This spectacular route leads to Huchuy Qosqo, an important archaeological site located north of the city of Cusco. The adventure begins in Patabamba; it is an amazing two-day trek along the path once taken by the Inca from his capital to his country estate. Along the way, we will come across some sections of the original Inca trail that remain intact.
This is certainly one of the most beautiful short treks in the immediate surroundings of Cusco. Crossing the high plateau north of the city, the route offers beautiful lakes like Qoricocha (Golden Lake) and small villages of llama herders, where life continues untouched by the modern world. The trek finishes at the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site, high above the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
You will end your trek in Chinchero, a small Andean village located high up on the windswept plains of Anta at 3,762 m (12,342 ft). There are beautiful views overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the snowcapped peak of Salkantay dominating the western horizon. The village mainly consists of adobe (mud brick) houses, and locals still go about their daily activities wearing traditional clothing. A demonstration of traditional weaving will be given before return to Cusco city.
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
– Walk through the beautiful high plains of Cusco with spectacular views of the surroundings.
– Enjoy a demonstration of traditional weaving in Chinchero.
– Have lunch with a local family in Chinchero.
– Listen to myths and legends passed down by the Incas over the centuries.
Cusco / Patabamba - Huchuy Qosqo
Huchuy Qosqo - Chinchero - Cusco
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Our day starts with an early morning pick-up from your hotel and a transfer to the small village of Patabamba (3,800 meters / 12,467 feet), where our crew and a group of llamas and mules will be waiting. We will load the mules with our gear and start our walk through the high valleys to Pucamarca, reaching our first pass at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet).
Along the way, we will enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and pass by several high-altitude lakes. During our trek, our cook and assistants will prepare a freshly cooked, strength-restoring lunch.
In the afternoon, we will continue our hike, visiting some Inca ruins and well-preserved Inca stairs before reaching Huchuy Qosqo, where our team will set up our tents and prepare dinner.
Overnight: Campsite
– Meals included: Lunch and dinner
After a guided visit to Huchuy Qosqo, we will continue our hike to the small town of Chinchero, taking in breathtaking views and arriving around noon. Then, we will visit a local home for a traditional weaving demonstration, where we will also have lunch.
After lunch, we will take our transportation to return to Cusco city.
– Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Included
– Pick-up at your hotel and transfer to the trailhead.
– Bilingual English/Spanish-speaking guide.
– Entrance tickets for Huchuy Qosqo.
– Mountain Hardwear tents (3-person tents for every 2 individuals).
– Therm-a-Rest self-inflating mattress.
– Cooking equipment: mess tent, dining tent, chairs, and tables.
– A cook to prepare all meals.
– Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, and snacks.
– Boiled water provided at meal times to refill your water bottle.
– Mules to carry camping and kitchen equipment.
– Llamas to carry your personal gear.
– Wranglers and llameros responsible for packing horses and llamas.
– First aid kit, emergency oxygen, and radio communications.
Not Included
– Tips for the guide and other staff members (Please keep in mind that tipping is customary but not mandatory.)
– Dinner on Day 2 and lunch
