Huchuy Qosqo Trek Full Day

Trip Overview

Highlights

A fantastic full day hike in the surroundings of Cusco, departing close from Chinchero, following through a mountain pass and finally reaching Huchuy Qosqo, an ancient Inca archaeological site perched on a cliff with stunning views over the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo (Small Cusco), which was known during the Inca period as Qaqyaqawana (which in Spanish means place where you look at the thunder), is located in the district of Lamay, within the province of Calca, in the department and region of Cusco, specifically in a plain found on the top of a mountain.

Huchuy Qosqo was a town located at more than 3,550 m.a.s.l. on a small plateau at the top of a mountain. From here you can see beautiful views of the other side of the valley, it is possible to appreciate snow-capped mountains of exuberant beauty such as the snow-capped Pitusiray and at the bottom of this privileged view, the town of Calca. Unlike other archaeological centers in the area, Huchuy Qosqo has a peculiar architecture: the buildings have been built on polished stone bases of fine finish, with clay plaster (they are the best-preserved parts) and the highest floors are made in adobe. A kallanka (rectangular enclosure that could measure up to 70 meters long and which were important state centers where Inca officials were staying) is observed from at least 40 to 50 meters long. Also, a remarkable building with two stone floors and one upper one of adobe. There are also large terraces, a very large square and a large Inca gate through which passes a very well-preserved road that leads from Tambomachay and Cuper Alto community in Chinchero.

At the historical level, this site is known to be the favorite place of the Inca Wiracocha, which he chose as a place of rest and retreat and, where, according to myth, he died at an advanced age (80 years). It is also said that this area was already populated by different ethnic groups, before the arrival of the Inca, so they had to be previously defeated. Another striking story about the area is that the Inca Wiracocha would not have arrived alone there, but in the company of his son: Inca Urco, the worst ruler of the Empire, who left Tahuantinsuyo to his fate after the Chanca attack that ended up being stopped by his other son Cusi Inca Yupanqui. Finally, another reason that makes this site important is the discovery of a mummified body, found during the Conquest, and that had been attributed to the old Inca monarch, although later burned by the brother of Francisco Pizarro.

Huchuy Qosqo Location

Huchuy Qosqo is located in the community of the same name, just under 5 km from the city of Calca in the department of Cusco, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas; exactly on a summit at 570 m. on the basin of the Urubamba river (Vilcanota). The Huchuy Qosqo route is an alternative trek to Machupicchu, this route will give you the opportunity to see amazing and breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley. Its trails will allow you to visit some Andean communities, archaeological centers and enjoy beautiful landscapes.