Nestled within the breathtaking contours of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Chinchero to Urquillos Hike is one of the most enchanting and tranquil day treks in Cusco. Following a pristine, stone-paved section of the original Qhapaq Ñan (Inca Trail network), this 9-kilometer (5.5-mile) journey descends nearly 800 vertical meters through whispering eucalyptus groves, ancient agricultural terraces, and past the hidden Poc Poc waterfall.
Because the trail begins at the high textile village of Chinchero (3,765 m / 12,352 ft) and ends down in the warm agricultural hamlet of Urquillos (2,980 m / 9,776 ft), the route is predominantly downhill. It serves as the perfect low-stress acclimatization hike before taking on multi-day high-altitude treks like Salkantay or Ausangate!
- What Makes the Chinchero-Urquillos Hike Special?
- Chinchero: Capital of Andean Weaving & Royal Ruins
- Trail Stats: Distance, Elevation & Difficulty
- Key Highlights: Poc Poc Waterfall & Inca Stonework
- How to Get There from Cusco & Urubamba
- Best Time of Year to Hike the Trail
- Essential Packing List & Guide Recommendations
- Where to Stay in the Sacred Valley
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Makes the Chinchero-Urquillos Hike Special?
While millions of visitors travel through the Sacred Valley in tour buses along the asphalt highway, very few experience the valley from its ancient footpaths. The Chinchero to Urquillos trail follows an authentic royal Inca road that once connected Tupac Inca Yupanqui’s highland palace with royal maize plantations along the Vilcanota River.
Walking this trail is like stepping back in time. You will hear the soothing rumble of the Urquillos River, smell wild Andean mint (muña), and gaze upon snow-dusted peaks across the valley, all while encountering local Quechua farmers tending their terraced crops with traditional oxen teams.
2. Chinchero: Capital of Andean Weaving & Royal Ruins
The adventure begins in Chinchero, located just 30 kilometers (19 miles) northwest of Cusco. Renowned in folklore as the birthplace of the rainbow, Chinchero is internationally celebrated for two cultural treasures:
- Living Weaving Traditions: Indigenous women's cooperatives preserve ancestral pre-Columbian backstrap loom weaving. Artisans demonstrate how alpaca and sheep wool are cleaned with natural Saqta root soap, spun with drop spindles, and dyed with natural plants, minerals, and cochineal insects.
- Imperial Inca Terraces: Massive stone retaining walls, ceremonial trapezoidal niches, and an aqueduct system constructed during the reign of Inca Tupac Yupanqui. Directly atop the ruins sits the 17th-century colonial church of Nuestra Señora de Monserrat, adorned with exquisite Cusqueña School religious frescoes.
3. Trail Stats: Distance, Elevation & Difficulty
| Parameter | Trail Metric | Hiker Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Distance | 9 km (5.5 miles) | One-way point-to-point hike |
| Hiking Duration | 3.5 to 4.5 hours | Includes 30 mins at Poc Poc waterfall |
| Starting Altitude | 3,765 m (12,352 ft) | Chinchero upper plateau |
| Ending Altitude | 2,980 m (9,776 ft) | Urquillos town square |
| Net Elevation Loss | -785 meters (-2,575 ft) | Continuous downhill gradient |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate | Gentle on lungs, but requires knee stability |
4. Key Highlights: Poc Poc Waterfall & Inca Stonework
As you descend from Chinchero, the high windswept altiplano gives way to a lush, sheltered micro-climate:
Poc Poc Waterfall (Catarata Poc Poc)
Roughly halfway through the descent (around kilometer 4), a clearly marked signpost points to a side trail on the right. A 15-minute detour into a shaded canyon brings you to Poc Poc Waterfall, a thundering 25-meter cascade surrounded by hanging moss, ferns, and native orchids. It is the premier spot along the route to take a snack break, cool off in the misty spray, and capture unforgettable photographs.
Original Inca Stonework & Canals
Large portions of the path still retain their original 500-year-old Inca stone paving and built-in drainage channels. As you approach Urquillos, you will pass ancient stone aqueducts still delivering crystalline mountain glacial runoff to contemporary cornfields.
5. How to Get There from Cusco & Urubamba
From Cusco: Catch a local colectivo van heading toward Urubamba from Pavitos Street or the Belempampa terminal (cost: S/. 8 to S/. 10), and ask the driver to drop you off at Chinchero. Travel time is around 40 minutes.
From Urquillos Back to Cusco or Urubamba: When you arrive in Urquillos, you can walk 15 minutes across the suspension bridge to the main Sacred Valley road at Huayllabamba, where frequent buses and taxis run between Urubamba, Calca, and Cusco.
The Hassle-Free Guided Experience: For seamless private transfers, luggage handling, and in-depth historical narration, book a private tour with Peru by Locals Day Tours.
6. Best Time of Year to Hike the Trail
- Dry Season (May to September): Sunny days, clear blue skies, and dry trail footing. Perfect conditions for photography and hiking.
- Shoulder Season (April & October): Very pleasant temperatures and fewer hikers on the trail.
- Rainy Season (November to March): The valley is breathtakingly lush and green, but stone steps can become slick with mud. Sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles are mandatory during these months.
7. Essential Packing List & Guide Recommendations
- Sturdy Hiking Shoes: The trail features loose gravel and polished stone steps that require reliable ankle support and grip.
- Trekking Poles: Because you descend nearly 800 vertical meters, poles will save your knees from cumulative fatigue. Check out our Trekking Poles Guide.
- Layered Clothing: Mornings in Chinchero start cold (8°C / 46°F), while the lower valley in Urquillos warms up to a balmy 22°C (72°F). Wear a light fleece over a moisture-wicking shirt.
- Sun & Insect Protection: Broad-spectrum sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a sunhat, and insect repellent for the lower river valley.
8. Where to Stay in the Sacred Valley
Combining this hike with an overnight stay in the Sacred Valley offers a deeply relaxing retreat:
- Luxury: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or Tambo del Inka Luxury Collection—world-class spas, organic dining, and jaw-dropping mountain views.
- Comfort: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado in Yanahuara, featuring beautiful Andean gardens and planetarium domes.
- Authentic Rural: Consider our Willoq Native Homestay (2 Days) for genuine immersion into Quechua family life.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Chinchero-Urquillos Hike
The trail covers approximately 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) and takes between 3.5 to 4.5 hours of relaxed walking, descending almost 800 vertical meters into the Sacred Valley.
It is considered easy to moderate. Because the trail is predominantly downhill on well-preserved Inca stone paving and dirt pathways, it is gentle on cardiovascular stamina, though trekking poles are highly recommended for the knees.
Yes! About halfway down the trail, a short 15-minute side trail leads into a lush canyon where the 25-meter Poc Poc waterfall cascades through subtropical moss and ferns.
The trail itself is free of charge, but if you explore the upper archaeological terraces and colonial church of Chinchero before starting, you will need the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC Circuit 3 or Comprehensive).
Looking for more off-the-beaten-path journeys through the Sacred Valley? Discover our Sacred Valley Tours with Peru by Locals, where certified native Quechua guides reveal the living soul of the Andes!
