This is a fantastic 2 day trek that enables you to hike from Cusco across to the Sacred Valley. Even though it would appear to be in a populated area, you soon discover the true wildness of the Andes. This is a fantastic hike and Huchuy Qosqo (Small Cusco) are an interesting set of ruins that are believed to have been abandoned by the time the Spanish arrived in Peru. You can do this hike and also visit Machu Picchu, see Old Peak & Small Cusco.
Itinerary
, see Old Peak & Small Cusco.
Day 1: Cusco – Tambo Machay – Pumamarca
We leave Cusco early, and take private transport to the interesting ruins of Tambo Machay. From here we climb steeply upwards until we have spectacular views over Cusco City. We then cross the mountains, pass pretty alpine lakes, and pastures where llamas graze. Campesino farmers also grow potatoes here. We then follow an Inca trail downward to a village of stone huts, with thatched straw on their roofs.
During the day we cross four gentle passes, the highest of which is 4350m. As such, while this is considered an “easy” hike by Andean standards you should still be prepared to climb for quite a few hours upwards. After about 6 hours we arrive at a small hamlet known as Pucamarca, where we will camp for the night.
Day 2: Pumamarca – Huchuy Qosqo – Cusco
After breakfast, we pass through a narrow but spectacular canyon and arrive with wonderful views over the Sacred Valley. After about 2 hours of walking we will arrive at Huchuy Cusco. Here we explore the ruins of Huchuy Cusco and ponder its role as “Small Cusco”. From here it is three and a half hours stunning but steep and slippery descent into the Sacred Valley. We will have a late lunch in the typical and untouristed village of Lamay. From here, our private car will pick us up and return us to Cusco. If we have time spare, you might like to ask your driver to stop in the Pisaq village or Awanacancha, where you can pet camelids and learn about the region’s weaving traditions.
Include
Included:
- Private Transfer Hotel- Sacsayhuaman
- English speaking guide
- Cook
- Meals during the trek (day 1: L,D, day 2: B, L)
- Camping equipment
- Horses (and horsemen) for the equipment and emergency horse with a saddle
- Entrance fee to Huchuy Qosqo
- Private Transfer Lamay – Cusco.
Not Included:
- Sleeping bag
- Extra drinking water
- Extra horse for riding
- Alcoholic drinks.