If you are planning a trip to Peru and are looking for an archaeological site that will transport you back in time, Huchuy Qosqo is without a doubt one of the best options. Despite the ravages of time, this archaeological site is still standing.
For lovers of Inca history and culture, Huchuy Qosqo is an unparalleled treasure. And for those seeking an enriching and challenging experience, hiking along its trails is the perfect adventure. With every step you take you can appreciate the majestic panoramic views of the imposing Peruvian Andes and the Cusco region, making the hike an exciting and unforgettable experience.
Find out here everything you need to know about this beautifully restored archaeological site and the trekking routes that lead you to Huchuy Qosqo.
What is Huchuy Qosqo?
Huchuy Qosqo, Huchuyqosqo or Huch’uy Qusqu is an archaeological site of Inca origin probably built in the 15th century that served multiple ceremonial, religious, military and administrative purposes during its time.
Recinto arqueológico de Huchuy Qosqo
What does Huchuy Qosqo mean?
Huchuy Qosqo comes from two Quechua words that translate into English as:
- “Huchuy” = Small
- “Qosqo” = Cusco
Therefore, in Spanish it translates as “Little Cusco”, an appellative it received at the beginning of the 20th century due to its architectural resemblance to the Inca city of Cusco. In Inca times it was known as Jaquijahuaawana or Xaquixaguana, a Quechua word that refers to the place “from where lightning is observed” produced by electrical storms during the rainy season.
Huchuy Qosqo located on a mountain slope
History of Huchuy Qosqo
According to the surviving chronicles of the time, the construction of Huchuy Qosqo began by order of the Inca Wiracocha, who resigned from his duties to leave the position of governor of the Inca empire to his favourite son Inca Urco.
To Inca Urco’s misfortune, this appointment was not well received by the Inca nobility, as his actions showed him to be incapable of governing; power and vices led him to inevitable failure. In view of the events that took place, the Inca royalty opposed this election and tried to conspire to impose another son of Wiracocha, Prince Cusi Yupanqui (Pachacútec), who did show leadership skills and the ability to govern the Inca empire.
The social unrest and tension increased day by day and soon after the Chancas attacked the city of Cusco; this is how, in the year 1438, Wiracocha abandoned the city to his fate accompanied by his son Inca Urco, taking refuge in Huchuy Qosqo. However, Cusi Yupanqui, who would later be known as Pachacutec, commanded the Inca army and defeated the invading Chancas.
In view of this, Wiracocha and Inca Urco, jealous of Pachacutec’s military victory, tried to ambush him, which failed; therefore, Inca Urco was executed for treason and conspiracy in the city of Cuzco. Pachacutec became the ninth Inca, and Wiracocha was defeated and took refuge in Huchuy Qosqo, where he spent the rest of his days and died at the age of 80.
After the Spanish colonisation, Gonzalo Pizarro found a mummy that apparently belonged to the Inca Wiracocha and ordered it to be burnt. Many years later, the chronicler Polo de Ondegardo discovered a jar with the Inca’s ashes that his descendants hid.
Despite the attempts of the Spaniards to destroy Huchuy Qosqo, the constructions resisted the passage of time until the present day. This is thanks to the terraces that allowed it to be used as a farm at that time and the particular construction of its walls.
What was the function of Huchuyqosqo?
According to the constructions and vestiges found in the place, Huchuyqosqo was an important administrative, religious, agricultural and textile centre in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
In this area it is possible to observe Inca buildings with fine and perfect stone structures. There are also grain warehouses called Qolcas that are located under the main enclosure of Huchuy Qosqo. This storage system was useful for preserving food, as this site was an important agricultural centre for the production of maize. Weavings and looms were also found, suggesting that the city was also important for textile production.
View of one of the buildings with fine and perfect stone structures at Huchuy Qosqo.
It is believed that in Huchuy Qosqo there was a temple dedicated to the god Wiracocha, so the city had an important religious function. It was also considered a military fortress due to its geographical location, as it possessed a strategic advantage in case of an enemy attack because the building overlooks the valley.
Learn all about the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo
How was Huchuyqosqo built?
In Huchuyqosqo, you can observe one of the best architectural works of the Inca empire, within which a series of architectural structures elaborated with great ingenuity and wisdom are still standing. Lithic material combined with adobe and mud was used for their construction. The way in which the walls were built, with a slight inward slope, still defies telluric movements, strong climatic inclemencies, and the inevitable passage of time. All these characteristics are proof of the high degree of technology and knowledge applied in these constructions.
For their construction, the Inca Wiracocha and his descendants required as many workers as possible. Thus, the inhabitants of the Inca Empire were forced to work under the “mita” system, a system of forced labour in the Inca Empire. The villagers contributed heavy labour. Specialists and craftsmen were also involved in perfecting the finishing touches. The buildings that were constructed on the site, apart from being elegant rural palaces, served as fortresses to defend against the enemy.
What attractions can we see in Huchuy Qosqo?
The Qallanca
The Kallanka, Callanca or Q’allanqa was a kind of rectangular plaza 40 to 50 metres long and was of great importance as it served as a meeting and lodging centre for Inca officials.
Inca precincts
There are three remarkable buildings: the first one is a three-storey building with two floors made of carved stone and an upper one of adobe; the second one preserves its adobe structure; while the third one is a rectangular-based construction made of large adobe bricks. It is believed that its purpose was to be a space for the labour apprenticeship of the women of the Empire. In addition, there are large terraces, bluffs, a very extensive square and a large Inca gate that probably served as an access control gate to the town.
Three-storey building in Huchuy Qosqo
The water supply
This is an irrigation canal built by the Incas, lined with stones perfectly assembled together to prevent water leakage. This supply is about 800 metres long and has several small reservoirs for irrigation. After the arrival of the Spaniards, they used the site as a farm, demolishing some Inca structures to build the largest reservoir that can be seen today.
How to get to Huchuy Qosqo?
Here are the 3 best routes for trekking to Huchuy Qosqo:
Tambomachay – Huchuy Qosqo trek
This is the classic route that many travel agencies operate, a tour of 3 days and 2 nights. The trek is full of adventure crossing mountain trails and walking near beautiful lakes with views of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. This trek starts above 3,800 m.a.s.l. (12,467.19 ft) in Tambomachay, the highest point is at the pass of Ramicruz at 4,300 m.a.s.l. (14,107.61 ft) and the trek ends above 2,800 m.a.s.l. (9,186.352 ft) in the village of Lamay.
Details of the tour
- Modality: Adventure, nature, culture and archaeology.
- Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
- Hiking distance: 40 km │ 24.85 miles
- Departure: Cusco – Tambomachay
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best season: All year round, April and October
- Destination: Machu Picchu Citadel
- Highest point: Abra Ramicruz 4,300 m.a.s.l. (14,107.61 ft)
Huchuyqosqo trek map
Itinerary
Day 1: The trek starts in Tambomachay, where we will cross pastures and lakes, watching birds and arriving to the community of Qenqo to camp and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Overnight: Camping in Qenqo.
Day 2: We will visit a family in the community, have a cultural exchange and walk to Huchuy Qosqo, exploring the archaeological centre. Afterwards, we will descend to Lamay, take a bus to Ollantaytambo and then a train to Aguas Calientes, where we will rest.
Overnight: in Aguas Calientes.
Day 3: Early in the morning we will take a bus to Machu Picchu, where we will appreciate the sunrise and the guide will give us a two hour tour of the site. If we opt for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, it will take additional time. In the afternoon we will return to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then the private bus to Cusco.
Pros: This tour will allow you to reach Machu Picchu, crossing several ecological floors and different ecosystems. Factors that make it possible to visualize more variety of landscapes during the route.
Cons: It is the longest route compared to the others.Huchuyqosqo
Final stretch to reach Huchuy Qosqo
Lamay – Huchuy Qosqo
Another option is to take a transport from the city of Cusco to the village of Lamay, from there begins the adventure to get to Huchuy Qosqo. It is a hike that lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on your physical condition. Although it is the shortest way to get to the archaeological site, it is a challenging, steep and narrow route.
Details of the hike
Modality: Adventure, landscape, archaeology and culture.
Duration: 1 day
Hiking distance: 15 km │ 9.32 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Departure: Lamay Village
Best season: All year round, preferably from April to October.
Destination: Huchuy Qosqo
Pros: If you plan to visit Huchuy Qosqo in one day and you are also a lover of challenges, then this route is for you. It is the shortest route that will take you adventuring beyond your physical capacity.
Cons: It is a challenging and steep route with narrow trails, you need to be in good physical condition as the hike is uphill only. There are few travel agencies that operate this route.
Beautiful Inca cobblestone path on the route to Huchuy Qosqo.
Chinchero – Huchuy Qosqo
It is also possible to get to Huchuy Qosqo from the town of Chinchero. This route starts in Taucca, a small village where the beautiful Piuray lagoon is located; the walk takes an average of 4 or 5 hours. Along the route we can observe lagoons with shining waters where we can see Andean ducks and huallatas.
Details of the hike
Modality: Adventure, landscape, archaeology and culture
Duration: 1 day
Walking distance: 15 km – 9.32 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Departure: Chinchero
Best season: All year round, preferably from March to November.
Destination: Huchuy Qosqo
Pros: This hike invites you to explore the nature of the place, with a great variety of flora and fauna, lagoons with shimmering waters, as well as the Piuray Lagoon which are a spectacle to behold.
Cons: As it is an uncrowded route, group outings are occasional; and if you plan to do this trek it would be subject to a particular date.
Beautiful Inca cobblestone path on the route to Huchuy Qosqo
So, how difficult is the route to Huchuy Qosqo?
The difficulty of the trek to Huchuyqosqo will depend on the route chosen. The degrees of difficulty vary from moderate to difficult. For the route that we offer you in Inkayni Peru Tours (Tambomachay – Huchuyqosqo) the difficulty is moderate, presenting a path that crosses flat areas, slopes, elevations and mountain passes that exceed 4000 meters of altitude.
View of the Pitusiray snow-capped mountain on the Chinchero-Huchuy Qosqo route.
Altitude profile on the Huchuy Qosqo route
Weather on the trek to Huchuy Qosqo
The weather in the Cusco region is quite unpredictable, with cold nights and sunny days. These weather conditions are also present in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and therefore Huchuyqosqo. The weather is changeable, it can go from bright sunshine to heavy rain from one moment to the next. This climate is characteristic of the southern region of Peru.
There are two distinct seasons:
Rainy season
The rainy season runs from November to April. The climate is cooler and more humid, with temperatures ranging between 13 °C (55.4 °F) and 20 °C (68 °F) during the day, while at night the temperature can fluctuate between 9 °C (48 °F).
Rainfall is more frequent and torrential during this season, which can affect access to certain tourist attractions or outdoor activities.
Dry season
This season starts in mid-April and lasts until mid-October. The weather is generally warm and dry during the day, with temperatures ranging from 18°C (64.4°F) to 24°C (75.2°F). Nights are often very cold with temperatures dropping to 3°C (37.4°F), especially at higher altitudes.
This season is ideal for outdoor activities, hiking trails, trekking and visiting the various archaeological sites in the region.
So what is the best time to visit Huchuy Qosqo?
Definitely the best season for trekking to Huchuy Qosqo is the dry season, which goes from April to October, due to the scarce presence of rain. You should keep in mind that changes in the weather in the Cusco region can surprise you in a matter of minutes, it can go from a sunny day to a rainy one, which is why we recommend you to bring light and warm clothes to make the most of your trip at any time of the year in Cusco.
Is it better to travel with a travel agency or on my own?
Go with a travel agency
To do the treks on the routes to Huchuy Qosqo with a travel agency, we recommend you do the Tambomachay – Huchuy Qosqo – Machu Picchu route and the Chinchero – Huchuy Qosqo route, as these routes are very scenic and have more extensive itineraries, which are usually better enjoyed with a tour guide.
Advantages
- The travel agencies offer the necessary advice before you start your trip, provide accommodation services, transport, expert guide and the necessary equipment for the visit to Huchuy Qosqo.
- Inkayni Peru Tours offers you an itinerary that suits your needs and preferences; we provide assistance during the trip for your comfort and peace of mind.
- Travel agencies often have access to exclusive discounts on accommodation, transportation, tours, among others; and makes visiting a destination more economical.
- During your visit to the attraction, a travel agency provides the necessary support in case of mishaps such as changes in itineraries, accommodation problems, among others.
Disadvantages
- Some travel agencies offer closed packages with predetermined itineraries and activities.
- Travelling with a travel agency means depending on third parties to be able to visit Huchuy Qosqo, especially when the trips are in groups. The trip will always be subject to the policies and procedures of the chosen agency.
Go on my own, can I do Huchuy Qosqo without a guide?
Huchuy Qosqo treks vary in length and difficulty. What we recommend at Inkayni Peru Tours is that, if you wish to do the Huchuy Qosqo trek on your own, you should choose the Lamay route as it is the shortest and the one that presents the least complications at the time of doing the route.
Advantages
- You can customize and vary your itinerary according to the length of your stay in the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo.
- You choose the accommodation, transport and time you wish to stay in Huchuy Qosqo, enjoying the landscape of the area to the maximum.
Disadvantages
- If you do not know the Cusco region, it will be more difficult for you to visit Huchuy Qosqo, because the place does not have the adequate facilities for you to visit it on your own, especially on the Tambomachay – Huchuy Qosqo route and the Chinchero – Huchuy Qosqo route.
- It is possible that you may get lost on the way if you are not accompanied by someone who knows the route.
- It will take you longer to complete your journey, as you will have to make a thorough study of the site.
Do I need a tourist ticket (BTC) to visit Huchuy Qosqo?
The archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo is an attraction of great historical value. Unlike other tourist attractions, it is not included in the tourist ticket.
You won’t have to worry about additional costs at the time of entry either, the entrance is completely free!
Can the Huchuy Qosqo hike be done with children?
If you want to do this adventure with your family, we recommend you to do the classic route Tambomachay – Huchuy Qosqo – Machu Picchu, this is an excellent option if you are travelling with children (over 8 years old) and you are looking for more adventure in your visit to Machu Picchu. This hike is of moderate difficulty.
Contemplate the flora of Huchuy Qosqo
Huchuy Qosqo is the habitat of several species of plants endemic to the area, among which the most outstanding is the Andean lily (Alstroemeria aurea), this flower exhibits bright and vivid colours such as yellow, orange with reddish spots and grows on the banks of rivers and streams.
Other plants can also be observed such as:
- Ferns (Pteridium aquilinum).
- Cushion plants (Pleurothallis sp.)
- Bromeliads (Tillandsia sp.).
Scenic view before arriving at Huchuy Qosqo
Learn about the fauna of Huchuy Qosqo
The area is home to several animals endemic to our region of Cusco, of which we can mention:
- Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
- Llamas (Lama glama)
- Alpacas (Vicuna pacos)
- Vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna)
- Andean duck (Oxyura ferrugínea)
- Huallatas (Choephaga melanoptera)
What to bring for the hike to Huchuy Qosqo?
- Your personal documents, in case you do the classic route.
- Comfortable, light clothing during the day; and a warm, waterproof jacket for the cold at night.
- Comfortable walking shoes, preferably hiking shoes with non-slip soles.
- A small backpack to carry water, food and other essentials.
- A hat or cap for protection from the sun.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- A water bottle to keep you hydrated during the hike.
- Camera to capture spectacular views of the hike.
Cash, preferably in soles.
Necessary equipment for the hike to Huchuy Qosqo
There is no doubt that touring Inca sites in the Andes Mountains is an extremely impressive experience on another level. Huchuy Qosqo is one of the little explored treasures of Inca architecture and engineering in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and this is a great way to get out of the routine and connect with yourself.
If you want to visit this and other architectural wonders while contemplating the landscape of the Sacred Valley, don’t wait any longer! At Inkayni Peru Tours we offer you a wide variety of fascinating destinations, personalized travel packages and highly trained professionals that will make your trip the best experience.
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