Overview
Your day begins with comfortable private transportation departing from Cusco up into the highlands of Sihuas, the official trailhead. Equipped with your trekking pole and led by a professional bilingual guide, you follow ancient trails along high-altitude plains with clear vistas of snow-dusted Andean summits. The trail gradually leads toward Huchuy Qosqo, the cliffside retreat built in the 15th century by the Inca Emperor Viracocha above the Urubamba River basin.
After exploring the complex’s finely cut stone palaces, callancas, agricultural terraces, and original stone water canals, you take a break to enjoy a nourishing lunch prepared by local community hosts, with vegetarian and vegan options available upon request. In the afternoon, begin a steady, scenic descent down the canyon trails to the valley floor at Lamay, where private transportation awaits to take you back comfortably to your Cusco hotel.
Summary
Cusco – Sacred Valley – Huchuy Qosqo – Cusco
Escape the crowded main tourist circuits and trek off the beaten path on an unforgettable full-day journey to Huchuy Qosqo (“Little Cusco�). Starting in the quiet mountain community of Sihuas, high above the Sacred Valley, this 6- to 7-hour hike takes you along ancient Inca trails across scenic highland plateaus, offering sweeping views of snow-dusted Andean peaks.
Your destination is a cliffside archaeological marvel: the 15th-century estate built by the 8th Inca Emperor, Viracocha. Perched dramatically above the Urubamba River basin, Huchuy Qosqo features impressive two-story stone-and-adobe palaces, expansive ceremonial plazas (kallankas), agricultural terraces, and intricate stone water channels. After exploring the secluded ruins with your expert guide, you will enjoy a freshly prepared, home-cooked lunch hosted by local community members, with vegetarian and vegan options available. The day concludes with a scenic descent through the mountain canyon down to the valley town of Lamay, where private transport awaits to carry you comfortably back to Cusco.
Itinerary
Cusco – Sacred Valley – Huchuy Qosqo – Cusco
07:00 AM – Hotel Pick-up & Drive to Trailhead: Your guide and private driver collect you directly from your Cusco hotel. Enjoy a scenic 1-hour drive through the northern highlands of Cusco toward the starting point at Sihuas/Pucamarca.
08:15 AM – Trailhead & Highland Ascent: At the trailhead, receive your trekking pole and a safety briefing from your professional guide (equipped with first-aid kits and emergency oxygen). Begin hiking along historic Inca pathways across open, high-altitude puna landscapes and rolling plains.
10:30 AM – Crossing Pucamarca Canyon & Inca Gate: Pass near the highland community of Pucamarca and traverse a dramatic ravine linked by ancient stone paths, water channels, and historic wooden bridges leading toward the royal estate entrance.
11:30 AM – Guided Tour of Huchuy Qosqo: Arrive at the secluded cliffside complex of Huchuy Qosqo. Enjoy an immersive guided tour through the imperial stone palaces, royal quarters, storage facilities, and agricultural terraces while taking in breathtaking panoramic views of the Sacred Valley far below.
01:00 PM – Local Community Lunch: Relax and recharge with an authentic, home-cooked lunch prepared with regional ingredients by local community hosts. Vegetarian and vegan dietary requests are gladly accommodated.
02:15 PM – Scenic Canyon Descent to Lamay: Begin a steep but stunning 2-hour descent along zig-zagging canyon trails down into the warm floor of the Sacred Valley.
04:15 PM – Arrival in Lamay & Private Return Transfer: Reach the town of Lamay on the valley floor, where your private transport awaits to take you back toward Cusco.
05:15 PM – Drop-off at Cusco Hotel. Arrive back in Cusco with direct, comfortable drop-off at your hotel door.








