it’s great for avoiding the crowds. The highlight of this trek is the Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo, meaning ‘Little Cusco’ in Quechua, which can only be reached on foot. The views are spectacular. Aracari arranges the Huchuy Qosqo trek on a private basis only, not as a group tour. The trek can only be booked as part of a tailormade trip to Peru, not on a standalone basis.

Why do the Huchuy Qosqo trek with Aracari?

Drawing on over 20 year’s experience offering discerning travelers authentic, private luxury Peru treks, we use state-of-the-art equipment, first-class guiding and special creature comorts that we consider ”appropriate luxury”. Expect the likes of 3-person tents used for just two, ecological bathrooms, shower tents and top-notch cuisine for a genuine luxury camping experience. We take our social responsibility seriously, paying fair wages that are above the average to all our staff.

The Huchuy Qosqo Trek Itinerary

 

Huchuy Qosqo Trek route

  • Day 1
    Tauca – Huchuy Qosqo
    10 km

    Begin your journey by transferring from your hotel to the small village of Tauca, located nearby the town of Chinchero. You will meet your crew at the trailhead, where your mules and horses will be loaded, and here you will begin your trek. Walk on level terrain through typical Andean valleys rich in corn, barley, quinoa, potatoes and other Andean tubers. As you ascend towards your pass (4,250m/13,943ft), the landscape begins to change dramatically to Andean plains or puna, with scant vegetation such as ichu, or high altitude grass. The views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba peaks are spectacular. Soon after the pass, you will start your descent toward the Huchuy Qosqo plains, hiking along a path that leads to the Ccauca ravine, where you will be able to see archaeological remains and wild crops, such as tarwi, and cacti. You will hike downhill towards the Leon Punku ravine, where you will find remains of an Inca bridge and trail and will pass impressive geological formations before arriving at the site of Huchuy Qosqo (3,200m/10,498ft). Huchuy Qosqo is a noteworthy Inca complex that boasts fine stonework in a large Kallanka (rectangular Hall), some residential and defensive quarters and interesting two-story buildings in stone and adobe. Huchuy Qosqo is located on a plateau, surrounded by Inca agricultural terracing and offers unparalleled views of the Vilcabamba mountain range and river. Your total trek today will cover approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), which is about five to six hours of hiking.

    Camping Overnight

  • Day 2
    Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay
    5 km

    Early in the morning is the perfect time to visit Huchuy Qosqo at your own pace. After a leisurely breakfast, begin your descent to the village of Lamay (2,900m/9,514ft), located on the main Cusco-Urubamba road, where your vehicle will be expecting you to take you to your hotel. Your total trek today will cover approximately 5 kilometres (3 miles), which is about two hours of hiking.

    Camping Overnight

Please keep in mind that distances, altitudes and chosen campsites are subject to minor variations as the route undertaken may vary slightly. In addition, trekking time can vary for each hiker and any times detailed in the description below are averages.