Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu
Description
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.
What to Expect
Quick Itinerary:
Day 01 Cusco – Tambomachay – Pumamarca
Day 02 Pucamarca – Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.
Day 03 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.
Everything you can live in Huchuy Qosqo
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.
Itineray Details
Day 01: Cusco - Tambomachay - Pumamarca
Pick up from the hotel at 6:00 a.m., private transfer to the archaeological site of Tambomachay; The hike will start at this point and continue through puna landscapes and over the Sicllaccasa pass (4020 m / 13186 ft). We walk along a path that leads to the Barranco de Ccauca, where we find archaeological remains and wild crops, such as tarwi, and a large amount of cactus. We will continue towards the Queullococha pass (4185 m / 13727 ft), surrounding the area in spectacular views of the snow peaks of Veronica, Pitusiray and Chicon. We walk by the Queullococha lake, where we can see huallatas, ducks and small fish and then go up to the Challu Challu pass (4220 m / 13842 ft). From this point, we observe the plains of Chinchero and the Piuray and Qoricocha lagoons. Then we ascend to the fourth step in Rumicruz (4230 m / 13874 ft). Then we make our way to the Inca quarry (4220 m / 13842 ft), which was the place where the stones were extracted to build Huchuy Qosqo. We descend towards the community of Pucamarca (4010 m / 13153 ft), where we will arrive in the afternoon. Here we have dinner and camp at night.
Maximum Height: 4230 masl
Estimated walking time: 6 - 7 hours
Distance: 15km