Incredible Huchuy Qosqo Hike from Lamay

Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Park, stones, wall, walkway, path, grass, mountain, cloud, sky, Huchuy Qosqo trek
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  • Author: Megan Anderson
  • Created: September 25, 2020 1:00 pm
  • Updated: June 9, 2023 4:12 pm
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Route type: Day Trip Hike
Difficulty grade: Adventure Hike

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  • Distance Instructions
Label
  • Distance 10 miles
  • Time 6 h 30 min
  • Speed 2 mph
  • Min altitude 9616 ft
  • Peak 13173 ft
  • Climb 4573 ft
  • Descent 4573 ft

This is a map and basic overview of the Huchuy Qosqo hike near Lamay in Peru's Sacred Valley. Huchuy Qosqo, or Huchuy Cusco meaning translates to "Little Cusco" in the ancient Quechua language.

There are multiple routes that lead to this intriguing, yet little visited Inca sites in Peru. Some hikers opt to leave close to the village of Chinchero, while others opt to take the steep uphill climb from Lamay.

This Huchuy Qosqo hike map is for independent travelers following the out and back trail from Lamay, but there are many day tour options that depart from Cusco.

This Huchuy Qosqo hike map follows the out and back trail from Lamay Peru in the Sacred Valley, which is a steep hiking trail and a full day excursion.

⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail

Overview Huchuy Qosqo Hike

  • Out & Back Trail

  • Huchuy Qosqo Hike Mileage: 7 Miles Round Trip

    • Additional Hike from Huchuy Qosqo Ruins: Add 3.5 Miles (10.5 Miles Total)

  • Difficulty: Moderately Challenging - Hard due to the brutally steep ascent and descent of the trail

  • Ascent: over 4,000 feet

    • Huchuy Qosqo sits at just shy of 12,000 feet, making it higher than Machu Picchu and Cusco City, so proper acclimation is essential! For altitude sickness, try chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea.

  • Trail Marker: No official signage, but there are a few blue and white signs that direct you to the trailhead. Along the Huchuy Qosqo hike path there are white arrows spray-painted on the rocks.

  • Packing List Basics for Huchuy Qosqo Day Hike

    • Water filter & water bottle

    • Layered clothing to protect from sun

    • During rainy season, a durable rain jacket

    • First aid kit in a Day Hike Bag

    • Good Hiking boots with ankle support

    • Hiking poles if you love them

    • Snacks & Peruvian Sols

    • Offline Huchuy Cusco Hike Map, battery pack and charging cables

Psst...One of my favorite Sacred Valley hikes is the trail section from the hillside gate of Huchuy Qosqo to right before the tiny community of Puca Marca. (Note, this is a completely different site from Pumamarca Ruins in Ollantaytambo). This awesome little trek goes past some Inca terraces and climbs over a cattle gate and winds through a scenic canyon. Walk next to a river, cross epic little wooden bridges, gawk at waterfalls, and even find the remains of a sacred Inca gate.

Add-On Huchuy Qosqo Hike Logistics | 3.5 miles round trip | add 2-3 hours to Huchuy Qosqo hike

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Logistics of Huchuy Qosqo Hike

The trailhead of the Huchuy Qosqo hike is found in Lamay, near the transit hub village of Calca.  Conveniently, there is a bus stop directly in front of the road that leads you to the trailhead. From the bus stop, cross the Rio Vilcanota and continue to the trailhead.

There is simple signage that will lead you to the trailhead. Start the uphill climb, which can be brutal due to the lack of shade coverage. After a 2 mile climb, the hillside begins to even out and the Huchuy Cusco ruins will come into view Finally, arrive at the impressive Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Park.

Huchuy Qosqo Sacred Site

The Archaeological Park of Huchuy Qosqo includes: terraces, ceremonial fountains, and impressive water canals. The stone work on a much smaller scale resembles Cusco's popular site of Saqsaywaman.

Huchuy Qosqo is believed to be the remains of the palace of Inca Emperor Viracocha. An hour or two is a sufficient amount of time to explore these ruins. There is a small entrance fee to Huchuy Qosqo that is regulated by a gatekeeper.

Psst... There is a cable car in the works of being constructed, so get here before Huchuy Qosqo becomes more known to travelers and the entrance fare increases. The same goes for the incredible Archaeological Site of Choquequirao.

Huchuy Qosqo Entrance Fee | s/ 20 ($5.50 USD) per person

Huchuy Qosqo Hike Options

➜ Add the Huchuy Qosqo Hike to an Unique Cusco Itinerary

After exploring this awesome and hidden gem site, there are a few options on where to go from here!

  1. Take the same trail back down to Lamay

  2. Pass the main gate and add on the incredibly scenic 4 mile round trip trek to Puca Marca, and then come down via Lamay

  3. Set up camp at the adjoining campsite with basic facilities available and part of the entrance ticket

  4. Follow the signage and Huchuy Qosqo trail to Chinchero (almost 8.5 miles)

Intrepid hikers looking for a 2 day adventure can leave from the Archaeological Park of Tambomachay in Cusco, which is part of the Cusco Tourist Ticket.

A 2 day Huchuy Qosqo trek departs Tamboymachay and then includes a night camping at Laguna Coricocha On Day 2, pass by the small community of Sihua which leads to the community of Puca Marca. Walk the scenic trail to the main entrance gate of Huchuy Qusqo, then take the downhill trail to Lamay. (I have hiked this route and it's by far my favorite way to hike to Huchuy Qosqo)

Huchuy Cusco has beautiful views of the Sacred Valley and is also now starting to gain popularity as one of the alternative treks for the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

☛ Steal my Peru Packing List Guide for multi-day treks

More Huchuy Qosqo Hike Logistics

Interested in tackling the worthwhile Huchuy Qosqo trek? Get all the logistics, more on the alternative Huchuy Qosqo trek routes, tips and tricks on hiking Huchuy Qosqo, and photo inspirations with this detailed and complimentary blog post:

The Complete Guide Huchuy Qosqo Trek Guide

Peru Sacred Valley Travel Guides

More Nearby & Best Sacred Valley Hikes

Top Multi-Day Treks in Peru

Huchuy Qosqo Hike pin 2

Huchuy Qosqo Hike pin