The Archaeological Park of Huchuy Qosqo was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation on August 19, 2003, by Directoral Resolution Nº 611-2003 of the National Institute of Culture.
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Huchuy Qosqo: An Inca treasure high above the Sacred Valley
The Spanish took control of Kakya Qawani in the 1500s, after the rebellion of Inca Manco (approx. 1540), and used the site as an estate. The colonists built several small irrigation reservoirs during their time in Huchuy Qosqo.
History of Huchuy Qosqo
The Archaeological Park of Huchuy Qosqo was originally occupied by a pre-Inca settlement located in the Warqana sector during the Killke period, and later by the Incas. The seventh Inca, Yawar Waqaq, expanded his territory into the area of Qaitomarca in the Yucay and Calca valley. Inca Wiracocha subdued the inhabitants of Qaitomarca and Xaquixaguana, today known as Huchuy Qosqo. According to chronicler Cieza de León, the palaces were built by Wiracocha, the eighth Inca, likely established as a royal estate.
When the Spanish arrived, they took control and redistributed the land and encomiendas. They demolished several Inca structures to build the large reservoir still visible today. Haciendas were established, and Huchuy Qosqo became part of the Pauqart’ika Estate in the early 17th century (1604), owned by Francisco Merino and his wife Catalina Pereira, and later by other proprietors.
Today it is known as “Little Cusco” and is a popular adventure tourism destination.
Architecture of Huchuy Qosqo
The archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca architectural complex with numerous constructions, some built in stone and others in adobe. It displays exceptional work in topographic adaptation through platforms or sucres (paw paw). A kallanka (great hall) measuring 40 meters long stands prominently; these halls were important state centers where Inca officials were housed. The site’s water supply comes from an Inca-built irrigation canal lined with stone for about 800 meters. These finely polished stone bases with clay plaster are the best-preserved parts, while the upper sections are made of adobe.
Below the main site are the restored Qolqas (storehouses), used to store dried meats and agricultural products such as corn, quinoa, potatoes, and beans.
Main structures
Main esplanade – Central plaza: This esplanade was the site of ceremonies and sacrifices. It lies on the eastern edge of the archaeological complex. The southern edge is protected by a retaining wall or platform, known locally as Haukaypata. On the northern profile is an open balcony, and two rocks can be seen near the southern platform.
Agricultural terraces: These terraces feature an irrigation canal system that in some places still functions. They were used to cultivate altitude-resistant crops such as corn, potatoes, and quinoa, reflecting the Incas’ mastery of agriculture and mountain-land management.
The Kallankas: These rectangular halls of varying sizes, made of stone and adobe, are scattered throughout the complex. The largest kallanka is located on the esplanade marking the southern edge, measuring 54 meters long and 17 meters wide. They served social functions by hosting people during various communal events.
The Aqueducts: They were designed to maintain a constant water flow to expand agricultural lands.
Colonial Reservoir: A large colonial-era water reservoir stands in the center of the enclosures, with a capacity of 2,000 m³. Its walls are built of stone with lime-clay mortar. Today, the reservoir is no longer functional. Its construction required the removal of several Inca structures and the reuse of stone materials.
The Enclosures: These constructions are distributed across three levels or platforms extending west from Haukaypata. The second-level platform has three tiers two made of carved stone and an adobe upper level believed to have been the royal residence of Inca Wiracocha.
The adobe structure on the second level, which preserves its original form, is thought to have been used as a storage and food distribution center.
The rectangular construction on the third level, built with large adobe bricks, is believed to have been a learning center for the women of the Empire.
Strategic location
This archaeological site is located north of the city of Cusco, about 50 km away, at 3,600 meters above sea level, above the town of Lamay in the district and province of Calca, within the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
How to get to Huchuy Qosqo
For the Cusco–Calca route on foot via the mule trail, the distance is approximately 25 km, taking about 7 hours. This hike begins at the Tambomachay archaeological site.
For the paved Cusco–Calca–Lamay route by tourist bus, it is about 45.2 km, approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
For the Cusco–Calca–Lamay route on foot from the town of Lamay, the distance is about 6 km, approximately 3 hours.
Hiking routes
The hikes available to Huchuy Qosqo include:
1-day hike: (Qoricocha Lake – Huchuy Qosqo): This hike begins at Qoricocha Lake or Chinchero and takes approximately 6 hours.
2-day hike: (Tambomachay – Patabamba – Huchuy Qosqo): The route begins at Tambomachay, passes by Qoricocha Lake, and arrives at Patabamba village for an overnight stay. The next day, the hike continues early in the morning to Huchuy Qosqo, then descends to Lamay and returns to Cusco.
3-day hike: (Tambomachay – Patabamba – Huchuy Qosqo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu): This hike also begins in Tambomachay and follows the same route to Patabamba. On day two, the group hikes to Huchuy Qosqo, then descends to Lamay for lunch before heading to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October. During this period, weather conditions are more stable and the routes are in better condition. The hike can be done year-round, but the rainy season should be taken into account.
Hiking tips
This is a moderate hike, and we recommend the following:
- A proper acclimatization process of one or two days is necessary.
- Comfortable clothing.
- Suitable hiking shoes.
- Trekking poles.
- Sunscreen and a hat.
- Water, snacks, dried fruits.
- Camera or phone.
- Fully charged batteries.
- A flashlight with extra batteries.
- A small, lightweight backpack.
Cultural and spiritual importance of Huchuy Qosqo
The Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Park is an Inca site of great cultural importance. It is one of the most significant testaments of Inca civilization in Cusco, showcasing advanced engineering, architecture, agriculture, and textile production. It served as an administrative, religious, agricultural, and textile center in the Sacred Valley and was witness to important historical periods.
Inca culture was based on the worship of many gods, deep respect for nature, and the belief in the divine relationship between humans and deities.
What to see near Huchuy Qosqo
The closest places to the Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Park include the town of Lamay, the Calca Valley, Mount Veronica, the Vilcanota River, the towns of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.
