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Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu is one of our treks from Cusco to Machu Picchu. It is an off the beaten track trek. Not many travellers are aware of the existence or the prominence of Huchuy Qosqo Peru.
Hence mostly trekkers get to enjoy nature and sites at a complete solace. Huchuy Qosqo Trek offers enchanting views of an untouched region of the Andean highlands.
Huchuy Qosqo in Quechua means “Small Cusco”. Viracocha the eight Inca emperor built this impressive site. It was originally named Kakya Qawani. In the 20th century it was renamed as Huchuy Qosqo.
This archaeological complex is located in the north of Cusco city. It was primarily a military and an administrative centre. The site has impeccable stone work.
As farming was the prime occupation of Incas, many Qollcas were built here. They are store houses. The Incas used them to store crops and dry meats.
One of the impressive sites here is Kallanka (a great hall). It stretches 40 metres long.
The Incas also built a 800 metres long irrigation channel lined with stones. When the Spanish conquistadors took over Huchuy Qosqo, they demolished these irrigation channels and built bigger ones which can be seen today.
This is a high altitude trek. We highly recommend you to spend 2-3 days in Cusco and acclimatize before the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
0600 AM
At 0600 AM, we will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then we will transfer you to Tambomachay in our private vehicle. Before we begin our three days tour on Huchuy Qosco Trek to Machu Picchu, our guide will give you a short briefing. Then we will start with a gradual uphill hike to our first pass, Sillakas pass (4,035m / 13,194feet).
From here, you will get a breathtaking view of the valley below. After resting a bit, we will hike up to Queullaqocha pass (4,200m / 13,734feet). This pass is also known as the KODAK spot.
You will get stunning views of snow capped peaks of Chicon, Veronica, Pitusiray and Sawasiray. These are part of Urubamba Mountain Range.
After a short break, we will continue the hike. We will be passing through Quella Qocha lagoon. This is a beautiful lagoon. It is named after the pass.
Here you will be able to see some local families. You will also be able to spot some rare breed of highland birds and llamas and alpacas. From here, we will continue to the next pass, Challu Challu (4,230m / 13,832feet). You will get an enchanting view of Piuray lagoon, Chinchero Plateau and Qori Qocha lagoon from here.
Then we will descend to Rumicruz (4,250m / 13,898feet).We will be passing through an Inca Quarry. This Inca Quarry was the main source of building the Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo. We will reach a highland rural community named Purmamarca (3,980m / 13,015feet).
We will be camping here for the night.
After breakfast, we will start hiking to Huchuy Qosqo archeological complex. We will begin with a down hill hike to the ravines of Leon Punku. We will be crossing an old Inca bridge on our way. Then, we will reach Huchuy Qosqo Peru.
On the way you will see local people working on their farmlands.
The archaeological site nestles at 3,600m / 11,772feet. Your guide will give you a tour of the complex. On this guided tour you will be visiting some prominent sites like granaries, royal palace, Incan temples and ceremonial centre.
Once you have had your fill of history and archaeology, we will hike to Taucca near the village of Lamay. Here we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we will drive you through the Sacred Valley of Incas to Ollantaytambo train station. Here you will be boarding the train to Aguas Calientes.
We will be accommodating you in an ensuite hotel room in Aguas Calientes.
After breakfast, we will be taking the tourist bus to Machu Picchu. Here our local expert will give you a two hours guided tour of the citadel. After the tour, you will have some time to walk around the citadel.
If you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, our tour guide will direct you to the respective entrance.
Alternatively you can hike to Sun Gate (Inti Punku). You will get a spectacular view of Machu Picchu citadel from here.
At a designated time, you will be taking the bus back to Aguas Calientes. You can stop for lunch at one of the local restaurants in town. Then you will be boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo.
At Ollantaytambo train station, our local representative will be meeting you and will transfer you back to Cusco.
Huchuy Qosqo is a part of the Peruvian Andes. It is subject to two seasons – wet season and dry season. It is advisable to hike during the dry season – from May to October.
I highly recommend this trek. We had most of the sites to ourselves. It was both fun and informative. Thanks to Jose and his team for taking exceptional care of us.