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.s. on a small plateau at the top of a mountain. From here you can take 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.
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 peasant 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 very beautiful; touring its trails will allow you to visit some Andean communities, archaeological centers and enjoy beautiful landscapes. Many people take advantage of visiting Huchuy Qosqo on their trip to Machu Picchu.
Huchuy Qosqo History
The Hispanic chronicles refer that Huchuy Qosqo was the favorite work and place of the Inca Wiracocha. To this, Maria Rostworoski adds, in his work History of Tahuantinsuyo, that this sovereign secured the conquest over the peoples of the Urubamba Valley and chose as his successor his son Inca Urco who, dizzy with power and vices, proved to be a total incapable to govern. Inca royalty was very confused with this choice and tried to conspire to impose another son of Wiracocha, Prince Cusi Yupanqui.
Social unrest and tension increased every day and to make matters worse, the darkest night fell on Cuzco: the Chancas came to the gates of the capital and were ready to destroy it. It is the year of 1438. Wiracocha left the city to his fate and, accompanied by his son Inca Urco, took refuge in his palaces in the Urubamba Valley, among which was Huchuy Qosqo.
After the Spanish conquest, Gonzalo Pizarro found here the mummy that, supposedly, belonged to the Inca Wiracocha and ordered to burn it. The descendants of the Inca kept the ashes in a vat that the chronicler Polo de Ondegardo would discover many years later.
Huchuy Qosqo Day Hike
The adventure begins with a trip to the community of Taucca in the Chinchero district, passing through the beautiful Piuray lagoon. The walk starts at 3600 m. walking 3 hours to the Piuray pass located at 4100 m. enjoying a beautiful panoramic view of the Urubamba mountain range and small lagoons. The adventure continues with a 2-hour tour to the archaeological park of Huchuy Qosqo, a beautiful Inca city built on the heights of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Its name in Quechua means -Little Cusco-. There the guide will present the history of this place taking a tour. Then the walk continues for a couple of hours by a steep descent to the district of Lamay, from where you return to Cusco.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek 2 days
This hike begins near the community of Taucca, near the town of Urubamba. This trek takes you through a diversity of terrains, from highland plains to fertile potato and corn fields. The highlight is the camp and enjoy a traditional Andean dinner at the Inca site of Huchuy Cusco, also known as -Little Cusco-, which offers spectacular views.
Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu
The trek to Machu Picchu for the Huchuy Qosqo Route, is one of the shortest that you have in Cusco, because you walk an average of 17 kilometers walking, this route was designed for those who do not have much time but still They want to make a walking tour before arriving at the great Inca city of Machu Picchu, ideal for people who like to be in contact with nature, outside the bustling city.
Huchuy Qosqo from Lamay
Taking a walk to Huchuy Qosqo is not easy as it demands vigor and time in the adventure, but it is well worth the effort. The shortest way is the one that leaves from the town of Lamay, located in the -Sacred Valley-, between Pisaq and Urubamba. Although from there everything is a climb so hard that more than walking it seems that you climb a mountain.
Huchuy Qosqo: How to Get?
The safest way to get to Huchuy Qosqo is from the city of Calca, leaving through the Minasmoqo sector.
From Cusco take a vehicle to the north until you reach Calca. From the Minasmoqo sector, we continue on foot or on horseback to the base of the mountain. Then climb up the hill skirt until you reach the ruins.
The route of Huchuyqosqo is very nice, since it is a short route where you can visit the Andean communities, archaeological centers and landscape beauties. To make the excursion, you must contact a specialized tourism agency.
When is the best time to hike to Huchuy Qosqo?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2025 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
Other Famous Treks than Huchuy Qosqo
Many are the routes that pass through the Amazon, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
