Huchuy Qosqo trek 1 day from Cusco | Sacred Valley Hike

1-Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek from Cusco – Sacred Valley Views

Spend a day exploring the heart of the Andes on a route that blends peaceful landscapes, history, and a bit of adventure. After leaving Cusco, the journey takes you through the quiet town of Ccorao and up to the highland village of Patabamba, where wide-open views set the tone for the day. The hike begins by Qoricocha Lake, climbing gently to Apacheta Pass, the highest point, before easing into a long, enjoyable descent through green valleys and the striking Puma Punku canyon.

Along the way, you’ll walk a restored section of the original Inca Trail, a rare and memorable experience. The path leads to Huchuy Qosqo, an archaeological site perched above the Sacred Valley, where your guide will bring its terraces, temples, and ancient water systems to life. After lunch, a final descent takes you to Lamay, where your transport back to Cusco awaits. It’s a day filled with calm, beauty, and authentic Andean charm.

Cusco | Ccorao I Comunidad de Patabamba I Laguna Qoricocha I Huchuy Qosqo I Lamay (Sacred Valley) I Cusco

Duration of the trip:

Full Day

Total Distance

25 km

Physical Level:

Moderate

Altitude:

4,200 m / 13,780 ft (Apacheta Pass)

Type of Tour:

Trekking Nature & Culture

Group SIze:

02 ppl Min - 08ppl Max

Huchuy Qosqo trek 1 day overview:

TOUR NAME: Huchuy Qosqo Trek Full Day
100% LOCAL COMPANY: fully licensed Salkantay Trek Tour Operator, Highly Recommended! Check out our reviews on Trip Advisor & Youtube what our Passengers say about us
STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco & Sacred Valley Hotel/Airbnb. From 4:30 am to 5:00 am
ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb 7:30 pm Approx
DEPARTURE: Daily. If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as large group service). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in cusco
HIKING DISTANCE: 15 km = 9.32 miles (approx.)
PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 3. Huchuy QosqoTrek requires some physical preparation and we Also recommend to Aclimatize 2 days befor we begin the Salkantay Trek
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft (Apacheta Pass)
TRANSPORTATION: Private Van/Bus to Patabamba (for our Passengers and staff)
MEALS: 1 Box Lunch

Huchuy Qosqo trek Full day short itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Ccorao – Comunidad de Patabamba – Laguna Qoricocha – Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay (Sacred Valley) – Cusco

Huchuy Qosqo 1 day highlights:

Scenic drive from Cusco through traditional Andean towns.
High-altitude start at Qoricocha Lake with stunning mountain views.
Reach Apacheta Pass the highest point at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft.
Walk a restored section of the original Inca Trail (Qhapaq Ñan).
Explore the historic community of Pukamarca.
Cross the dramatic Puma Punku canyon, known as “The Puma Gate.”
Guided visit of Huchuy Qosqo, an impressive Inca archaeological complex.
Discover ancient terraces, temples, and Inca water systems.
Enjoy a panoramic descent toward the Sacred Valley.
End in the charming village of Lamay with private return transport to Cusco.

DAY 1
Cusco – Ccorao – Comunidad de Patabamba – Laguna Qoricocha – Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay (Sacred Valley) – Cusco+

Your adventure begins with a 7:00 a.m. pickup from your hotel. We’ll drive approximately 30 minutes to the traditional town of Ccorao (Qorao), and then continue along a scenic mountain route toward the Andean village of Patabamba, located at 3,850 m / 12,631 ft. After an additional 15-minute transfer, we reach Qoricocha Lake (4,050 m / 13,287 ft), the official starting point of the trek, an area known for its striking high-Andean landscapes.

From here, a 45-minute ascent leads to Apacheta Pass, the highest point of the route at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft. The remainder of the hike consists of a gentle, predominantly downhill trail of approximately 2 hours.

Our first stop is the historic community of Pukamarca, where we take a short break before continuing through verdant valleys and the impressive Puma Punku canyon, also known as “The Puma Gate.” This section features an original Inca Trail segment restored through the Qhapaq Ñan project, an exceptional opportunity to walk along an authentic piece of Inca history.

The path then leads to the secluded archaeological complex of Huchuy Qosqo, situated at 3,600 m / 11,811 ft, overlooking the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, your guide will provide an in-depth tour of the site, highlighting its temples, storage structures, agricultural terraces, and an ancient water reservoir used during periods of drought. It is a remarkable location that offers valuable insight into Inca engineering and daily life.

After the guided visit, enjoy a well-prepared boxed lunch before beginning a 2-hour descent toward the village of Lamay (2,941 m / 9,649 ft), nestled beside the Urubamba River. From Lamay, private transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, where you’ll have the rest of the evening free to unwind and enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Time of Bus Trip: 1 hour and 30 minutes from Cusco to Patabamba.
Hiking Time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours of trekking.
Weather: Cold, high-altitude climate; mornings and the pass can be especially chilly.
Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft at Apacheta Pass.

Huchuy Qosqo trek 1 day includes

Hotel pickup in Cusco
Private transportation (Cusco – Patabamba / Lamay – Cusco)
Professional, certified tour guide (English/Spanish)
Entrance tickets to Huchuy Qosqo
Boxed lunch
Snacks & hot drinks (según operador)
First aid kit (incluye oxígeno de emergencia)
Inca Trail segment fee (Qhapaq Ñan)
Drop-off in Cusco

Huchuy Qosqo trek 1 day doesnt include

Tips (optional)
Travel and health insurance.(bring copies with you please):Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance.

ADITIONAL INFO:

BRIEFING: for all our treks is a Night before we do the trek at 5:30pm in our office, But if you want us to come to your Hotel let us know in advance.(You will get a chance to meet you guide and as well as to give you your duffel bags)
STORAGE: Most Hotels have storage where you can leave the rest of your stuff while you hike to Machupicchu, But if they dont have a place you can leave your stuff in our storage with no extra cost. (Let us know at the time of briefing)

Huchuy Qosqo trek full day (Prices for 2026)

Availability: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We won’t cancel your Trip !!!

How to Book?: Send us all Your Personal information, as well as a Deposit of 30% and the Final Balance, which will be paid once you are in Cusco.

Group Service: Price per person: US$160

(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities): From 04 Persons to 08 Persons (Maximum)

Private Service: Price per person: Upon Request

Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (02 Person Minimum)

What you need to bring on Huchuy Qosqo trek

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.

List of things you must bring:

Original Passport (and some copies) If you have changed your passport Bring a couple of copies of the one that you have used to purchase the inca trail permit.
Travel insurance is essential (and some copies)
Airline tickets (and some copies)
US$ cash and Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Camera and Memory cards
Rechargeable batteries and adapters
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Cover for backpacks
Pocketknife.
Fleece top
Windproof/waterproof jacket
Small towel and swim wear
Shirts/t-shirts
Sun hat
2 pairs of shorts
2 pairs of long trousers *zipp off
1 pair hiking pants/track pants
Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes (with ankle protectors)
Knee-length socks (to be used with rubber boots, if provided at the jungle lodge)
Sport hiking sandals
Sun block
Sunglasses
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Watch or alarm clock
Water bottle
Purifying tablets or filter (Micropur recommeded)
Insect Repellent (for mosquitos)25 % of deet at least you can also by in cusco.
Flashlight (head light recommended)
Money belt
Sleeping silk liner (for sleeping bags)
Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably waterproof)
Rain poncho, plastic bags for your personal stuff to keep dry
Sleeping bag (it can be hired form us) we have goose down or syntetic sleeping bag
Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)
Thermal underwear
Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

Huchuy Qosqo Trek Full Day FAQs

How long is the hike?

The total hiking distance is 15 km / 9.32 miles.

What is the maximum altitude?

The highest point is Apacheta Pass at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft.

How difficult is the trek?

It is considered moderate, with one initial ascent followed by mostly downhill terrain.

Do I need to be very fit?

A basic–moderate fitness level is enough. Previous hiking experience is helpful but not required.

How long does the entire tour take?

It is a full-day experience of about 10–11 hours including transport and hiking.

What time does the tour start?

Pickup is generally around 7:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes, Huchuy Qosqo entrance fees are included (if you want, I can adapt this to your service).

Is a guide included?

Yes, a professional, certified guide in English/Spanish accompanies the entire route.

Is food provided?

A boxed lunch is included. Breakfast and extra snacks are not included.

What should I bring?

Water (1.5–2 L), sunscreen, hat, trekking shoes, light jacket, snacks, and possibly trekking poles.

Can I rent trekking poles?

Yes, trekking poles are available for rent.

Is altitude sickness a concern?

The trek reaches high elevation, so staying acclimatized in Cusco for at least 1–2 days is recommended.

Is transportation included?

Yes, private transportation from Cusco to Patabamba and from Lamay back to Cusco is included.

What happens if it rains?

The tour operates in most weather conditions. Rain gear is recommended during the wet season (Nov–Mar).

Is this trek suitable for children?

It is suitable for teenagers and adults with good mobility. Not recommended for small children.

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