Huchuy Qosqo homestay trek: immersion in the heart of the Andes (3 Days)

Your adventure begins by meeting your guide at your hotel for a comprehensive briefing and equipment check. You then head to the Tambomachay site to start your hike. The trail climbs gently for about 4.5 hours to the Queullacocha pass, revealing a splendid view of Cusco and the surrounding mountains. After lunch at the summit, you continue walking for 4 hours through the pampas and high-altitude lagoons towards the village of Patabamba. Upon your arrival, Rosalio and his family warmly welcome you with a tasty pachamanca (a traditional dish cooked underground) for a convivial evening of sharing.

Distance: 15 km
Elevation gain/loss: +675 m / -675 m
Maximum altitude: 4,275 m
Accommodation: Homestay in Patabamba.

After a good breakfast with the family, you hit the trail again towards the spectacular 'balcony' of the Sacred Valley. This natural viewpoint offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the villages of Pisac, Calca, and Lamay, dominated by the Pitusiray, Sawasiray, and Verónica glaciers. The ascent continues towards the Pukamarka pass, before descending into the heart of the impressive León Punku canyon, where you have lunch surrounded by majestic rock formations. In the afternoon, you take an ancient section of the Inca Trail to reach the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo ('Little Cusco'). You spend the evening at Natividad's home for another immersion into Andean hospitality.

Distance: 14.5 km
Elevation gain/loss: +500 m / -650 m
Maximum altitude: 4,080 m
Accommodation: Homestay in Huchuy Qosqo.

This last day of effort takes you to the highest point of the trek: the Tauca pass (4,435 m), which you reach after 4 hours of continuous ascent. At the summit, the unobstructed view of the Urubamba mountain range is a true reward! After a contemplative break, you start a 3-hour descent towards the Piuray lagoon down to the traditional village of Chinchero, where a good lunch awaits you. In the afternoon, you enjoy some free time to rest in your new host family, or benefit from your transfer to Cusco or the rest of the Sacred Valley depending on the rest of your program.

Distance: 12 km
Elevation gain/loss: +800 m / -575 m
Maximum altitude: 4,435 m
Accommodation: Homestay (Sonia's family) in Chinchero.