Follow an ancient stone-paved Incan trade route overlooking the Sacred Valley. Gentle trekking altitudes, jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Vilcanota peaks, and secluded cliffside royal ruins.
Intimate pace & personalized attention on every route.
100% native Cusco team without middleman commissions.
Oxygen tanks, pulse oximeters, and WFR certified leaders.
Fair pay, warm mountain gear, and community empowerment.
Discover the royal winter retreat of Emperor Viracocha perched high on an inaccessible cliff terrace above Lamay, far removed from crowded trekking highways.
A hidden archaeological marvel perched like an eagle’s nest high above the Sacred Valley. Hike across scenic puna…
Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Incan trail experience without grueling multi-day exertion. Enjoy gourmet meals and comfortable wilderness camps.
Fluent in Quechua & English, university-graduated storytellers, and certified in Wilderness First Aid (WFR).
Hot, fresh organic Andean culinary meals prepared daily on trail. Full catering for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
Roomy 4-season Eureka/Doite tents (4-person size for 2 guests), insulated sleeping pads, and cozy dining tents.
Oxygen tanks, pulse oximeters, satellite radios, and 24/7 operations room tracking every team in real time.
Huchuy Qosqo (‘Little Cusco’ in Quechua) was constructed in the 15th century as a fortified royal retreat for the aging Incan Emperor Viracocha. Inaccessible by road, the site features remarkably intact two-story stone-and-adobe palaces, irrigation channels, and an expansive ceremonial plaza perched 800 meters directly above the Sacred Valley floor.
The trail traverses original Incan stonework through the scenic Leonpunku ravine, passing serene mountain tarns and offering sweeping vistas of snow-capped Mount Veronica and the Urubamba mountain chain before descending directly to the scenic train to Machu Picchu.
No hidden fees. Every critical detail from door-to-door transfers to gourmet meals is taken care of.
When you travel with Wayna Peru Expeditions, you directly support native Quechua highland families. We champion fair wages, strict load weight limits for porters, nutritious meals, and high-mountain thermal gear.
Helpful hints for enjoying this rewarding, moderate Andean hike.
<p>With only one major high pass on day 1 (4,200 m), this is one of Cusco’s most accessible and forgiving short treks.</p>
<p>The descent from Huchuy Qosqo down to Lamay drops 800 meters on stone switchbacks. Trekking poles are highly recommended.</p>
<p>The high mountain pass above Laguna Piuray can get breezy. Keep a lightweight windproof jacket in your daypack.</p>
<p>Spend 24 to 48 hours acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley prior to departure for maximum comfort.</p>
Read genuine feedback from adventurers who explored the Andes under the care of our native guides.
Everything you need to know about this tranquil Incan sanctuary route.
After exploring the ruins on day 2, we hike down to Lamay in the Sacred Valley, where private transport drives us to Ollantaytambo train station. From there, we board the scenic panoramic train to Aguas Calientes for an early morning tour of Machu Picchu on day 3.
Yes! It is one of our top recommended treks for active families due to manageable hiking distances (5-6 hours per day), moderate elevations, and minimal tourist foot traffic.
Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, Huchuy Qosqo does not have strict permit caps, making it an excellent option that can be booked with greater flexibility throughout the year.
<p>Contact our route planners to book your 2-day or 3-day Huchuy Qosqo trek with private panoramic train upgrades to Machu Picchu.</p>
Planning for Huchuy Qosqo Treks
