If you are looking for an authentic experience, far from traditional tourist circuits, the hike to Huchuy Qosqo is sure to charm you.
Perched at over 3,600 meters above sea level, this Inca archaeological site offers an exceptional panoramic view of the Urubamba Valley, in a peaceful and unspoiled natural setting.
Accessible from Cusco via various trails, particularly from Tambomachay or Patabamba, the route takes you through a variety of landscapes: rolling mountains, high-altitude lagoons, and Andean hamlets where life still follows the rhythm of nature. Along the way, it is not uncommon to come across shepherds and their herds.
Upon arrival, Huchuy Qosqo surprises visitors with its serenity and the beauty of its architecture. The Inca ruins, agricultural terraces, irrigation canals, and finely assembled stone walls all reflect remarkable craftsmanship and a deep harmony with the surrounding landscape. Far from the crowds of more popular sites, you will have the privilege of discovering a little-visited place, ideal for contemplation.
The hike to Huchuy Qosqo takes between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the chosen route, and requires good physical condition due to the altitude. We recommend that you acclimatize to the elevation in Cusco beforehand and set off well-equipped (water, sun protection, windbreaker, sturdy shoes).
You may complete the hike in one day or opt for a 3-day excursion with 2 nights in a local community.
Here is our suggested itinerary:
Day 1 : Cusco - Patabamba
From the sacred site of Tambomachay, we will begin a 4.5-hour ascent through the breathtaking landscapes of the Andean range, leading us to the Queullacocha pass. At the summit, a well-deserved lunch awaits you, with a spectacular view over the majestic Urubamba Valley.
The adventure then continues with another 4 hours of hiking along trails bordered by high-altitude lagoons and typical Andean vegetation, until we reach the authentic village of Patabamba. There, you will be warmly welcomed by our friend Rosalio and his family, who will introduce you to pachamanca, an ancestral dish cooked underground, rich in flavor and tradition.
We will conclude the day with a night spent in a local home, offering a moment of sharing and connection in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
Day 2 : Patabamba - Huchuy Qosqo
Our day will begin with a walk to the natural balcony of the Sacred Valley, a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the villages of Pisac, Calca, and Lamay, all framed by the snow-capped peaks of Pitusiray, Sawasiray, and La Verónica.
We will then continue with an ascent to Pucamarka, a small, remote hamlet nestled into the mountainside, where silence and scenery invite reflection. We will arrive by late morning, just in time for a well-deserved break.
In the afternoon, we will follow an ancient Inca trail winding through the mysterious León Punku canyon, with its steep cliffs and fascinating rock formations. This path will lead us to the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, a former Inca administrative center perched high above the valley, steeped in mystery and history.
Finally, we will reach the home of Natividad, our local host, for an authentic evening and a peaceful night in a warm, welcoming setting.
Day 3 : Huchuy Qosqo - Chinchero
On the final day of our journey, we will cross the spectacular Tauca pass, perched at 4,435 meters above sea level. After approximately four hours of ascent, you will reach the highest point of the adventure, where a breathtaking panorama of the Urubamba ridge unfolds before you.
We will take a well-earned break to savor this victory and etch these landscapes into your memory. Then, we will begin our descent toward the mirror-like waters of Piuray Lagoon, before arriving at the peaceful village of Tauca, where this unforgettable experience will come to a close.
Ready to discover Huchuy Qosqo differently? Wirh Escápate Slow Tourism, we invite you to explore this incredible site with us in a spirit of respect, slowness, and genuine connection.
Contact us to organize a tailor-made excursion, far from the crowds and closer to what truly matters.
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