Duration 2 days and 1 night
Difficulty can be demanding because of the altitude, but it's achievable for people with moderate fitness. The first day is the hardest.
Maximum altitude 4150 m (day 2); 4100 m at the Sicllacasa pass (day 1).
Distance 12 km on day 1 and 10 km on day 2.
Best time to go April to October.
If you're looking for an authentic, unique experience in the Andes, our Huchuy Qosqo and Patabamba trek is ideal. This route takes you through stunning Andean landscapes and lets you connect with the rich local culture, away from the crowds. You'll cross mountains and rural communities and explore the fascinating archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo, a little-known Inca treasure. With everything included, from meals to transport and expert guides, all you need to do is relax and enjoy.
Experience nature at its finest and immerse yourself in the history of the ancient Incas. This trek is perfect for adventurers looking to discover the Andes in a more intimate and authentic way.
Today begins a two-day adventure in the Andes, where you'll connect with nature and the local culture. At 7:00 a.m., we'll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and head to Tambomachay, where we'll start the hike. You'll climb to the Sicllacasa pass, at 4100 meters, with stunning views of the valleys and the city of Cusco, surrounded by majestic mountains.
We'll cross the valley to Qoricocha Lake, where you'll enjoy an outdoor lunch in a serene setting, in contact with Andean wildlife. The tranquility of the place, together with the impressive views, will let you recharge for the rest of the day.
In the afternoon, we'll walk to the Patabamba community, where the locals will welcome you with hospitality and warmth. It will be a unique opportunity to learn about their ancestral traditions and way of life and to immerse yourself in their daily routine. Spending time with them will give you an authentic, unforgettable experience.
At nightfall, we'll settle into the campsite and visit a local family to get to know their culture more deeply. You'll end the day sharing stories under a starry sky, in a peaceful atmosphere, before resting in the heart of the Andes.
We'll start the day with an exciting hike toward the Pukamarka pass, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Urubamba River and the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas. The climb will give you the chance to connect with nature while taking in the imposing Andean landscape.
From the pass, we'll head into the Puma Punku canyon, where we'll follow a section of the authentic original Inca Trail. This ancient route will take you straight to Huchuy Qosqo, an enigmatic archaeological site steeped in history. There, our guide will show you the sacred temples, the agricultural terraces and the Inca reservoir, revealing the secrets of this hidden gem.
After exploring, we'll take some time to enjoy lunch, surrounded by the calm of nature. This break will be perfect for relaxing and enjoying the surroundings before continuing our adventure.
Finally, we'll begin the descent to the picturesque town of Lamay, in the Sacred Valley. Private transport will be waiting there to take you back to Cusco, wrapping up a day full of archaeological discoveries and unforgettable landscapes.
The Huchuy Qosqo trek can be demanding because of the altitude, but it's achievable for people with moderate fitness. The first day is the hardest, with a steep climb into the highlands of Cusco. After that, the rest of the route is more manageable, although there are challenging stretches. The scenery makes up for the effort.
At altitude, the air has less oxygen than at sea level and the body works harder to get it; after several days, the body gradually adapts. That's why we recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before any trek. If you can stay longer, even better: Cusco is a city with lots to do and you won't get bored.
The best season to visit Huchuy Qosqo is April to October. During these months, the weather is drier and milder, which makes for good hiking conditions, and you'll also see the flora and fauna at their best.
The night of day 1 is spent at the campsite in the Patabamba community (rural lodge and tents), at 3600 m.
1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner, plus tea time on day 1 and snacks on day 2. The last dinner is not included.
