Huchuy Qosqo (meaning “Little Cusco” in Quechua) is a beautiful Inca archaeological site located about 19 km north of Cusco, and overlooking the Sacred Valley near the town of Lamay. Archaeologists believe the site was built by the semi-mythical Inca Emperor Viracocha around 1420 AD, probably as a royal estate. It likely served as a military, administrative and agricultural center, as evidenced by the numerous structures, including storehouses, an 800-meter-long irrigation channel, and wonderfully preserved agricultural terraces that surround the site. 

Not many people explore Huchuy Qosqo, partly because it is not found along the classic Inca Trail, and is not accessible by road. Getting there requires a trek, and that’s where we come in! Our Huchuy Qosqo trek takes you through a rural landscape of rolling hills and lakes, where you’ll see the occasional farmer or llama herder but very few tourists. It’s a relatively easy trek that takes six to seven hours, making it a great option for anyone looking for a different hiking experience that’s easily accessible from Cusco. The most challenging aspect is the altitude, as we rise from 3,399 m (11,151 ft) to a maximum height of 4,150 m (13,615 ft). But there will be no rush, and we can take our time as we walk through this beautiful part of Peru.