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The Urubamba River winding through the Sacred Valley
Hiking and trekking

Chinchero to Urquillos hike: the Inca road down to the Sacred Valley

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The Chinchero to Urquillos hike follows an old Inca road that descends from the Chinchero plateau to the floor of the Sacred Valley. It's almost all downhill, with views of the snow peaks of the Urubamba range, small waterfalls in season and villages where life still follows a farming rhythm. It's an excellent half-day hike to combine with a visit to Chinchero.

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Where it starts

The trail begins below the large terraces of the Chinchero archaeological complex. From there, a sign marks the "Camino Inca Urquillos". Because the start is inside or next to the archaeological site, you normally need the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which includes Chinchero. Check access conditions at the entrance checkpoint.

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A road with history

Chinchero was a royal estate of the Inca Túpac Inca Yupanqui, and roads like this one connected the plateau with the maize fields on the valley floor. For centuries, farming families have used it to bring highland produce down and trade it in the valley. Walking it means following a route that is still in use, not a trail built for tourists.

Distance, descent and time

  • Chinchero to Urquillos: about 8 kilometres.
  • Descent: around 800 metres, from about 3,760 to about 2,980 metres.
  • Time: 3 to 4 hours of walking, plus stops.
  • Urquillos to Huayllabamba: about another hour on a flat track.

Figures are approximate and vary by source.

What the trail is like

The path is paved with stones in places and dirt and gravel in others. It zigzags down a ravine that gradually narrows; as you descend, the vegetation thickens and the temperature rises. During and shortly after the rainy season there are streams and small waterfalls. The main trail is easy to follow: at junctions, stay on the path that goes down.

A descent that's hard on the knees

Downhill doesn't mean easy. Some sections are very steep and loose gravel is slippery. Poles help a lot to protect your knees. Walk calmly and don't rush on loose ground.

Urquillos and Huayllabamba

Urquillos is a small village with a church on its square. From there a track follows the river to the edge of Huayllabamba, where you cross the bridge over the Vilcanota river to the valley's main road. There you can catch colectivos or a taxi to Urubamba, Calca or Cusco.

Getting back to Cusco

From the valley road there's frequent public transport to Urubamba and Calca, and from there to Cusco. Alternatively, arrange a taxi or private transfer. Plan your time so you don't travel back after dark.

When to go

The dry season, from May to September, is the most comfortable. In the rainy season the trail gets muddy and small landslides can occur; on such a steep path, mud makes it dangerous. Start in the morning to avoid afternoon rain.

A good acclimatisation hike

Because you walk downhill, the cardiovascular effort is lower than on a climb. That makes it a good hike for your first days, even though Chinchero is at high altitude. Keep listening to your body and stay hydrated.

What to bring

  • Enough water, at least 1.5 litres.
  • Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
  • Shoes with a good sole; hiking boots are best.
  • Poles for the descent.
  • A warm layer for the start in Chinchero, which is cold in the morning.
  • Cash for transport back.

Combine it with Chinchero

It's worth reaching Chinchero early to see the town, the colonial church and the terraces before you start down. If you visit on a Sunday, you can browse its market. The town's textile centres show the process of spinning, natural dyeing and weaving.

On your own or with an agency?

The trail is easy to follow and many travellers do it alone. Agencies offer it as a full-day trip with transport, sometimes combined with other valley sites. If you go on your own, share your plan with your lodging.

Respect

You pass through land belonging to farming communities. Don't leave rubbish, keep out of the crops and ask before photographing people.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Chinchero to Urquillos hike?
3 to 4 hours of walking to Urquillos, plus an hour if you continue to Huayllabamba.
Do I need the tourist ticket?
Usually yes, because the trail starts at the Chinchero archaeological complex; check conditions at the entrance.
Is it difficult?
It's almost all downhill, but has steep sections with loose gravel; poles help.
How do I get back to Cusco?
From Huayllabamba, by colectivo or taxi to Urubamba or Calca and then on to Cusco.

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