Follow A Cool Inca Road | Chinchero to Urquillos Hike

This is a map and basic overview of the Chinchero to Urquillos hike. This lovely hike starts from the popular Chinchero Archaeological Site and ends in the small hamlet of Urquillos. The sacred site of Chinchero is part of the worthwhile Cusco Tourist Ticket, so you will need one to access this hike. The path starts past the Inca terraces of the Chinchero ruins near the Waka Chincana and follows a well-marked Inca trail.

This casual and mostly downhill hike includes a stroll on a lovely old Inca road, scenic viewpoints, and passes along Inca canals through the quiet village of Urquillos. There is also an option to get up close and person to the smaller, but scenic Poc Poc waterfall.

From Urquillos, walk on the flat dirt road to the village of Huayllabamba. On the main road it's easy to catch a collectivo to nearby villages, like Urubamba Peru in the incredible and adventure-packed Sacred Valley. 

Here's a basic overview of the Chinchero to Urquillos hike, a must when visiting Chinchero ruins.

⁉️ 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

Chinchero to Urquillos Hike Logistics

• Point-to-Point Trail

  • This hiking route starts from Chinchero Archaeological Park and ultimately finishes in the village of Huayllabamba

• Mileage: 6 Miles
• Duration: 2- 2.5 Hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• A Gradual Descent
• During the rainy season, be careful of muddy trails and landslides.  A few sections of the Inca trail had been disrupted from a landslide; however, this section was still passable. Be mindful of the trail and as always, safety first!
• Trail Markers: There are some white arrows on rocks along the Chinchero to Urquillos hike that act as make-shift trail markers
• Chinchero to Urquillos HikePacking Tips:

  • Wear good hiking shoes, hiking poles may come in handy with muddy areas and landslide destroyed sections.
  • A water filter is useful to replenish water bottles, especially from the Old Inca water canals!
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy the lovely viewpoints along the way!
  • Have a First Aid kit, an offline Chinchero to Urquillos Hike Map, battery packs, and plenty of chargers

Overview of Chinchero to Urquillos Hike

First, visit the site of Chinchero Archaeological Park.  It's possible to visit this Inca site independently and not part of a tour; however, you will need a Cusco Tourist Ticket to enter. In order to tackle the Chinchero to Urquillos hike at your own speed, it's best to visit the Chinchero ruins on your own terms. Remember, there are guides available on site that offer day tours of Chinchero, just always verify their certifications.

Travel Tip | Arrive before 9:00 a.m. to walk through Chinchero in solitude. Many day tours coming from Cusco make Chinchero one of their first stops, so it starts getting busy around 9:30 a.m.

Many day trips from Cusco only visit the main plaza, filled with local Chinchero weavers selling handmade goods and stop by the viewpoint of the terraces. Don't forget the small, but interesting museum on site.  One of the best parts of visiting this site independently is exploring deeper.  When ready to depart, head to Waka Chincana, an area that sees little foot-traffic.  Below this site, there will be a faint path.

Chinchero to Urquillos Hike Inca Trail Marker | Look for a rock with a blue and white sign. Left takes you back to the main site of Chinchero, whereas a right turn marks the Chinchero to Urquillos hike. This is the official trailhead.

Turn right and begin on the downhill path to Urquillos. Soon, to the left, pass by the signature red and white official signage for the "Camino Inca Urquillos." This scenic path follows an old Inca road past waterfalls, viewpoints, and through a nice forests. The path will meet up with water channels, which you can follow all the way into Urquillos.

There is an option to visit the Poc Poc waterfall closer, but be mindful that sometimes the trail can be muddy, especially during rainy season.

Upon entering Urquillos, stop by the main Plaza to appreciate the church. After that, continue on the main road into the village.  Meet up with the river and head left.  Follow this road all the way to the outskirts of Huayllabamba.  Finally, turn right over the large bridge. Here, wait for collectivos connecting with the rest of the Sacred Valley.

What to Do After the Chinchero to Urquillos Hike?

If you want more awesome Sacred Valley hikes, Urubamba is an ideal village to stay after the Chinchero to Urquillos hike. This charming village in Peru is just a short collectivo ride away and makes the perfect base to explore the incredible Sacred Valley.

Collectivo Logistics Huayllabamba to Urubamba | Cost: 1 PEN (25¢) | Duration: 10 minutes

Urubamba boasts awesome hikes in the Sacred Valley which can be done as independent day hikes. Hidden gems include the climb up Saywa Mountain, or take the full and challenging day hike up to Laguna Juchuycocha, a hidden alpine lake that sits at 15,200 ft! Another short hike from Urubamba is to popular Maras Salt Mines. If looking for a full day hike in the Sacred Valley hike from the Maras Salt Pool all the way to the Moray Inca ruins.

Peru Travel Tip | Moray Archaeological Park also requires the Cusco Tourist Ticket, while the Salt Mines have their own entrance fee of 10 PEN ($2.65 USD) per person

More Sacred Valley Travel Resources & Hiking Guides

• The Best Cusco & Sacred Valley Itinerary in One Week
• The Ultimate Guide to the Sacred Valley Peru
• 35 Inca Sites in Peru You Have to Visit
• All the Ways to Hike the Huchuy Qosqo Trek
• Visit the Dimensional Portal of Ñaupa Iglesia
• Sacred Valley Waterfall Hike to Perolniyoc & Inca Ruins
• Inti Punku, the Sun Gate in Ollantaytambo
• Pumamarca Ruin near Ollantaytambo
• The Ultimate Guide to Ollantaytambo Peru
• Lares Valley Hike in 1 Day
• Kinsa Cocha Pisac
• 22 Charming Villages in South America

Cusco Travel Guides

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• Visit the Cusco South Valley
• Self Guided Hiking Tour of the Free Cusco Inca Ruins
• Climb the Highest Peak in Cusco, Cerro Pikol
• 32 Landmarks in Peru You Need to Visit

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