What is Huchuy Qosqo?

Huchuy Qosqo, whose name means “Little Cusco,” was a llacta, or ancient Inca settlement, traditionally associated with Wiracocha, the eighth Inca ruler. It is believed that he had this site built as a place of rest and retreat after his reign.

Over time, Huchuy Qosqo passed into the hands of different owners who took advantage of its strategic location and extensive agricultural terraces. Today, the site is part of Peru’s Cultural Heritage and is protected by the Peruvian government.

Where is Huchuy Qosqo located?

Huchuy Qosqo is located in the Cusco region of Peru, in the province of Calca and the district of Lamay. It lies about 50 kilometers north of Cusco city. During the Inca period, this area formed part of Antisuyo, the region of the Tahuantinsuyo that extended toward the Amazon rainforest.

This large Inca settlement sits on a small plateau high in the mountains on the left bank of the Urubamba River, overlooking the towns of Lamay and Calca.

The site stands at an altitude of 3,650 m / 11,975 ft. Its elevated position provided sweeping views of the Sacred Valley, while the surrounding mountains and cliffs offered natural protection.

How to get to Huchuy Qosqo

Reaching Huchuy Qosqo requires combining a vehicle ride with a hike, as there is no direct road access to the archaeological site. There are several ways to get there, either from Cusco city or from different points in the Sacred Valley.

• Routes to Huchuy Qosqo from Cusco:

Routes starting from Cusco usually require between 6 and 7 hours of hiking.

• Cusco - Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Site - Huchuy Qosqo.
  • Difficulty: High
• Cusco - Tambomachay Archaeological Site - Huchuy Qosqo.
  • Difficulty: High
• Cusco - Chinchero (Tauca Community) - Huchuy Qosqo.
  • Difficulty: Moderate

• Routes to Huchuy Qosqo from the Sacred Valley: 

From the Sacred Valley, there are several options that require between 2 and 4 hours of hiking, depending on your pace and the route you choose.

• Calca - Lamay Village - Huchuy Qosqo.
  • Difficulty: Moderate
• Calca - Saqllo Community - Huchuy Qosqo.
  • Difficulty: Easy
• Pisac - Sihua Community - Huchuy Qosqo.
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Map of Routes to Huchuy Qosqo from Cusco and the Sacred Valley

There is a project to build a cable car to Huchuy Qosqo that would connect the valley with the archaeological site, covering an elevation difference of around 800 meters and reducing the journey to just a few minutes.

Huchuy Qosqo Trek

Each hiking route to Huchuy Qosqo offers a different experience, taking you through Andean landscapes, rural communities, and mountain trails before reaching this remarkable Inca site. 

Much of the journey crosses mountains, Andean grasslands, lagoons, and small rural communities. Depending on the route you choose, you may encounter several bodies of water and lagoons of different sizes, fed by natural springs and seasonal rainfall. 

Among the most notable are Quellecocha Lagoon and the expansive Qoricocha Lagoon, also known as the “Golden Lagoon.” These landscapes can only be seen along the routes starting from Sacsayhuamán and Tambomachay.

Many of the routes to Huchuy Qosqo follow ancient sections of the Inca road network that once connected this settlement with important places such as Cusco city, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu. 

Along the way, you can still find stone-paved sections, stairways, and small bridges that reveal the impressive engineering used to adapt these roads to the challenging terrain of the Andes.

One of the most distinctive sections approaches Huchuy Qosqo from the south, passing through a narrow, winding ravine before reaching the main entrance to the archaeological site. This section is part of the routes that begin at Sacsayhuamán, Tambomachay, and Sihua.

The Huchuy Qosqo Trek can be completed in one or two days, depending on the route, starting point, and each traveler’s pace. 

Multi-day itineraries allow you to spend a night camping along the Huchuy Qosqo route, either near a local community or close to the archaeological site itself. 

Some travel programs even continue through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, while others extend the adventure by adding the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Huchuy Qosqo Entrance Fee

History of Huchuy Qosqo

• Pre-Inca and Inca Period

Huchuy Qosqo was occupied by pre-Inca cultures that lived in the Warqana sector, including Killke communities and, later, the Incas. The seventh Inca ruler, Yawarwaqaq, expanded his territory toward Qaitomarca in the Yucay and Calca valleys. Later, the Inca Wiracocha conquered the inhabitants of Qaitomarca, Caquia Xaquixaguana, today known as Huchuy Qosqo, and the surrounding settlements.

According to Pedro de Cieza de León, between 1410 and 1438, the eighth Inca emperor, Wiracocha, decided to retire with his close companions to a rocky outcrop seven leagues from Cusco, above the town of Calca. He ordered the construction of a palace in Xaquixaguana for his later years, where he would spend the final days of his life. It is said that he designed the layout of the palace himself.

• Colonial Period

After the Spanish arrived in Cusco, land was divided through encomiendas, and large estates known as haciendas were also established. 

In this way, Huchuy Qosqo became part of the Pauqart’ika hacienda in the early 17th century. In 1604, it belonged to Francisco Merino and his wife, Catalina Pereira, who acquired the right to be buried in one of the chapels of the Santo Domingo Convent, also known as Coricancha.

It later passed through the hands of several owners until 1809, when it was registered as property of the La Merced Convent and leased to Francisco Rosal until 1814, the last owner associated with the hacienda. 

During the colonial period, Huchuy Qosqo was also used as a stone quarry, where both cut stones and unfinished blocks could be found near the buildings of the estate. 

Over the years, parts of the monument were dismantled and damaged, and stone elements were removed for the construction of the Pauqart’ika hacienda house and a 2,000 m3 water reservoir.

• Huchuy Qosqo Today

Today, Huchuy Qosqo is known as “Little Cusco” and is a scenic and archaeological attraction where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and nature watching.

The Ministry of Culture of Peru protects the Archaeological Zone of Huchuy Qosqo, or Caquia Jaquijahuana, which was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation on August 19, 2003.

• Archaeological Research at Huchuy Qosqo

The Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo was first excavated in the early 20th century and has since undergone restoration and conservation work. Its main features include a series of temples, plazas, and storage buildings.

The layout of the settlement, its agricultural terraces, retaining walls, irrigation channels, complex buildings, and strategic location reflect the importance of Huchuy Qosqo as an administrative and military center overlooking this part of the Sacred Valley, with views of the sacred Apus of Pitusiray and Sahuasiray.

The Kallankas, large halls built during the Inca period, served as places for gatherings and accommodation for people of high social status. Several buildings known as Qolqas were also used to store agricultural products, including corn, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and airflow found at these higher elevations. 

The site also had irrigation channels approximately 800 meters long, built to carry and distribute water to different areas of Huchuy Qosqo. 

This engineering knowledge can also be seen in the impressive agricultural terraces, carefully adapted to the shape of the mountain. In addition to stabilizing the slopes and reducing erosion, their layout allowed the terraces to receive sunlight for much of the day.

What to See at Huchuy Qosqo

• Archaeological Area

The archaeological area of Huchuy Qosqo features a carefully planned layout with well-organized buildings and enclosures. Its architectural patterns are typical of important Inca centers, while also displaying unique characteristics. Many structures were built with cut and shaped stone, and some interior and exterior walls still show traces of mud plaster. The terraces played an important role as both retaining walls and agricultural systems.

• The Kallankas 

Several rectangular Kallankas of different sizes are scattered throughout the archaeological site. The largest stands parallel to the main esplanade along its southern edge and measures approximately 54 meters long by 17 meters wide. These large halls served a social function, providing space for gatherings and different community activities.

• Main Esplanade - Main Plaza

The main esplanade occupies the eastern end of the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological area and is known locally as Haukaypata. Its southern edge is supported by a retaining wall or terrace, while the northern side opens like a natural balcony overlooking the valley. The plaza has an irregular shape rather than a perfect quadrilateral. Two rocks can be seen near the southern terrace, and the esplanade was used for ceremonies and ritual sacrifices.

• Colonial Reservoir

A large water reservoir dating from the colonial period stands among the archaeological structures. It has a capacity of around 2,000 m3 and was built with stone walls joined by lime-clay mortar. The reservoir is no longer in use. Several earlier structures had to be removed and their stonework reused during its construction.

• The Terraces 

Huchuy Qosqo has an extensive system of terraces covering its northern and western slopes. They run in parallel lines from east to west alongside the main esplanade or plaza. The stonework features a cellular, cushioned style, with walls averaging around 4 meters in height. Some terraces have stairways connecting one level to another, including central columns separating two opposing flights of steps. Channels run horizontally and vertically throughout the site, carrying and draining water for agriculture. 

• The Viewpoint or Inka Cárcel

This rectangular enclosure was built with worked stone and mud mortar. It is located on the eastern side of the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological complex, close to the edge of the cliffs, and offers an excellent panoramic view over the Calca and Lamay valleys.

• The Enclosures and Buildings

The buildings are arranged across three levels or platforms extending west of Haukaypata, the main esplanade. The upper platform contains the largest structures, with more refined stonework and adobe construction arranged symmetrically. The colonial reservoir stands in the middle of this area. 

One enclosure features a finely worked stone wall with cushioned polygonal masonry on both sides and a central fill of stone conglomerate. West of the reservoir are two similar adobe structures with matching shapes, sizes, and building materials. The walls of these twin enclosures also contain niches.

• The Inca Trail

This Inca road comes from Cusco and enters the archaeological area through a double-jamb gateway built of adobe over stone wall foundations. Sections of the trail are paved with stone and bordered by retaining walls along the sides.

• The Chinkana 

The Chinkana is located north of the viewpoint in Sector II. It consists of a narrow passage running along the edge of the cliff and the large rock face above the Paucartik’a hacienda, leading to a small esplanade carved into the rock. Much of this tunnel has collapsed, and only about three meters remain.

• The Quarry

The quarry is located northwest of Pukamarca and southwest of Huchuy Qosqo. A large number of shaped stones have been recorded on the surface, some ready to be transported to construction areas and others still in the process of being worked.

Huchuy Qosqo Weather

Huchuy Qosqo has two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season runs from November to April, with the heaviest rainfall usually occurring between January and March. Mist is also common in the mornings and at night. The dry season lasts from May to October, bringing very little rainfall and noticeable drops in temperature. Temperatures generally range between 11 and 16 ºC.

When is the best time to visit Huchuy Qosqo?

The best time to visit Huchuy Qosqo is during the shoulder seasons, from April to May or September to November, when the weather is generally more pleasant. However, the site can be visited throughout the year. During the rainy season, the landscape becomes lush and green, creating especially beautiful scenery.

If you prefer the dry season, keep in mind that nights can be very cold and the air quite dry, which may be uncomfortable if you are sensitive to dust. Make sure you pack the right clothing and essentials so you can enjoy the experience comfortably.

Practical Tips for Visiting Huchuy Qosqo

If you are planning to visit Huchuy Qosqo, keep the following recommendations in mind:

• Spend at least 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco before your Huchuy Qosqo hike to help your body adjust to the altitude.
• Start early and remember to carry your identification documents or passport if you are an international traveler.
• Bring sunscreen, a cap or hat for sun protection, warm layers for the cold, and at least 1 liter of water per person.
• Wear suitable hiking clothing and carry a fleece and waterproof jacket.
• Carry a small basic first-aid kit and, if needed, bring personal care items in small containers.
• Trekking poles can be especially helpful for travelers with knee problems or older hikers, making the trail easier and more comfortable.
• Always follow the marked route and use the established trails and access points to reduce the risk of accidents.
• The route to Huchuy Qosqo combines stone-paved sections of the Inca Trail with rocky terrain, so sturdy trekking shoes are recommended.
• For greater safety, avoid hiking this route alone and stay on the marked trails to reduce the risk of trips, slips, or falls. 
• Once inside the archaeological site, avoid touching the stonework or climbing, sitting, or leaning on the walls. Helping protect the site ensures that this important heritage can be preserved for future generations.

Read Next | How to Prevent Altitude Sickness in Cusco, Peru: A Traveler's Guide
 

Huchuy Qosqo is an excellent alternative for travelers who want to escape the busier routes and discover an Inca site surrounded by nature, history, and remarkable landscapes. If you would like to experience this adventure, feel free to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Huchuy Qosqo