Huchuy Qosqo trek: the one-day hike from Cusco to the Sacred Valley

Huchuy Qosqo, "little Cusco" in Quechua, is an Inca site perched on a plateau above the Sacred Valley, opposite the village of Lamay. What makes it special is that you mainly reach it on foot: no tour buses at the gate, so you enjoy a calm that's hard to find elsewhere. The trek there, linking Cusco and the Sacred Valley over the mountains, is one of the region's best day hikes and excellent training for a longer trek.

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What Huchuy Qosqo is

Its construction is attributed to the Inca Wiracocha, who is said to have spent his last years here. The complex has broad farming terraces, a large kallanka (a long hall of stone and adobe), rooms, storehouses and water channels. From its esplanade at about 3,600 m you look over the Vilcanota valley, its fields and the snow peaks beyond. Less monumental than Pisac or Ollantaytambo, its setting and solitude stay with you.

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The classic one-day route

The usual version starts in the highlands north of Cusco and ends in Lamay in the Sacred Valley:

1. Early transfer from Cusco to the trailhead near Tambomachay or a nearby community.
2. Gradual climb across the puna to a pass of roughly 4,200–4,400 m, past lakes with views of snow peaks.
3. Descent through a valley — on some variants along a stretch of Inca trail — to Huchuy Qosqo.
4. Visit the site, then a final, very steep zigzag descent to Lamay, where transport takes you back to Cusco.

In total it's roughly 15–20 km and 6–8 hours of walking, depending on the variant and pace.

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The 2-day version

Some agencies run the trek over 2 days, camping by the site or in a nearby community. You walk more calmly, see sunset and sunrise over the valley and can sometimes link the next day to the Sacred Valley or the Machu Picchu train from Ollantaytambo. It's a good alternative if you can't get Inca Trail permits and want a short trek with Inca ruins.

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Difficulty and acclimatisation

• Moderate: the climb is gradual, but you walk above 4,000 m.
• Not technical, though the final descent is tough on the legs.
• Do it after at least two or three days in Cusco. It's a great test before Salkantay or the Inca Trail.

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Agency or independent

• With an agency: transport, guide, lunch and entrance included; the easiest and safest option, as the trail has several forks and little signage.
• Independently: possible for experienced hikers with a good map or offline navigation app. Carry enough food, water and warm layers, tell someone your route and don't hike alone.

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Entrance and costs

There's an entrance fee paid at the site, not part of the general Cusco Tourist Ticket. Bring cash in soles. Getting back from Lamay to Cusco by colectivo or bus is cheap; tours usually include it. Check current fees, as they change.

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Best season

The dry season, roughly May to September, is best for hiking, with clear skies. In the rainy season (roughly December to March) the trail can get slippery, especially on the descent to Lamay.

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What to pack

• Hiking boots with good grip and poles.
• Layers, a windbreaker and a light rain jacket.
• Sunscreen, cap and sunglasses: the puna sun is intense.
• 2 litres of water and food if going independently.
• Cash for the entrance and transport back.
• Toilet paper and a bag for your rubbish.

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).