Huchuy Qosqo Full Day Hike

Cusco | Ccorao – Patabamba Community – Qoricocha Lake – Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay (Sacred Valley) – Cusco

Our thrilling adventure kicks off with a 7:00 am pickup from your hotel. We’ll first head to the charming town of Ccorao (Qorao or Corao), a quick 30-minute drive from Cusco. From there, we’ll follow a scenic route into the high Andes, reaching the picturesque village of Patabamba at 3,850 m / 12,631 ft. Continuing for another 15 minutes, we’ll arrive at Qoricocha Lake (4,050 m / 13,287 ft), marking the beginning of our trek. Keep an eye out of the window as the Andean landscapes are simply breathtaking.

Upon reaching the starting point, a 45-minute ascent takes us to the Apacheta Pass, the highest point of our day’s trek at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft. Following this, the remaining 2 hours of the hike are downhill, making it relatively gentle on your legs.

Along our path, our first stop is the ancient community of Pukamarca, offering a brief respite before we venture through lush green valleys and the impressive Puma Punku canyon, known as “The Puma Gate.” Here, you’ll traverse an original section of the Inca trail, meticulously restored as part of the Qhapaq Ñan project. Given the worldwide renown of the Inca Trail, this is a thrilling addition to your journey.

This trail guides you to the secluded and enigmatic Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo, perched above the Sacred Valley of the Incas at 3,600 m / 11,811 ft. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you through the archaeological park, showcasing its remarkable Inca structures, including sacred temples, storage facilities, Inca agricultural terraces, and a reservoir employed by the Incas to store water during dry spells. It’s a fascinating destination where you’ll glean insights into Inca civilization.

Following your guided tour, savor a delectable boxed lunch. After a brief rest, embark on a 2-hour descent to the village of Lamay (2,941 m / 9,649 ft) nestled beside the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley. From here, our private transport will return you to your Cusco accommodation. You’ll have ample evening time for relaxation and a delightful dinner.