Huchuy Qosqo Trek

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco in the direction of the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay sector. This archaeological center is considered a center of worship to water. From here you can see Puca Pucara, possibly a checkpoint at the entrance to the city of Cusco.

We leave Tambomachay up the stream of the same name, where we can see the city of Cusco to the vicinity of the Abra Sicllajasa, where we will enjoy the view of the Ccauca ravine, as well as a typical landscape of puna. On our way we will stop at the Qeullacocha lagoon, where we will enjoy our lunch. We start to ascent to Challu Challu, from where we can see the lagoons of Piuray and Qoricocha. We continue climbing in the middle of the puna to reach the Abra Rumicruz from where we will descend to the community of Pucamarca. This beautiful and typical high Andean community will house us as a campsite. Dinner and overnight.

Meals: lunch and dinner

Maximum Altitude: 4247 masl 

Minimum Altitude: 3600 masl 

Distance traveled: 9.75 km / 6.05 ml

Approximate walking time: 5 hr

We leave the community continuing our way of descent, to cross an Inca bridge and a paved passage at the foot of the river that will take us to Huchuy Qosqo. Arriving at this archaeological site, we will rest briefly and then start the guided tour of the place. Double jamb doors, three-story houses, mixed construction with stones and adobe; and a spectacular view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Urubamba Mountain Range is what awaits us here.

After descending for 2 hours, we will arrive at the town of Lamay, end of our walk. Here we will take our private transport to return to the city of Cusco.

Meals: breakfast and lunch

Maximum altitude: 4000 masl

Minimum Altitude: 2959 masl

Distance traveled: 6 km

Approximate walking time: 6 hr

• Pick up from the hotel
• Bus Cusco - Tambomachay.
• Professional guide
• Food: 02 breakfast, 01 lunch, 01 dinner. (vegetarian food option)
• Camping equipment
• Emergency horses
• Entrance to the archaeological complex of Huchuy Qosqo Peru.
• First aid kit.
• Bus Lamay - Cusco.

• Breakfast on the first day and dinner at the last
• Tips
• Extra expenses

The archaeological center of Huchuy Qosqo located north of the City of Cusco at 3600 m.s.n.m. in the district of Lamay, province of Calca named one of the most important archaeological centers of the Sacred Valley of the Incas after the Archaeological Center of Pisac and the Archaeological Center of Ollantaytambo.

• We recommend you bring:
• Mosquito repellent.
• Personal hygiene tools (soap, toilet paper, small towel, etc)
• Shirts with short and long sleeves.
• Cotton socks
• Scarves and gloves for the cold
• Trekking shoes
• Equipment for the rain (jacket or poncho according to the time).
• Long pants that allow them to walk.
• Camera or video.
• Hat for the sun.
• Sunblock, sunglasses.
• Water bottle (minimum 3 liters).
• Sleeping bag.
• Headlamp.
• Walking sticks (optional, you can rent in our office).
• Pills for water purification.
• Extra money in soles.

Where is Huchuy Qosqo?

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.

What does Huchuy Qosqo mean?

Huchuy Qosqo means "Little Cusco", but it also has other names; one would be Qaqyaxaqixawana and another Qaqyaqhawana, this means "from where the rays are observed"; and without a doubt it is a good name since being 800 meters above the Sacred Valley of the Incas, gives you the opportunity to see the dramatic spectacle of lights and sound, at the moment when lightning and thunder descend from the sky to crash into the floor. Others say that the site was probably known in Inca times as "Caquia Jaquijahuana". huchuy qosqo Rays in Huchuy Qosqo

Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Complex

The enclosure located in Huchuy Qosqo, is called Qaqyaqawana; Quechua name that refers to the place where the beam is looking. This archaeological site is located in the upper third of the mountain called Qaqya (thunder), and exhibits one of the most impressive works of topographic modification through the use of terraces, modulating the edges of precipices and vertical ravines over the Vilcanota Valley, culminating in platforms that were used as ceremonial esplanades, around which you can still find standing, several architectural structures made of stone and adobe. Materials used and worked with great criteria, achieving a fine finish. In addition, the structures of the enclosure are distributed in such a way that they resemble it architecturally to the city of Cusco; it is for this reason that at the beginning of the 20th century it receives the name of Huchuy Qosqo (small Cusco).

One of the most outstanding features of this archaeological site is the use of lithic material combined with adobe and mud. This demonstrates the knowledge and mastery of the different construction materials, used with high technology, especially the adobe; the walls constructed of this material, with centuries of antiquity, still defy the strong inclemencies climatic of the zone, seismic movements and of course the passage of time. 

What to see in Huchuy Qosqo?

Here is a list of what you can see in Huchuy Qosqo; at the moment no ticket is needed, or pay to enter Huchuy Qosqo.

• A structure of three levels (floors), the first two in the form of regular polyhedra, and the last floor made of adobe.
• The enclosure is of rectangular shape and of enormous architectural invoice.
• A long building of rectangular plant made of adobones on an eminent platform, this building counts on a great quantity of doors oriented towards the valley.
• You will find many other small enclosures scattered, most are in poor condition.
• Very close to these ruins, you will find an Inca road oriented to the Cusco Inca road oriented to Cusco.
• Also some small loose enclosures as outposts and surveillance located on the edge of the precipice, in order to have the greatest possible field of vision, of the valley.
• Huchuy Qosqo enclosure internal windows

Huchuy Qosqo Reviews

Luhana G. "Huchuy Qosqo Walk"

"Beautiful experience, the circuit is unique, for the landscapes, the panoramic views and the mountains or Apus (spirits of the mountains) that surround you and welcome you. The entrance to the sector of Leon Punko is impressive, you travel a wonderful Inca road to Huychuy Qosqo, an impressive archaeological center ".

The Huchuy Qosqo Machu Picchu hike has incredible landscapes, we will have stunning views of the mountain villages, encounter many animals such as llamas and alpacas, observe dramatic mountain peaks and a variety of local flora and fauna. You will meet local people in rural villages and have a first-hand look at life in the high Andes of Peru, as well as walk the paths of the ancients on the Inca Trail.Huchuy Qosqo Day Hike

The hike to Huchuy Qosqo is done by an ancient Inca Trail, this excursion involves a walk through the heights of the Sacred Valley, besides being a very nice option that combines nature, original Inca manufacturing trails, panoramic views and a guided tour of Macchu Picchu. Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu