Huchuy Qosqo Trek in Peru
The Huchuy Qosqo trek in Peru leads to a lesser-visited Inca archaeological site north of Cusco, perched at 3,600 metres above sea level. There is no public transport to the ruins, so you reach them on foot or on horseback, usually from Lamay (about 3 hours) or Tauca (4–6 hours).
In Quechua, the native language, Huchuy Qosqo means “Little Cusco” or “Small Cusco”. The site only received this name in the 20th century; before that it was known as Kakya Qawani.
History of Huchuy Qosqo
During Inca rule, Huchuy Qosqo was an administrative and military centre, and many thought-provoking constructions survive in its vicinity.
The Spanish chronicler Pedro de Cieza de León, in his Second Chronicle of Peru, claimed that the palaces were built by Viracocha, the eighth Inca emperor. Inca emperors did not tax income; instead they controlled labour and land.
This allowed them to build up royal estates that added to the wealth and power of the successors who inherited them. These estates served as elegant country palaces but were mostly used as fortresses to keep rivals at bay. Hence the name Huchuy Qosqo, “Small Qosqo”, for a royal estate or government centre modelled on the Inca capital.
Viracocha, Pachacuti and the Chanka Revolt
Later in his reign, Viracocha took refuge here when he faced a revolt by the Chancas. He handed the defence of Cusco to his son Pachacuti, who crushed the revolt, dethroned his father and took over the empire. Pachacuti was the Sapa Inca from 1438 to 1471.
Huchuy Qosqo expanded rapidly under Pachacuti, with much construction taking place between 1420 and 1530. The expansion came to an end when the Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Pizarro plundered Huchuy Qosqo and burned the mummy of Viracocha.
Huchuy Qosqo Today
After the Spanish conquest, Huchuy Qosqo was turned into a farm. The Spanish demolished many Inca structures, such as small reservoirs, and built larger ones that survive to this day.
Among the many buildings, some of stone and some of adobe, is a kallanka (great hall) 40 metres long. Just below the main site are the recently restored storehouses, known in Quechua as qullqas.
These storehouses held dried meat and crops such as quinoa, corn, beans and potatoes. In this two-storey complex you can also see the impressive cold storage system known as “conjeras”.
How to Do the Huchuy Qosqo Trek
Reaching Huchuy Qosqo is an arduous journey. The Inca site is not accessible by public transport, so your options are to hike or go on horseback. There are two main access points:
- From Lamay: about 3 hours
- From Tauca: 4–6 hours
The Route from Lamay
The hike from the town of Lamay climbs to a pass at 4,400 metres above sea level, then heads downhill, passing a few more ruins along the way. From Lamay, Huchuy Qosqo can also be reached via a dirt road that winds up a series of switchbacks to a viewpoint over the site.
From this viewpoint the ruins are about 150 metres away, and this stretch of road passes a few houses lived in by local farmers.
Guided Huchuy Qosqo Tours
Although you can do the trek on your own, it is worth hiring a guide. Many operators in Cusco offer Huchuy Qosqo tours, and some even run a three-day hike from Cusco to Huchuy Qosqo and onward to Machu Picchu.
Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu itinerary
Huchuy Qosqo Entrance Fees
| Visitor | Entrance fee |
|---|---|
| Foreigners | 22 Peruvian soles (7 USD) |
| Foreigners with an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) | 10 Peruvian soles (3 USD) |
| Peruvians and residents | Free with national ID (DNI) or resident’s card (Carnet de Extranjería) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Huchuy Qosqo mean?
It means “Little Cusco” or “Small Cusco” in Quechua. The site was previously known as Kakya Qawani.
How long is the Huchuy Qosqo trek?
From Lamay it takes about 3 hours, crossing a 4,400-metre pass; from Tauca it takes 4–6 hours.
Can I get to Huchuy Qosqo by public transport?
No. You have to hike or go on horseback, although a dirt road from Lamay reaches a viewpoint about 150 metres from the ruins.
How much does it cost to enter Huchuy Qosqo?
Foreigners pay 22 soles (7 USD), or 10 soles (3 USD) with an ISIC card. Peruvians and residents enter free with their ID.
Conclusion
The Huchuy Qosqo trek in Peru combines a demanding high-altitude hike with a rich slice of Inca history, away from the crowds of the better-known sites. Go independently from Lamay or Tauca, or join a guided tour from Cusco that continues on to Machu Picchu.
