Huchuy Qosqo or Little Cusco is a spectacular Inca site that sits high above the sacred valley and is only accessible by foot hiking via the ancient Inca trails to reach this rarely visited gem.

Where is Huchuy Qosqo located

Huchuy Qosqo is 18km north of Cusco near the town of Lamay on the edge of the sacred valley

How to get to Huchuy Qosqo

There are 3 ways to get to the trailhead:

Taxi: Catch a taxi from Cusco there are loads around town and easy to find. Don’t forget to agree the price before you leave. This is the most expensive self guided option.

Collectivo: You can catch a collectivo from Pavitos street in Cusco to Chinchero for around 6 soles. From Chinchero take a taxi to the trailhead ask to be taken to “Camino Inca Huchuy Qosqo Tauca” we would recommend having a map on your phone to avoid any confusion. It is also possible to walk to trailhead but it adds over 5km to the journey.

Guided tour: You can book guided tours to Huchuy Qosqo from Cusco where all transportation and a guide is also included that will tell you all about the site. This is the most expensive option but also the most convenient.

When is the best time to visit Huchuy Qosqo

Dry Season (May-September): The peak tourist season in the Andes so more tourist will be visiting the country with cold temperatures averaging between -3 °C (27 °F) – 18 °C (64 °F)
Rainy Season (November-March): Low season with rainy days warmer weather with average temperatures between 3 °C (37 °F) – 19 (66 °F)

Our verdict: Dry season is the best time to visit to avoid rainy weather and enjoy the stunning trail.

TRAVEL TIP: The site has no vehicle access so only has a few people visit each day.

Ways to Explore

There are 2 ways to experience the trail with a guide or self guided:

Self guided: To hike the trail without a guide take a taxi or collectivo to the trailhead from Cusco. Follow the Inca trail all the way to Huchuy Qosqo and from there down into the sacred valley to Lamay. From Lamay catch a collectivo back to Cusco.

Guided tour: When you take a guided tour you have a couple of options:

Huchuy Qosco day hike: just like hiking the trail individually but with all transport included and a knowledgeable guide.

Huchuy Qosqo hike, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. 3Day /2Night: This option has you hike to Huchuy Qosco where you camp for the night at the ruins then hike back out the next day and then onto Machu Picchu. All meals and accommodation are included as well as a knowledgeable guide.

We went for the 3 days 2 nights option with a company called SAS travel. This was perfect for us as we didn’t have to book anything for Machu Picchu as it was all handled for us and we got to do this amazing hike and Machu Picchu with a knowledgeable guide.

Huchuy Qosqo Trail Summary

• Distance: 22km
• Time needed: 6-8 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Route type: Point to Point
• Elevation gain: 570m

If you do the overnight hiking option the trail is a slightly different route to Huchuy Cosqo and hike out via the regular trail but in reverse to the trailhead a Tauca.

TRAVEL TIP: The highest point on the trail is 4,420m which is over 400m higher than Cusco. We recommend that you have adjusted to the altitude before attempting the hike.

What to pack

  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Warm Clothes
  • Rain Jacket
  • Sunscreen and Sunglasses
  • Toilet Paper

Our Experience

This is our experience with the 2 day trek to Huchuy Qosqo with SAS Travel

Early pickup from the hotel and transport out to the trailhead beside the Quriqucha lake that has a legend that the Inca threw gold into the lake to hide it from the Spanish conquistadors. The trail starts by going to the top of a ridge where we join a Inca trail marked by an ancient cairn. This Ica trail joined Cusco to Huchuy Qosqo once upon a time.

The trail makes its way down through farmland with spectacular landscape where you can see llamas and traditional mud brick houses. We stopped at one of these farms for lunch where the pack horses and cooks were already setup and cooking lunch. The food on the trip was delicious and there was more than enough.

After lunch we visited a nearby Incan ruin the guide said this would have been a checkpoint or guard station and a place where messages would have been passed through. From here we make our way through a dramatic canyon before making it to the rim of the sacred valley.

Form here you get amazing views looking into the valley and the stunning mountains that surround it. From here we make our way along the top of the valley passing ancient Inca terraces before reaching the gates to Huchuy Qosqo

The guide showed us around the site giving us a rundown on the history of the site and the significance of the budlings and architecture. Really really amazing! We had some free time before dinner to further explore the site and marvel at the amazing views from the campsite.

Day 2 we were up at sunrise that was absolutely magical watching the sun come up and see the first rays pierce through the sacred valley. This part of the journey follows the exact path of the day hike but in reverse. We made our way up out of the valley as we said goodbye to Huchuy Qosqo.

This was easily the toughest part of the hike as we had a huge climb out of the valley and once again walking the Inca trail as we pass more Inca terraces and some small Inca buildings. The advantage of having the guide he pointed out an Inca fortress perched on the top of a mountain peak that we would have never noticed without him.

Climbing out of the valley we get amazing views looking back down the valley and out across the mountains all around. After a short but steep downhill section we make it to a lake that sits at the foot of a colourful rocky peak that is stunning. We stop here for lunch our final meal on the trek.

After lunch we make the last section all down hill to the Inca trail sign in Tauca where our transport is waiting.

Self Guided Trek:

Starting from the Inca Trail in Tauca follow the trail uphill for a few kilometres through the valley until you reach the lake with the colourful rocky peaks towering above it. This is a great place to rest and take a break.
Huchuy Qosqo, Peru, Inca Trail

Huchuy Qosqo, Peru

The trail will then go for short but steep section between the mountains, when you reach the saddle there are amazing views all around. All down hill from here as you make your way down the valley through grassy farmland. Eventually you will reach a viewpoint where you will see the sacred valley for the first time! take a rest here and soak in the amazing views.

Huchuy Qosqo, Peru

The next section of the trail still continues down but it’s steeper with loads of switchbacks. You will pass Ince Terraces and some building so keep your eye out as some a perched high up on the hilltops. Keep going and you will eventually get your first look at Huchuy Qosqo!

Explore the ruins and take in the spectacular views of the Sacred Valley! then make your way down to the valley floor finishing at Lamay where you can catch a collectivo back to Cusco.

Next Stop:

Also check out our YouTube video below 👇