Huchuy Qosqo Trek | Awesome & Worthwhile Climb in Sacred Valley
One of the best kept secrets in the Sacred Valley may just be the Huchuy Qosqo trek. Huchuy Qosqo, which literally translates in Quecha to “Little Cusco,” is a worthwhile sacred site that can be found on the hillside near Lamay in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Like always, there are multiple paths that lead to this beautiful, yet little visited Inca site.
This is the complete guide on how to tackle the Huchuy Qosqo trek from Lamay. Get tips and tricks on how to reach the trailhead, alternative routes, awesome itinerary add-ons, the cost of this day hike, and a FREE downloadable map.
Here’s all you need to know about the Huchuy Qosqo trek in the Sacred Valley.
Table of Contents
Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, be mindful of constantly changing trail conditions, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.
- Map & Overview of Huchuy Qosqo Trek
- Trailhead Options for the Huchuy Qosqo Trek
- The Huchuy Qosqo Trek
- Welcome to the Sacred Site of Huchuy Qosqo
- Huchuy Qosqo Trek: More Options
- Total Cost of This Huchuy Qosqo Trek
- Nearby Hikes in the Sacred Valley
- Huchuy Qosqo Trek | Awesome & Worthwhile Climb in the Sacred Valley
Huchuy Qosqo Trek Map
- Distance Instructions
Incredible Huchuy Qosqo Hike from Lamay
- Distance 10 miles
- Time 6 h 30 min
- Speed 2 mph
- Min altitude 9616 ft
- Peak 13173 ft
- Climb 4573 ft
- Descent 4573 ft
⁉️ 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. 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.
FYI: There is a cable car in the works of being constructed, so try to reach this site before it becomes overrun with tourists and the entrance fare increases.
A Quick Overview of the Huchuy Qosqo Trek
Mileage distances are rounded to the nearest quarter of a mile.
- Out & Back Trail
- Huchuy Qosqo Trek Mileage: 7 Miles Round Trip
- Difficulty: Moderately Challenging – Hard due to the brutally steep ascent and descent of the trail
- Ascent: over 4,000 feet
- Tip: Huchuy Qosqo sits at just shy of 12,000 feet, making it higher than Machu Picchu and Cusco, so proper acclimation is essential. For altitude sickness, try chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea.
- Trail Markers: There are no official trail markers, but there are a few blue and white signs that direct you to the trailhead. Along the path, there are white arrows spray-painted on the mountain rocks.
- This trail has little to no shade coverage. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the intense sun.
- This hiking trail can be steep and a long day, it’s best to hike to Huchuy Qosqo with a buddy
- Huchuy Qosqo Day Hike Packing List:
- Plenty of water. There is a basic campground with water, so bring a filter.
- Picnic, food, snacks
- Good Hiking Shoes with Ankle Support
- Hiking Poles to tired legs
- Small bills for entrance fee to Huchuy Qosqo
- First-aid Kit
- Layered clothing for sun protection and changing weather
- Baseball cap, buff, rain jacket
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
Worthwhile Itinerary Add-On to Puca Marca
This add-on is one of my favorite sections of hikes in the whole Sacred Valley. From Huchuy Qosqo, the trail begins from the main hillside “entrance gate” of Huchuy Qosqo. The trail passes through Inca terraces, over a cattle-gate, winds through a stunning canyon alongside a stream, and ends right before the tiny community of Puca Marca. Bonus! It’s included on the map above!
Overview of this Trail Section | 3.5 miles round trip | add 2-3 hours to the Huchuy Qosqo trek
Trailhead Options for the Huchuy Qosqo Trek
Like most treks in Peru, there are multiple routes to reach the final destination of this sprawling Archaeological Park. The Huchuy Qosqo Trek has multiple starting points.
The three most common routes begin in:
For logistic purposes, this guide will focus on the Huchuy Qosqo trek from Lamay.
How To Reach the Trailhead in Lamay
Lamay is only a few miles from the transit hub village of Calca. This route is straightforward, and there is a convenient bus stop directly in front of the road that leads to the trailhead. From Calca, hop on a collectivo in the direction of Pisac. This ride should only be a few minutes and should not cost more than S/ 2 (50¢ USD). There is a large signboard for the Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Park next to the bus stop.
From the bus stop, follow along the gravel road and cross the Rio Vilcanota via the bridge. There will be blue and white signs that direct you to the beginning of the trailhead. Get ready for the straight uphill climb!
Lamay Bus Stop to Huchuy Qosqo Trailhead | .5 miles | 15 minutes
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek
Now, begin the uphill climb. This can be pretty brutal due to the lack of shade coverage. Make sure to begin early in the morning to escape the intense sun. This is a pretty consistent and steep climb. The trail is easily visible; however, some sections of the trail are narrow so be mindful.
Eventually, the hillside begins to even out and the impressive remains of Huchuy Qosqo will come into sight.
Huchuy Qosqo Trailhead to Huchuy Qosqo Ruins | 3 miles | under 2 hours
Welcome to the Sacred Site of Huchuy Qosqo
The Archaeological Park of Huchuy Qosqo is an incredibly sacred site. It is believed to be the former palace of the Inca Emperor Viracocha. Upon entrance, there is a beautiful open space which looks out to the Sacred Valley below. Find plenty of terraces that line the surprisingly tall remains of the buildings.
One of the most impressive areas is the ceremonial fountain. There’s even an ancient chair placed strategically in front of it. Scattered among the ruins are some interesting water canals. The stone work almost reminds me of Cusco’s beloved Saqsaywaman, but in a much smaller scale. Don’t forget, Huchuy Qosqo literally translates to “Little Cusco.”
There are small, but beautiful waterfalls that run through this Archaeological Park. Make sure to cross the small footbridge to get some beautiful shots of Huchuy Qosqo and its picture-perfect terraces.
Head up to the “main entrance gate” perched on the hillside. There’s a worthwhile add-on hike that shouldn’t be missed! More on that here.
An hour or two is a sufficient amount of time to explore these ruins.
There is a chance to camp overnight here. The campsite can be found right near the main entrance sign. The facilities include basic toilets with running water.
Huchuy Qosqo Admission Fee | S/ 20 ($5.50 USD)
Huchuy Qosqo Trek: More Options
After exploring this worthwhile site, there are a few options on where to go from here!
- Take the same trail back down to Lamay
- Add on the incredibly scenic 4 mile round trip trek to Puca Marca from the “main gate.” After that, continue back to Lamay.
- Spend the night and camp at the adjoining campsite
- Follow the signage to Chinchero | 8.5 mile climb, mostly uphill
- Make it a 2 day trek back to Cusco via the small village of Puca Marca and camp at Laguna Coricocha. On Day 2, exit at the Tambomachay Archaeological Park.
I highly suggest the add-on Itinerary to Puca Marca! This is one of the most scenic and best hikes in the entire Sacred Valley.
☛ Travel Inspiration | 35+ Peru Inca Sites You Have to See
Quchuy Qosqo Trek: Itinerary Add-On to Puca Marca
With the main entrance gate to your back, continue on the pathway. Walk past the terraces that line the hillside and pass over the cattle-gate. This path is beautiful and leads to a great viewpoint with a little shelter for sun protection.
Next, the canyon will open into a wide gorge. Follow along next to the stream that has some beautiful little waterfalls. The canyon will soon begin to narrow. There are ladders to climb and wooden bridges to cross as you wind along on the old Inca road. Eventually, there will be a well preserved Old Inca Gate, another reminder of how sacred this trail once was. The main pathway crosses over a beautiful wooden bridge that finally leads into the small village of Puca Marca.
The bridge makes a great place to rest and enjoy a picnic. There really is no need to enter the village of Puca Marca, unless you wish to continue towards Cusco.
Huchuy Qosqo to Puca Marca | less than 2 miles | around 1 hour
Enjoy this rarely trekked pathway. When you’re ready, head back towards Lamay.
Puca Marca to Lamay Bus Stop | 5.5 miles | less than 2 hours
Total Cost of This Huchuy Qosqo Trek
So how much does this exact day trip of the Huchuy Qosqo trek cost?
Prices on the table are rounded to the nearest 25¢
| EXPENSE | PEN (S/) | USD ($) |
| Bus Fare: Calca to Lamay (Round Trip) | S/ 4 | $1 |
| Entrance Ticket | S/ 20 | $5.50 |
| TOTAL | S/ 24 | $6.50 |
Reminder: A cable car is in the works to access this sacred site. Once the cable car is finished, I imagine this park will be overrun with tourists and ticket price will more than likely increase to help cover the expenses.
Get to Huchuy Qosqo before it becomes extremely popular!
Nearby Hikes in the Sacred Valley
Have a few more days in the incredible Sacred Valley? You may enjoy these other nearby day hikes and little known Inca ruins.
- Pisac
- Calca
- Urubamba
- Pachar
- Ollantaytambo
Psst…. I love the village of Urubamba as a base to explore the Sacred Valley
Huchuy Qosqo Trek | Awesome & Worthwhile Climb in the Sacred Valley
In conclusion, the Huchuy Qosqo trek is an awesome, challenging, but worthwhile climb in Peru’s Sacred Valley. The sacred site of Huchuy Qosqo still remains a hidden gem. This day hike can be completed via multiple paths, but the most direct is from the village of Lamay. From Huchuy Qosqo, make sure not to miss the scenic hike to the tiny village of Puca Marca.
This archaeological park sees little visitors, and can be visited for under $10! With a cable car being built, this beautiful and tranquil place may not be a hidden gem for long!
Have you visited Huchuy Qosqo? How did you reach it? Which Huchuy Qosqo trek did you choose? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
Thanks so much for the information about the hike! My husband and I will be traveling there in spring and wanted to go hiking around Cusco but have one free day. Out of the Huchuy Qosqo or Kinsa Cocha Lakes, which one would you recommend?
Hey Megan,
Sorry in the delay for this response. Oh, it’s so hard to choose. There are so many incredible hikes in the area.
If you only have one day to hike the Huchuy Qosqo trek, I would suggest starting near the lake in Chinchero and hiking down to Lamay village, but it will be a full day hike. Kinsa Cocha Lakes are really lovely, but this is more of a stroll through the high mountain community, but the views are truly lovely and it does help the small mountain communities. This visit can be completed in a half-day. Both are great, but I guess it depends are what you are looking for the experience.
If you are physically fit and properly acclimated, my favorite hike in the entire Sacred Valley is to Inti Punku from Ollantaytambo. This intrepid hike has everything, from mountain views of Apu Veronica, Inca ruins, and a chance to walk along the Old Inca Quarry trail. Keep in mind this will be a full and strenuous day hike.