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Huchuy Qosqo is located in the peasant community of the same name, just under 5 km from the city of Calca in the department of Cusco, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas; exactly at a summit at 570 m. over the Urubamba river basin (Vilcanota). The Huchuy Qosqo route is very beautiful; walking its trails will allow you to visit some Andean communities, archaeological centers and enjoy beautiful landscapes. Many people take advantage of visiting Huchuy Qosqo on their trip to Machu Picchu. HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
What does Huchuy Qosqo mean?
Huchuy Qosqo means "Little Cusco", but it also has other names; one would be Qaqyaxaqixawana and the other Qaqyaqhawana, this means "from where the rays are observed"; and without a doubt it is a good name since being 800 meters above the Sacred Valley of the Incas, gives you the opportunity to see the dramatic light and sound show, at the moment when lightning and thunder descend from the sky to crash into the ground. Others say that the site was probably known in Inca times as "Caquia Jaquijahuana".
Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Complex (Qaqyaqawana)
The compound located in Huchuy Qosqo, is called Qaqyaqawana; Quechua name that refers to the place where the lightning is seen. This archaeological site is located in the upper third of the mountain called Qaqya (thunder), and exhibits one of the most impressive topographical modification works through the use of andenería, modulating the edges of precipices and vertical ravines over the Vilcanota Valley, culminating on platforms that were used as ceremonial esplanades, around which several architectural structures made of stone and adobe can still be found standing. Materials used and worked with great judgment, achieving a fine finish.
In addition, the structures of the enclosure are distributed in such a way that they architecturally resemble 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 characteristics of this archaeological site is the use of lithic material combined with adobe and clay. This shows the knowledge and mastery of the different construction materials, used with high technology, especially adobe; The centuries-old walls built of this material still defy the strong inclement weather of the area, seismic movements and of course the passage of time.
INFORMATION OF HUCHUY QOSQO TREK
This complex is the most important archaeological center in the Urubamba valley, after Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The ruins are impressive, although the conservation of the site is inferior to that of Ollantaytambo or Pisac, because they are older.
But unlike the aforementioned places, Huchuy Qosqo has a peculiar architecture: the buildings have been built on polished stone bases with a fine finish, with clay plaster (they are the best preserved parts) and the highest floors are made of adobe. INFORMATION OF HUCHUY QOSQO TREK
A kallanka (rectangular enclosure that could measure up to 70 meters long and that were important state centers where Inca officials stayed) is observed, at least 40 to 50 meters long. Also a remarkable building with two stone floors and an upper one of adobe. There are also large terraces, a very large plaza and a large Inca gate through which a well-preserved path leads from Tambomachay.
The Hispanic chronicles refer that Huchuy Qosqo (probably a site known in Inca times as Caquia Jaquijahuana) was the work and preferred place of the Inca Wiracocha. To this, Maria Rostworoski adds, in her work "History of the Tahuantinsuyo", that this sovereign established the conquest over the towns of the Urubamba valley and that he chose as his successor his Inca son Urco who, dizzy with power and vices, proved to be totally incapable of ruling. Inca royalty was very confused by this choice and they tried to conspire to impose on another Wiracocha son, Prince Cusi Yupanqui. Social unrest and tension increased every day and to make matters worse, the darkest night fell on Cuzco: the Chancas reached the gates of the capital and were ready to destroy it. It is the year of 1438. Wiracocha abandons the city to his fate and, accompanied by his son Inca Urco, takes refuge in his palaces in the Urubamba Valley, among which was Huchuy Qosqo.
After the Spanish conquest, Gonzalo Pizarro found the mummy that supposedly belonged to the Inca Wiracocha here and ordered to burn it. The descendants of the Inca kept the ashes in a jar that many years later the chronicler Polo de Ondegardo would discover.
Characteristics of the visit
It is possible to visit Huchuy Qosqo in two ways, the first walking from Cusco and Tambomachay along the Inca trail. The other way is going up from the Sacred Valley after crossing the Wilcamayo river (today Vilcanota).
The archeological center of Huchuy Qosqo, is located in the north of the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the vicinity of the province of Calca, district of Cusco. This archaeological complex is one of the most important in the Urubamba Valley because of its architectural level, after Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The ruins are impressive, although the conservation of the site is inferior to that of the other two because their constructions are older. The complex includes platforms, courtyards, esplanades, squares, pedestrian path and buildings of different magnitude and quality.
HUCHUY QOSQO TREK INFORMATION. One of the main attractions of Huchuy Qosqo, is a three-story building or levels; The first two are made with finely carved stone and the third level is made of adobe and although it has been lacking a roof for a long time, it is so resistant that it has been standing for more than 500 years. There are many ways to get there, you can take a taxi from the town of Calca (1 hour from Cusco) to the door of the same complex that is 3550 meters above sea level. The other way is a 5-hour walk from the Laguna de Piray (45 min. From Cusco), where you can enjoy a majestic landscape. This road starts in the town of Cuper, (10min. From the lagoon of Piuray), here the ascent begins until you reach the Abra and from there you follow the Inca trail, which apparently is part of the famous Qapacñay; From here you pass through a beautiful rocky canyon, where you will see the purple, green and red colors of the stones, until you reach the top of the mountain and appreciate the splendor of the Sacred Valley. The road is signposted, but it is always better to ask the muleteers and farmers in the area the exact location of the accesses. In Huchuy Qosqo you can see an esplanade next to an abyss where you can see Inca buildings, terraces, rooms with up to two floors, canals and everything looks spectacular because they are built on platforms.
This complex is the most important archaeological center in the Urubamba Valley, after Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The ruins are impressive, although the conservation of the site is inferior to that of Ollantaytambo or Pisac, because they are older.
But unlike the places mentioned above Huchuy Qosqo has a peculiar architecture: the buildings have been built on polished stone bases of fine finish, with clay plaster (they are the best preserved parts) and the highest floors are made of adobe.
There is a kallanka (rectangular enclosure that could measure up to 70 meters long and that were important state centers where Inca officials were staying) of at least 40 to 50 meters long. Also a remarkable building with two stone floors and an adobe upper one. There are also large terraces, a very large square and a large Inca gate through which a very well preserved road leads from Tambomachay.
The Hispanic chronicles indicate that Huchuy Qosqo (probably a site known in Inca times as Caquia Jaquijahuana) was the work and favorite place of the Inca Wiracocha. To this, Maria Rostworoski adds, in her work "History of Tahuantinsuyo", that this sovereign strengthened the conquest over the villages of the Urubamba valley and that he chose as his successor his son Inca Urco who, dizzy with power and vice, He proved to be totally unable to govern. The Inca royalty was very obfuscated with this election and tried to conspire to impose another son of Wiracocha, Prince Cusi Yupanqui. Social unrest and tension increased every day and to make everything worse, the darkest night fell over Cuzco: the Chancas reached the gates of the capital and were willing to destroy it. It is the year of 1438. Wiracocha leaves the city to his fate and, accompanied by his son Inca Urco, takes refuge in its palaces in the Urubamba Valley, among which was Huchuy Qosqo.
After the Hispanic conquest, Gonzalo Pizarro found here the mummy that supposedly belonged to the Inca Wiracocha and ordered it burned. The descendants of the Inca kept the ashes in a jar that many years later the chronicler Polo de Ondegardo would discover. HOW TO VISIT: It is possible to visit Huchuy Qosqo in three ways, the first one walking from Cusco and Tambomachay along the Inca trail. The other way is up from the Sacred Valley after crossing the Wilcamayo River (now Vilcanota), from Chinchero. HUCHUY QOSQO TREK INFORMATION.
This complex is the most important archaeological center in the Urubamba Valley, after Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The ruins are impressive, although the conservation of the site is inferior to that of Ollantaytambo or Pisac, because they are older. But unlike the aforementioned places Huchuy Qosqo has a peculiar architecture: the buildings have been built on polished stone bases of fine finish, with clay plaster (they are the best preserved parts) and the highest floors are made of adobe.
Useful Information
- Starting Altitude - 3848 meters / 12624 feet. - Highest Altitude - 4150 meters / 13615 feet. - Walking Distance - 12 km / 7.46 miles - Overall Difficulty - Moderate - STARTING POINT: - Cusco at your hotel
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
The Hispanic chronicles refer that Huchuy Qosqo (probably a place known in Inca times as Caquia Jaquijahuana) was the favorite work and place of the Inca Wiracocha. A kallanka of at least 40 to 50 meters long is observed. Also a remarkable building with two stone floors and one upper one of adobe. There are also large terraces, a very large square and a large Inca gate through which passes a very well preserved road that leads from Tambomachay.
Brief Itinerary - OPTION 1: CUSCO – TAUCA – HUCHUY QOSQO – CUSCO - OPTION 2: CUSCO - TAMBO MACHAY - PUCAMARCA - HUCHUY QOSQO - CUSCO HUCHUY QOSQO TREK INFORMATION
Long grouping of terraces with walls as retaining walls, which leave terraces suitable for agriculture.
Three-story building, the first two are two almost regular polyhedra and the third is adobe. The enclosure is rectangular and of excellent quality.
Foundations and remains of two identical buildings, inside and arranged next to it, in succession. A long adobe building, rectangular, on a prominent platform, a building that has many doors to the valley.
Many smaller enclosures dispersed and in poor condition.
An Inca road nearby oriented straight towards Cusco.
Some small loose enclosures, such as outposts or guard posts, on the edge of the cliff, with visual control over the wide valley.
Nail stones or false stone beams, belonging to the mojinete of the buildings.
How to get to Huchuy Qosqo?
The routes to get to Huchuy Qosqo Trek are many, among which we have:
Walk through the town of Lamay-Calca.
Walk through the town of Cuper Alto-Chinchero-Urubamba
Walk through the ruins of Tambomachay (the busiest)
Huch’uy Qosqo (Quechua: “Little Cuzco” also called Yuchuy Cuzco) is an archeological site 50 km north of Cusco, in Peru. It is located at an altitude of 3,600 meters, above the city of Lamay, in the district of Calca, province of Calca, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The site was named in the twentieth century; He had previously been known as Kakya Qawani. Pedro de Cieza de León, in his Second Chronicle of Peru, said that the palaces were built by Viracocha, the eighth Inca ruler. Among a large number of buildings, some of stone, some of adobe, is a Kallanka (large hall) 40 m long. The water supply is an Inca built irrigation canal, filled with stones of about 800 meters.
Huchuy Qosqo was probably established as a royal estate by the Inca Emperor Viracocha around 1420 CE
The Spanish took control of Kakya Qawani in the year 1500, after the Inca Manco Revolution (approx. 1540) and the site is used as a farm. Villagers built several small reservoirs for irrigation. During their time in Huchuy Quosqo, the Spaniards demolished some other Inca structures to build the largest reservoir seen today.
Below the main site of Huch’uy Qusqu is the recently restored storehouse for meat and crops such as corn, potatoes, quinoa and dried beans. In this two-story structure, you can see the historic refrigeration storage system known as ‘conjeras’.
The settlement in the archeological ruin in Huchuy Qusqo dates back to between 1000 and 1400 CE. In the early 1400s, according to the Spanish chronicler Pedro Cieza de León, it became a real property of the semi-mythical Viracocha (c. 1410-1438), the eighth Inca ruler.
The Inca Empire did not impose the income or production of its citizens as a common practice, but rather controlled the land and labor. Thus, the Inca leaders acquired great real properties to increase their power and wealth and that of their descendants who inherited the properties. The royal properties also served as elegant rural palaces and sometimes fortresses to defend themselves against their rivals for power. Thus, the name Huchuy Qosqo, "Little Cusco", for a real property or government center modeled in the Inca capital.
To build, operate and maintain their assets, Viracocha and its descendants required a large number of workers. The citizens of the Inca empire were obliged, under the mit’a system, to contribute labor to the Empire, instead of paying taxes on their wealth or production. Mit'a impressed labor was probably found among nearby ethnic groups, although specialists and artisans could be imported.
Another Inca policy, that of mitma, was probably used to collect labor for the royal heritage. The mitmaqkuna were entire families or ethnic groups that moved to new lands in the empire or settled in enclaves among the first inhabitants of an area. The purpose was to widely distribute the different ethnic groups, thus separating potential troublemakers and reducing the possibility of organized resistance to the Incas. The mitmaqkuna were discouraged from mixing with local ethnic groups. A third source of work for the farm was the Yanakunas, the permanent servants of the Incas. The Yanakuna often reached high positions in the Empire, and as the mitma were ruled directly by the Incas. Still a fourth source of work for the royal states was aqllakuna, abducted women who lived together and produced textiles, an important source of Inca wealth, and chicha, the fermented drink consumed at parties. The Allakuna used to marry men honored for their service to the Empire.
These four sources provided the work and experience for the management of a real estate that could control thousands of acres of agricultural and grazing land, mines, textile factories and other resources and employ thousands of people. The sixteenth-century Spanish sources identify more than 40 ethnic groups found in an area of the Sacred Valley, an indication of the degree of resettlement and disruption of the population undertaken by the Incas during their reign.
Among a large number of buildings, some of stone, some of adobe, are a Kallanka (large hall), 40 m long. The water supply to the site is an irrigation canal built by the Incas, lined with stones for about 800 m.
Inca wall and agricultural terrace (anden). The Spanish took control of Huchuy Qosqo in the 1500s, after the Inca Revolution of Manco (approximately 1540) and used the site as a farm. The Incas had built several small reservoirs for irrigation. During their stay in Huchuy Qosqo, the Spanish demolished some other Inca structures to build the largest reservoir seen today.
Below the main site of Huchuy Qosqo are the recently restored qolqas stores for dried meats and crops such as corn, potatoes, quinoa and beans. In this two-story structure, you can see the historic refrigeration storage system known as "shells."
INFORMATION OF HUCHUY QOSQO TREK
This site is inaccessible by a public road and can only be accessed by a physically strenuous walk or on horseback. The two main access points on foot are from Lamay: 3 hours to a series of sharp curves, or from Tauca, Peru, about 4 to 6 hours on foot. The first third of the walk steadily increases up to a step at 4400 m, then mostly Descent, and visiting other ruins. The 2-day route from Tauca to Lamay is described in "Exploring Cusco" by Peter Frost. Several tour groups also take two-day walks or horse riding excursions to Huchuy Qosqo.
KNOW MORE -This route starts in Ccorao, where it deviates to Patabamba and then to Quenqo, where the seven-hour hike that ends in Lamay, in the Sacred Valley begins.
-The name of Huchuy Qosqo was put in 1930 by the intellectual from Cusco, José Gabriel Cosio; but the real name is Qacya Qawarina (‘where is the thunder’).
This complex is the most important archaeological center in the Urubamba Valley, after Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The ruins are impressive, although the conservation of the site is inferior to that of Ollantaytambo or Pisac, because they are older.
But unlike the places mentioned above Huchuy Qosqo has a peculiar architecture: the buildings have been built on polished stone bases of fine finish, with clay plaster (they are the best preserved parts) and the highest floors are made of adobe.
There is a kallanka (rectangular enclosure that could measure up to 70 meters long and that were important state centers where Inca officials were staying) of at least 40 to 50 meters long. Also a remarkable building with two stone floors and an adobe upper one. There are also large terraces, a very large square and a large Inca gate through which a very well preserved road leads from Tambomachay.
INFORMATION OF HUCHUY QOSQO TREK
The Hispanic chronicles indicate that Huchuy Qosqo (probably a site known in Inca times as Caquia Jaquijahuana) was the work and favorite place of the Inca Wiracocha. To this, Maria Rostworoski adds, in her work "History of Tahuantinsuyo", that this sovereign strengthened the conquest over the villages of the Urubamba Valley and that he chose as his successor his son Inca Urco who, dizzy from power and vice, He proved to be totally unable to govern. The Inca royalty was very obfuscated with this election and tried to conspire to impose another son of Wiracocha, Prince Cusi Yupanqui. Social unrest and tension increased every day and to make everything worse, the darkest night fell over Cuzco: the Chancas reached the gates of the capital and were willing to destroy it. It is the year of 1438. Wiracocha leaves the city to his fate and, accompanied by his son Inca Urco, takes refuge in its palaces in the Urubamba Valley, among which was Huchuy Qosqo.
After the Hispanic conquest, Gonzalo Pizarro found here the mummy that supposedly belonged to the Inca Wiracocha and ordered it burned. The descendants of the Inca kept the ashes in a jar that many years later the chronicler Polo de Ondegardo would discover.
Huchuy Qosqo, Quechua word meaning "little Cusco", is an archaeological complex that is not within the regular package to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this makes it ideal because it is not crowded like Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
The archeological center of Huchuy Qosqo, is located in the north of the Sacred Valley of the Incas in the immediate vicinity of the province of Calca, district of Cusco. This archaeological complex is one of the most important in the Urubamba valley due to its architectural level, after Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The ruins are impressive, although the conservation of the site is inferior to that of the other two because their constructions are older. The complex includes platforms, courtyards, esplanades, squares, pedestrian path and buildings of different magnitude and quality.
One of the main attractions of Huchuy Qosqo, is a three-story building or levels; The first two are made with finely carved stone and the third level is made of adobe and although it has been lacking a roof for a long time, it is so resistant that it has been standing for more than 500 years.
There are many ways to get there, you can take a taxi from the town of Calca (1 hour from Cusco) to the door of the same complex that is 3550 meters above sea level. The other way is a 5-hour walk from the Laguna de Piray (45 min. From Cusco), where you can enjoy a majestic landscape. This road begins in the town of Cuper, (10min. From the lagoon of Piuray), here the ascent begins until you reach the Abra and from there you follow the Inca trail, which apparently is part of the famous Qapacñay; From here you pass through a beautiful rocky canyon, where you will see the purple, green and red colors of the stones, until you reach the top of the mountain and appreciate the splendor of the Sacred Valley. The road is signposted, but it is always better to ask the muleteers and farmers in the area the exact location of the accesses.
In Huchuy Qosqo you can see an esplanade next to an abyss where you can see Inca constructions, terraces, rooms with up to two floors, canals and everything looks spectacular because they are built on platforms. Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu
The archeological zone of Huchuy Qosqo (Cusco Small), which was known during the Inca period as Qaqyaqawana (which in Spanish means “place from where you see 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 a height 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. HUCHUY QOSQO ROUTE TO MACHU PICCHU INFORMATION:
On a historical level, this site is known as the preferred place of the Inca Wiracocha, which he chose as a place of rest and retreat and, where, according to the myth, he died at an advanced age (80 years old). It is also said that this area was already populated by different ethnicities, before the Inca arrival, so they had to be previously defeated. Another striking story about the area is that the Inca Wiracocha had not come only there, but in the company of his son: Inca Urco, the worst ruler of the Empire, who abandoned their Tahuantinsuyo 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 would have been attributed to the old Inca monarch, although later burned by Francisco Pizarro's brother.
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 snowy Pitusiray along with the town of Calca.
Regarding the architectural remains that have still been preserved on the site, we can say of them that there are at least 2 buildings, in addition to the presence of platforms and cliffs. Among the buildings, built on the basis of 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 the construction materials, since the two lower levels are made of carved stone, while the last one preserves adobe-based structure. The second building, also without a name, is a rectangular-based construction, made with adobones, which is believed to have had the purpose of being a space for the labor learning of the women of the Empire. There are also vestiges of remains of smaller enclosures that are almost destroyed due to natural events, including rains and vegetation in the area.
To get to the place the exact location of Huchuy Qosqo is necessary to make a walk, due to the narrow road, it lasts 3 hours from Lamay; on the other hand you can also go from Chinchero, using half a day of pilgrimage; and if you want to make a trip to the site, of longer duration, in which camping is required, you can take the route from the City of Cusco, since this route takes the entire day. The entrance to the site is totally free, although it is recommended that the tourist be done in the company of guides or in groups; Another recommendation is that this tour be carried out in the dry weather period, between the months of April and October, to avoid the slippery area due to the rains.
