Huchuy Qosqo Trek
(A Short Trek to Machu Picchu)
The Huchuy Qosqo trek is the shortest and easiest of alternative treks to Machu Picchu.
The route is situated just north of Cusco, making access easy and is ideal for visitors who either don’t have much time in the region or would like to do a little hiking without too much of a strenuous workout.
Most tour companies offer the trek on a two-day schedule, with one-night camping, and an additional night spent in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu on day-three.
In this detailed Huchuy Qosqo trek article we provide a brief historical overview on the Inca site, a route itinerary, a short description on the equipment packing list requirements and information on acclimatisation and weather considerations.
Huchuy Qosco – A Short History
It is believed that the site was built during the reign of the eighth Incan Ruler, Viracocha, and originally had the name Kakya Qawani. It was only remained to Huchuy Qosqo in the 20th century.
Like many Inca ruins in the Cusco region, the site was largely demolished during the 1500s. Today one can still see the many terraces that surround the site as well as evidence of a kallanka (great hall) which would have been 40m long, and an Incan irrigation channel that would have supplied natural spring water to the site.
The site can only be reached on foot or horseback, although there is a dirt road that runs from Lamay to a viewpoint which is about 150m from ruins that can be accessed by car.
