HUCHUY QOSQO1 DAY

Huchuy Qosqo Trek

Private Services

Huchuy Qosqo 1d

Cusco to Huchuy Qosqo2d/1n

Luxury Services

Available but not recommended in this route

Feature Treks

Available and recommended in this route

Return to:Treks & Expeditions

A fantastic full day hike in the surroundings of Cusco, departing close from Chinchero, following through a mountain pass and finally reaching Huchuy Qosqo, an ancient Inca archaeological site perched on a cliff with stunning views over the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Itinerary

We leave Cusco at 7:00am in a private transport that takes us to Chinchero to then follow on to Tauca, a small Andean community that is the starting point of our trek. We start hiking uphill amidst a beautiful mountain scenery with presence of llamas, alpacas and lovely views of the Piuray Lagoon until we reach the only mountain pass of this program at 4500m/14760ft (2h). We then start descending along a restored Inca Trail for an approximated 1h towards the small Andean community of Pukamarca (4010m/13153ft). From there, we walk downhill towards the Leon Punku ravine, where we find remains of an Inca bridge and trail. This canyon boasts geological formations surrounded by majestic rocks and boulders that direct the river to Huchuy Qosqo at 3600m/11808ft, where we arrive by early afternoon. Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca archaeological complex with imposing architecture that includes a large open ceremonial center, from which we enjoy a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley, the Vilcanota River, and the snow capped mountain range of the same name. While in the complex, we receive a guided tour, after which we continue our way to Lamay at 3000m/9840ft. Lamay is a town dedicated to agriculture and cattle raising. Later in the afternoon, our private transport drives us back to Cusco. Estimated arrival time in the late evening.

Meals

Box-lunch

Difficulty

Moderate to challenging

Price information

Price per person 2018

Prices per person depend on the group size, the larger the group the lower the price per person.

Please click here to check our prices, specifying:

• trekking program
• number of people in the trek
• departure date

Additional discounts

• Early bookings: 5% on full program price for all bookings confirmed at least 6 months in advance. This discount may not be applicable in case a promotional price is offered

Departure dates

Daily departures are available along the year, although the period March to December is recommended to avoid the heart of the rainy season.

All private service departure dates are adapted to your request.

Group size

To suit group requirements.

What is included

• Pre-departure briefing
• Collection from your hotel in the morning and private transport to Tauca, the starting point of the trek
• Huchuy Qosqo entrance fee
• English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 8 people)
• Boxed-lunch. Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Private transport from Lamay to Cusco, including transfer to your hotel
• 24-h guest service: please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit

What is not included

• Breakfast and dinner
• Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish

What we recommend that you bring

• Rain gear or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Extra T-shirt
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
• A jacket or fleece
• Camera
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• Insect repellent
• Toilet paper and tissues
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, dried fruits, muesli, etc.
• Water container and water for the first morning
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)

Optional services to be hired

Appropriate clothing along this hike

Appropriate clothing along this hike

Hiking pants and T-shirts are the most suitable, complemented by a sweater and eventually a fleece for cloudy or rainy weather and for the way back to Cusco. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.

Climate

Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night.

Along this hike, temperatures range from 10-20ºC during the day, although they could be a little colder when crossing the pass in the dry season in case of bad weather.