This is a really beautiful area to hike in! If you have good weather, you’ll be able to see all the area’s key mountains.
The climbs on this route (in this direction) are long (over 12km almost all uphill) but not too steep. From the high pass, it’s all downhill on a partially restored Inca Trail. There are some cool, stone staircases and a beautiful canyon, before epic views over the Sacred Valley.
If you have the Cusco tourist ticket, you’ll can save a bit of a climb and some distance by walking through the Tambomachay site. Otherwise you have to climb the stairs to the left and walk through the community to avoid the entrance fee. Be a little careful with all the different trail options, as you can easily end up on a trail going in the wrong direction! The downhill from Huchuy Qosqo to Lamay is kind of steep in places and dusty, so not the most fun end!
I’ve done this hike before, once splitting it over two days, with a night’s camping. I’ve also done it in the opposite direction, which is a bit harder! As you can see from the markings on the map, there are tons of variations too.
Dogs are allowed on the hike, but community members prefer you keep them on-leash around the sheep and llamas/alpacas. Dogs must also be on-leash in Huchuy Qosqo (new as of 2025 I think).
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Iniciamos el sendero temprano en la mañana y fue la mejor decisión porque no tuvimos tanto sol y pudimos subir tranquilamente con el fresco… una vez arriba en Intiwatana amaneció, comimos unas frutas y luego bajamos para estar en el pueblo nuevamente al mediodía. La subida tiene un poco de dificultad pero nada que no pueda hacerse… la bajada ya lo sentían la piernas a lo último pero logramos llegar bien al mercado a almorzar. Sin dudas una ruta imperdible en Pisac.
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The hike is nothing special and easy, but the archaeological site is. Highly, highly recommend to have a knowledgeable tour guide with you or properly read up on Incas, their agricultural achievements etc to make sense of the site. I had not and learned a wealth of knowledge and looked at it with different eyes afterwards. Much of the Inca culture suddenly makes sense.
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Beautiful, serene lake in above 12,000 ft elevation about 30 min from Cusco directly in Cinchinero town.
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This is by far one of the best hikes for any season. You’ll get to hike to 5 different glacial lagoons at 14000 ft elevation while surrounded by alpacas and occasionally you’ll get to see the local inhabitants going about their business (farming, herding) at this elevation. And the view to the mountains are indescribable.
I can’t wait to come back.
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