Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Site


Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Site

Huchuy Qosqo was a town located at more than 3,550 m.s. on a small plateau at the top of a mountain. From here you can take beautiful views of the other side of the valley, it is possible to appreciate snow-capped mountains of exuberant beauty such as the snow-capped Pitusiray and at the bottom of this privileged view, the town of Calca.

It is known by the chroniclers that it was the Inca Wiracocha who ordered the construction of the city of Huchuy Qosqo; it is said that in his old age, he felt tired and wished to leave the government and move away from the movement of the capital of the empire of Cusco and seek peace and tranquility in this place.

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 Archaeological Site 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.

 

What does Huchuy Qosqo mean?

 Huchuy Qosqo means "Little Cusco", but it also has other names; one would be Qaqyaxaqixawana and another 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 spectacle of lights and sound.

 

Description:

 The structures of the enclosure are distributed in such a way that they resemble it architecturally to 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).

A kallanka (rectangular enclosure that could measure up to 70 meters long and which were important state centers where Inca officials were staying) was observed, at least 40 to 50 meters long. 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.

One of the most outstanding features of this archaeological site is the use of lithic material combined with adobe and mud.

 

Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Site

 Next we describe the enclosures that you will find in Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Site; at the moment you do not need a Huchuy Qosqo Entrance Fee, or pay to enter Huchuy Qosqo.

A structure of three levels, the first two in the form of regular polyhedrons, and the last floor made of adobe. The enclosure is of rectangular shape and of enormous architectural invoice.

A long building of rectangular plant made of adobones on an eminent platform, this building counts on a great quantity of doors oriented towards the valley.

You will find many other small enclosures scattered, most are in poor condition. Very close to these ruins, you will find an Inca road oriented to the Cusco Inca road oriented to Cusco. Also some small loose enclosures as outposts and surveillance located at the edge of the precipice, in order to have the greatest possible field of view of the valley.

 

Huchuy Qosqo without Guide

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 by climbing from the Sacred Valley after crossing the river Wilcamayo (today Vilcanota).

The safest way to get to Huchuy Qosqo without guide is from the city of Calca, leaving through the Minasmoqo sector, continues on horseback through a plain to the base of the mountain. From here, you can follow the foot of the hill until you reach the monument and also through Lamay, there are several routes.

The route of Huchuyqosqo is very nice, since it is a short route where you can visit the Andean communities, archaeological centers and landscape beauties.

 

Huchuy Qosqo Entrance Fee

Free access, it is not necessary to buy a Huchuy Qosqo Entrance Fee. Open all year long

 

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