Huilloc and Pumamarca Hike

This guided walk links a highland Quechua village with an Inca hilltop site and the town of Ollantaytambo, creating a satisfying day on foot. You start at Huilloc, where villagers wear colourful traditional dress, walk across fields and mountain paths to the ruins of Pumamarca and then follow the trail down to Ollantaytambo. Few visitors take this route, so the experience feels peaceful and personal.

The route mixes farm tracks, open hillside and sections of old stone path. Your guide explains the landscape, the crops and the ruins, and stops let you sit and look out over the valley. Pumamarca is a modest but atmospheric site with terraces and walls, and the view from the top gives a clear picture of how it once guarded the approaches to the valley.

Expect a full day with a few climbs and a long descent. The start is high, so the first hour may feel breathless even if the path is gentle. Carry water, snacks and a packed lunch if the option does not include it, and wear sturdy shoes with good grip. A hat, sun cream and a waterproof jacket are essential, and poles can help the knees on the way down.

Because this is a private departure, the pace and stops can be tailored to your group. Tell the guide about fitness levels, photography interests and any health issues. In the rainy season, from November to March, trails may be muddy and cloud can hide the views, so start early. In the dry months from May to September, skies are clear and mornings are cold. End the day with a meal in Ollantaytambo and a soak in your hotel tub.

Take time at the high points. Sit for a few minutes, look at the way fields climb the slopes, and listen for the sounds of bells, streams and distant voices. The route passes the daily life of farming families, so greet people politely, ask before photographing them and carry any rubbish out with you. A respectful walker is always welcomed back along these tracks.