Trek Guide Huchuy Qosqo: “Little Cusco”

Trek Guide Huchuy Qosqo Trek (Southern Quechua for “Little Cusco”), also called Júchuy Cusco, is an archaeological site 50 km north of the city of Cusco. It is located at 3,600 meters above sea level, above the town of Lamay, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The site received its name in the 20th century; previously, it was known as Kakya Qawani. The chronicler Pedro Cieza de León stated that the palaces were built by Viracocha, the eighth Inca ruler. Among a large number of buildings, some made of stone, some of adobe, the water supply flows down the ravine through a canal that irrigates the entire Inca construction.

Huchuy Qosqo was probably a royal estate or retreat for the Inca Emperor Viracocha around 1420 CE.

1. Trek Guide Huchuy Qosqo – Top Route.

There are three primary ways to reach the ruins, ranging from a steep half-day climb to a full-day mountain trek.

Route A: Tauca (Chinchero) to Lamay

This is the most popular “downhill-focused” route and follows a beautiful section of the original Inca Trail (Qhapaq Ñan).

• Distance: ~13 km (8 miles)
• Duration: 6–8 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Starts at Lake Piuray, crosses a high Andean pass (4,200m), and descends through a dramatic rock canyon (Leon Punku) to reach the ruins.

Route B: Tambomachay to Huchuy Qosqo

The longest route, starting just outside of Cusco city. Often done as a 2-day trek but possible in one long day.

• Distance: 22 km (13.6 miles)
• Duration: 8 -10 hours.
• Difficulty: Challenging (due to distance and altitude)
• Highlights: High-altitude lagoons (Qoricocha), sightings of llamas/alpacas, and sweeping views of the Vilcanota mountain range.

Route C: Lamay Up-and-Back

The most direct but steepest route. Best for those with limited time who want a physical challenge.

• Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles) round trip
• Duration: 3 – 4 hours.
• Difficulty: Strenuous (steep vertical ascent)
• Highlights: A “straight up” zigzag path with immediate views of the Sacred Valley.

2. Essential Information – Trek Guide Huchuy Qosqo.

3. How to Get There (Self-Guided)

Starting from Tauca/Chinchero:

1. Take a colectivo (shared van) from Cusco (Pavitos St.) toward Chinchero (~6 Soles).
2. Ask the driver to drop you at the turn-off for Tauca.
3. Take a taxi from Chinchero to the Tauca trailhead (agree on a price beforehand).
4. Follow the trail toward Huchuy Qosqo. It is relatively well-marked but using an offline map (like AllTrails or Maps.me) is highly recommended.

Returning from Lamay:

All routes typically end with a long descent into the town of Lamay in the Sacred Valley.

1. Walk down the steep zigzag path from the ruins to Lamay (approx. 1.5–2 hours).
2. Cross the bridge into the town square.
3. Catch a colectivo passing through the main road headed toward Cusco or Pisac.

4. Packing List

• Water: At least 2–3 liters. There are very few places to refill.
• Sun Protection: High-altitude sun is intense. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and SPF 50+.
• Clothing: Dress in layers. It can be freezing at the passes and hot during the descent to the valley.
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots are essential for the rocky, uneven Inca stones.
• Cash: Bring Soles for the entrance fee, transport, and snacks in Lamay.

5. Pro Tips – Trek Guide Huchuy Qosqo.

• Acclimatization: Do not attempt this hike on your first day in Cusco. Spend at least 2 days at altitude first.
• The Canyon Entrance: The descent into the ruins via the Leon Punku canyon is spectacular. Keep your camera ready as you pass through the narrow rock gate.
• Guided vs. Solo: The trail from Tauca is easy to follow for experienced hikers. However, a guide is recommended for the Tambomachay route to ensure you don’t lose the path in the high-altitude grasslands.