Huchuy Qosqo, also known as “Little Cusco,” is an imposing and remote Inca archaeological complex located at an altitude of 3,600 meters above the Sacred Valley. During the 15th century, it served as the imperial residence of the Inca Wiracocha, while also functioning as a central hub for administration, military strategy, and agricultural production, featuring sophisticated terraces and food storage facilities known as qollqas.
Huchuy Qosqo, The hidden treasure of the Incas
This spectacular Inca site, the most beautiful and closest to Cuzco, can be visited in one or two days on foot from Cuzco or the Sacred Valley. Huchuy Qosqo can only be compared to Machu Picchu or Choquequirao; its impressive mountaintop location offers magnificent views of the Sacred Valley and the Andes.
The trek to Machu Picchu from Huchuy Qosqo is a popular option for travelers who want to avoid the crowded trails around Cusco. If you’re looking for an adventure-filled trip to Machu Picchu, the Huchuy Qosqo Trek is a great option.
What was and what is the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo?
According to historical accounts, the original settlement, known as Kaqya Qawana, was built by the Inca Wiracocha around the year 1420. It also served as an administrative and agricultural hub, housing not only the royal palaces but also functioning as the political and administrative center of the Sacred Valley; it featured vast cultivated terraces, sophisticated networks of irrigation canals, and supply warehouses designed to provide for the entire region.
After experiencing old age and enduring conflicts with the Chancas, the Inca Wiracocha chose to settle in that place, accompanied by his court, with the intention of retiring from public life.
Many large buildings called Kallanka (Great Halls) are resting places for high-class people. Also, several buildings called Qolcas store food like corn in the higher areas. The Inca built an irrigation canal of about 800m to provide water for the site. It’s also possible to find impressive farming terraces adapted to the shape of the mountain.
Meaning of Huchuy Qosqo
Of Quechua origin, the place name Huchuy Qosqo is commonly translated as “Little Cusco.” This name refers to the settlement’s importance within the Inca Empire and to its architecture, which replicates, on a smaller scale, various administrative and ceremonial areas characteristic of Cusco.
This site also retains its ancient Quechua name, Qaqyaqawana; however, it is advisable to confirm this name by consulting official sources before visiting or sharing any information related to the site.
Location
Huchuy Qosqo, or Little Cusco, is an amazing Inca archaeological Located in the Cusco region, in the province and district of Calca, the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site is situated on the hills overlooking the town of Lamay. This complex occupies an elevated plateau on the slope of Mount Qaqya, within the Sacred Valley of the Incas, at an altitude ranging from 3,600 to 3,677 meters above sea level. The straight-line distance between this site and the city of Cusco is approximately 50 kilometers to the north. To reach the site, one must travel by car through the Sacred Valley to Lamay or Tauca/Chinchero, at which point the journey must continue on foot, as the road is not accessible to vehicles. The location right above the Sacred Valley allows Travelers to enjoy one of the most amazing views in the Cusco region.
History of Huchuy Qosqo (Qaqyaqawana)
Pre-Inca period: Local chiefdoms, including the Huamparís, occupied the slopes of the Sacred Valley and exerted control over various ecological zones and trade routes.
Inca period (15th century): Originally known as Kakya Qawani, the site was built by order of the Inca Viracocha around 1420. According to the Spanish chronicler Pedro Cieza de León, Huchuy Qosqo was built and served as the preferred residence of the eighth Inca ruler, Viracocha (1410–1438), and his royal family. It functioned as a retreat and served administrative, military, and agricultural purposes; it featured terraces, *qollqas* (storehouses), and palaces.
Colonial era: Following the Spanish conquest, the rebel leader Manco Inca used this citadel in 1533 to move his army from Cusco toward the Sacred Valley, before eventually retreating to Vilcabamba. Later, around 1534, the conquistador Gonzalo Pizarro sacked Huchuy Qosqo and burned the mummies of Viracocha. Subsequently, the site was partially abandoned and converted into an *hacienda* (estate) dedicated to agriculture and livestock farming. Additionally, a water reservoir was constructed, which altered some of the original structures.
Republican era and the present day: During the 20th century, the name Huchuy Qosqo (“Little Cusco”) gained popularity. On August 19, 2003, it was declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation; today, it is preserved as an exclusive sanctuary accessible only via hiking trails.
Ways to Reach Huchuy Qosqo.
From Cusco (near Tambomachay): This is a significant and demanding expedition that follows high-mountain trails. It can be completed in a single day, provided you maintain a brisk pace, or extended over two days by camping and taking a more leisurely pace. This option is ideal for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in a trekking adventure before descending into the Sacred Valley.
From Lamay (Sacred Valley): Although the distance is shorter, the hike is challenging due to the significant elevation gain and the steep inclines leading up from the village to the archaeological complex; however, along the way, you can admire majestic Andean landscapes and enjoy panoramic views of the valley.
Route from Tauca (Chinchero): Considered one of the most highly recommended options for a day trip, this route begins with a drive from Cusco to the community of Tauca, located near Lake Piuray. From Tauca, you’ll hike approximately 13 to 15 km through high-altitude Andean landscapes and grasslands, crossing a mountain pass at an elevation of more than 4,100 to 4,300 meters.
The trail then descends directly to the archaeological complex. Many travelers continue on foot to Lamay before returning to Cusco.
Mountain Biking Options: Several agencies specializing in adventure tourism have redesigned sections of the high-altitude trails that start in Chinchero or Tauca, incorporating mountain biking segments.
This activity combines the challenge of cycling at high altitudes with hiking, allowing travelers to reach the archaeological site through a strategic combination of both disciplines.
Attractions of Huchuy Qosqo
The kallanka, a large rectangular enclosure, is one of the site’s main structures. In various Inca centers, buildings of this type were used to hold meetings, carry out administrative tasks, or conduct collective activities. At Huchuy Qosqo, both its size and its location reflect the importance the site held in the valley.
Terraced Farming: The terraces at Huchuy Qosqo demonstrate how the Incas adapted the mountain to cultivate and manage the land. The terraces allowed for better use of space, reduced erosion, and enabled farming on steep slopes.
Three-story building: Among the site’s most notable structures is a three-story building: the lower two stories are made of stone, and the top story is made of adobe. The combined use of stone and adobe demonstrates how the Incas adapted their buildings to the terrain and the materials available in the area. Although the building’s exact function has not yet been fully confirmed, it is considered one of the most representative structures in the complex.
Smaller enclosures: Small enclosures have been identified in various areas of the site; in many cases, they remain partially preserved.
These structures may have served as residential spaces, storage areas, guard posts, or logistical support facilities for the administrative operations carried out at the site.
Similarly, the roads and access routes that connected Huchuy Qosqo with various towns in the Sacred Valley and Cusco have been preserved.
Inca Canals: The presence of irrigation channels at the site attests to the importance of water management in Inca architectural design, as they not only allowed water to be distributed to various areas but also reveal the intrinsic connection between engineering, agricultural activity, and daily life.
Views of the Sacred Valley: The panoramic view is one of Huchuy Qosqo’s main attractions.
From there, you can see the Sacred Valley, the Vilcanota River, farmland, nearby towns, and the area’s most prominent mountains.
More information about Huchuy Qosqo
General hours: Open Monday through Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We recommend checking the current hours before visiting.
General admission: The Cusco Tourist Pass does not include admission to Huchuy Qosqo; therefore, before beginning your tour, it is essential to verify the cost and admission requirements through a local agency or by consulting official sources.
Climate: Located in the Andes mountain range at an altitude of approximately 3,600 meters above sea level, the area has a high-Andean climate characterized by cold temperatures, dry conditions during specific times of the year, and significant temperature fluctuations between daytime heat and nighttime lows.
Dry season (April through October): This is the best time to visit, characterized by clear skies, intense sunshine, and little rainfall. Throughout the day, temperatures fluctuate between 18 °C and 22 °C, while at night they drop sharply to 0 °C or 3 °C, a phenomenon that is particularly pronounced in June and July.
One of the advantages of the hiking trails is that they are firm and dry.
Rainy season (November through March): The weather is characterized by increased humidity and rainfall, which is frequent and reaches its peak intensity during January and February, while the sky remains mostly cloudy.
The landscape is characterized by deeply saturated and vibrant green vegetation in the mountains and on the terraces.
The presence of a cloud cover mitigates the nighttime temperature drop, making temperatures less cold compared to those recorded during the dry season.
A significant drawback is that the roads become muddy and slippery, requiring travelers to proceed with extreme caution.
Hike Difficulty: The difficulty of the hike varies depending on the route chosen: while the ascent from Lamay, which generally takes between two and four hours, features a steep incline that can be challenging, the trails starting from Cusco or Tambomachay are longer and require a higher level of physical fitness.
In general, it is essential to have prior hiking experience and to be properly acclimated to the altitude.
Tips for Your Visit
Before traveling to Huchuy Qosqo, it is advisable to acclimate in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. The altitude may affect you during the hike, especially on the uphill sections.
Intense solar radiation, exacerbated by the elevation of the terrain, causes ultraviolet (UV) rays to be exceptionally penetrating during the day, making it absolutely necessary to wear sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen.
It is recommended that you start early, proceed at a leisurely pace, and bring enough water. If you are going without a guide, it is essential to familiarize yourself thoroughly with the route, as some trails can be confusing.
During the rainy season, the ground can become slippery. Therefore, during those months, it is advisable to wear shoes with good traction and bring a waterproof jacket.
Things to bring for the hike.
The list is useful, but it’s too long to fit into a single sentence. It’s best to break it up to make it easier to read.
If you’re going on a long hike, it might also be helpful to bring hiking poles and a small backpack.
Ideally, you should visit Huchuy Qosqo with a guide or as part of an organized tour, especially if you want to learn more about the site’s history and avoid getting lost along the way.
It is also recommended that you take care of the archaeological structures: do not climb on the walls, do not move stones, and do not leave trash behind. Huchuy Qosqo is a heritage and natural site that must be preserved.
