The archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo (Small Cusco), which was known during the Inca times 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. At an altitude of 3 550 meters above sea level. And it is currently considered, thanks to the National Institute of Culture, as Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
At the historical level, this site is known for being the favorite place of the Inca Wiracocha, which he chose as a place of rest and retirement and, where, according to the 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.
As for its location, it can be added in addition to the access feature, which provides the visitor (and those who lived in the archaeological center) a great view of the snow-capped Pitusiray along with the town of Calca.
Regarding the architectural remains that have been preserved on the site, we can say that there are at least 2 buildings, in addition to the presence of platforms and cliffs. Among the buildings, built with some of stone and others of adobe, we can observe, one of three floors, without name; This first construction is characterized by the presence of the mixture of building materials, since the two lower levels are made of stone, while the last one conserves a structure based on adobe. The second building, also without a name, is a rectangular base construction, made of adobones, which was believed to have been intended as a space for labor learning for the women of the Empire. There are also remains of remains of minor enclosures that are almost destroyed by natural events, including rainfall and vegetation in the area.
Day 01 Cusco – Tambomachay – Pumamarca
Day 02 Pucamarca – Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.
Day 03 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.
The architecture of Huchuy Qosqo invites us to discover one of the most magical places in the Urubamba Valley, thanks to the fine finish in each corner of the polished stone of the site.
In Huchuy Qosqo we will find history and the passage of time in each of its ruins.
Among its tourist attractions we have a three-level building that has been preserved for 500 years and without a roof.
There is also a long rectangular building that has several doors that face the valley; with enclosures that functioned as outposts, patios, squares, pedestrian paths, esplanades and a state center where officials of the Inca culture called “kallanka” were housed.
Be dazzled by the terraces and terraces that adorn the contour of the place, creating a unique atmosphere in Huchuy Qosqo.
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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 by 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 adobe; the walls constructed of this material, with centuries of antiquity, even defy the strong climatic inclemencies of the zone, the seismic movements and of course the passage of time.
The trek is considered moderately difficult, long. We recommend you should be in relatively good physical condition, in addition to acclimatize. Therefore, we suggest you arrive in Cusco at least 02 days before your departure from the trek to adapt to the altitude. During the two months prior to your walk we suggest a regular and moderate routine to improve endurance. We want you to have the best possible experience!
It will depend on the type of adventure you want to live in Cusco, you can enjoy Huchuy Qosqo with or without rain.
The rainy season is from the months of November to March; and the dry season, the rest of the year.
We always recommend doing the tours at the most accessible time of the year, which is the dry season and where the rainfall is not constant.
We require that all clients arrive in Cusco at least 48 hours before the start of their trek, although 03 nights before is ideal. You must pay your remaining balance a day before your departure for your trip. This will also ensure that you can acclimatize to the altitude to start your hike comfortably. Please note that your remaining balance must be paid in cash during the briefing.
For this walk, we recommend the walking sticks, especially for people with knee problems. The trail is full of steep and steep climbs, narrow Inkas stairs. These will help in your balance and reduce the impact on your knees.
Any luggage that is not necessary for your walk can be stored at your hotel in Cusco (most hotels offer this service free of charge). In the event that your hotel does not offer this service, we will store your luggage safely in our office.
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