Piuray to Huchuyqosco Trek: One Day from Lagoon to Inca City
The Piuray to Huchuyqosco trek is a full-day walk that begins beside a lovely lagoon and follows a well-preserved stretch of Inca road to the entrance of Huchuyqosco, the Inca city of Wiracocha. Then you descend through the farmland of the Sacred Valley to Lamay, while mountains, towns and harvest fields spread out below you. Choose a shared or private service, because we tailor-make every detail to your travel style, needs and budget.
A lagoon and a waterfall along the way
Entrance to the Inca site of Huchuyqosco
Led by a local expert team
A packed lunch and private transport
Route and Itinerary
A Full Day from Lagoon to Inca City
Follow the route from Piuray to Lamay, then check the altitude changes along the way.
Distance
13.77 km
Duration
Full day
Highest point
4,399 m a.s.l.
End
2,943 m a.s.l.
Route map
Elevation profile
Altitude comes from the route’s GPS track, so every value is in m a.s.l.
Itinerary
Your day begins at 6:00 a.m., when we pick you up at your hotel and drive for about 1 hour to Piuray Lagoon, on the road to Chinchero. There the trek begins, and you climb steadily to the pass at about 4,400 m a.s.l. with the lagoon behind you.
Then the trail turns downhill along well-preserved sections of Inca road, decorated by a lovely waterfall, until you reach Huchuyqosco. Here we stop for our packed lunch, and afterward we visit the important Inca complex that was the home of the great Inca Wiracocha. Take a moment to breathe, look around and enjoy the quiet.
Finally, a 2-hour descent leads you to Lamay, while the mountains, towns and harvest fields of the Sacred Valley open up in front of you. Our vehicle waits for you there and takes you back to your hotel.
Your price
What's Included
Guide and safety
Professional guide in English and Spanish.
First-aid kit.
Lunch and entrance
Packed lunch box.
Entrance to Huchuyqosco.
Transport
Private transport from your hotel to Piuray.
Private transport from Lamay back to your hotel.
What’s not included
Tips for the staff.
Breakfast and any other meals.
Important Notes
Shared or private service, tailored to your dates and group size.
We pick you up at your hotel at 6:00 a.m.
Bring cash in soles and dollars, because there are no ATMs along the way.
You can enjoy a delicious pachamanca in the Huchuyqosco community.
However, times are approximate.
FAQ
Difficulty and altitude
This is a full-day trek of medium difficulty. According to our GPS track, it covers 13.77 km, climbs about 550 m from the trailhead at 3,848 m a.s.l. to the pass at 4,399 m a.s.l., and then descends about 1,450 m to Lamay at 2,943 m a.s.l. Because the second half goes steadily downhill, good walking shoes help your knees and ankles.
Good physical condition is recommended. Your guide walks with you, and we provide a packed lunch and a first-aid kit.
We recommend spending at least one full day in Cusco (3,399 m a.s.l.) before the walk, so your body has time to adjust to the altitude. The route starts at 3,848 m a.s.l., reaches 4,399 m a.s.l. at the pass and ends at 2,943 m a.s.l. If you have a health condition, check with your doctor before you travel.
Packing and booking
Bring a small backpack with a waterproof jacket and a rain poncho, comfortable waterproof hiking shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen, your camera, toilet paper, a personal first-aid kit, a water bottle and snacks. We provide a packed lunch and a first-aid kit. Bring cash in soles and dollars, because there are no ATMs along the way.
Book as early as possible, so we can confirm availability for your dates.
You can choose a shared or a private service, and we tailor-make every detail to your travel style and needs. The price depends on your group size and the services you choose, so request a quote.
Write to us on WhatsApp with your preferred dates and group size, and we will confirm availability and explain how to secure your booking. We will reply as soon as we can.
Before and after the trek
On the day of the trek, we pick you up at your hotel at 6:00 a.m. and drive for about 1 hour to Piuray Lagoon, where the trek begins.
After the trek, we drive you from Lamay back to your hotel.
However, times are approximate.
Pack light
What to bring
The bag you carry yourself while walking.
Sun and rain
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Waterproof jacket and rain poncho
Daypack essentials
Small backpack
Comfortable waterproof hiking shoes
Documents and health
Personal medication
Camera and power
Camera
Keep your camera, sunscreen and hat in your small backpack. Bring cash in soles and dollars, because there are no ATMs along the way.
Tripadvisor · 2026 Reviews
What Our Travelers Say
Recent Tripadvisor reviews of Santu trips in Peru, posted in 2026.
This is Santu’s overall rating, not a rating specific to this walk.
“The experience was incredible; we were 3 families and we loved it. The level of food, the tents, the guides. A ten.”
Edgardo C · Toledo, Spain Written 4 August 2026 · Translated from Spanish by Tripadvisor
“… Giuliana exceeded our expectations. She did an amazing job listening to our wants/needs, make recommendations and take care of all the steps along the way. We felt fully informed.”
“Giuliana who is an amazing travel agent who planned everything for Us and give us lots of great ideas and she came with an amazing package that it took care of all our needs …”
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