The hike from Chinchero to Urquillos is a full day experience, either starting from the city of Cuzco, or from some point of the Sacred Valley, to say Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.

The geographical position of Urquillos has always been quite strategic, because it is centrally located with respect to the cities mentioned above, which gives it commercial importance. It is also a picturesque town with many relics from different epochs that speak of its function throughout the years.

 

Departure from the city of Cuzco (or Sacred Valley)

Route: 9 Km – 4.5h It could be considered that the whole walk is downhill (just under a thousand meters of descent), however, it also poses a slight difficulty

Maximum height: 3740 m

Difficulty: Simple but limitative for those who have delicate knees

 

 

The walk starts at the Chinchero market, which is highly recommended to visit during the weekend. And to access the Inca trail, which will mark the route, you start at the back of the archaeological center, where briefly you can see beautiful terraces. However, 90% of the way passes in the middle of nature.

 

 

Practically during the whole journey, you will be exposed to the elements, so always protect yourself from them.

 

 

The route is extremely quiet and beautifully landscaped, with a minimal influx of visitors. The whole road is in perfect condition and shows very well preserved sections of Inca road infrastructure.

 

The hike culminates in the Urquillos’ square, where it is said that the magnificent tree that adorns it, and that does not escape sight, was planted by King Carlos V of Spain (also known as Carlos I), but if history does not fool us, there was not any Spanish king who visited this humble colony, not until it was an independent republic in the very recent 1978 (reign of Juan Carlos). So, do not believe everything that is said out there.

In the vicinity of Urquillos are the following destinations where you can continue your trip:

Yucay (20 min) where you can eat a late lunch;

Urubamba, Maras (1 h) to continue enjoying the attractions of the Sacred Valley;

Ollantaytambo (1.5 h) and continue your way to Machu Picchu.

 

At RESPONS we have a complete catalog of hikes in Cuzco and surroundings, ask your specialist travel designer and fill up with the pure air of the countryside without leaving the daily comfort of the city.

But it is even better to first have all the information you want to share with us by filling out our form, that way we can give you an initial trip proposal adapted to your tastes and needs, and based on that, work together until you fully plan your perfect trip through Cuzco and Peru.

 

 

HIKE CLASSIFICATION 

 

Easy                          

5 Km or less. Gentle and brief

 

Simple                       

6-10 Km. Relatively flat terrain, perhaps with an occasional hill

 

Recreational              

8-12 Km. Relatively flat terrain, with steeper occasional climbs

 

Enthusiast                  

11-15 Km. Wavy terrain on a variety of surfaces. One or two steeper ascents to spectacular viewpoints or places of interest.

 

Avid                           

11-15 Km. Terrain that varies between loose and mountainous, with some steep climbs

 

Expert                        

11-15 Km. Very mountainous terrain that offers many challenges.The routes go through high prairie trails and / or well maintained cliff paths, with some steep climbs.

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