The Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu is a two-day trek starting from Cusco. If you’re seeking a short and off-the-beaten-track alternative trek to Machu Picchu, then this is the one.
“Huchuy Qosqo” means “Little Cusco” in Quechua. It’s an archaeological complex nestled at an elevation of 3650 meters above sea level. The Huchuy Qosqo Trek will take you to these intriguing historical sites amidst the breathtaking Andean scenery.
The eighth Inca ruler, Viracocha, built Huchuy Qosqo as his royal estate and named it Kakya Qawani. The Incas never imposed taxes on their citizens’ income. Instead, they controlled the land and workforce. This enabled the Incan emperors to amass control over numerous royal estates, which contributed to their power and influence.
Towards the end of Viracocha’s rule, he faced attacks from the Chanchas. To ensure his safety, he sought refuge in Huchuy Qosqo and entrusted the rule of Cusco to his son, Pachacuti. Pachacuti, in turn, resolved the conflict with the Chanchas and dethroned his father.
Under Pachacuti’s rule, Huchuy Qosqo experienced rapid and substantial expansion. However, this prosperity was short-lived. During the Spanish invasion, the entire site was plundered under the leadership of Gonzalo Pizzaro. They even went so far as to burn the mummified remains of Viracocha.
The Spanish conquerors repurposed the site as a farm and demolished many Incan structures to construct a large reservoir. Remnants of this reservoir can still be seen today.
Before reaching Huchuy Qosqo, you’ll pass through recently restored storehouses called Qolqas. The Incas used these to store crops like quinoa and maize. The Qolqas have two levels, and you’ll also see “conjeras,” which were cooling systems used by the Incas.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 in the morning. Afterward, we’ll travel to Chinchero and then on to Tauca. Tauca serves as the starting point of the Huchuy Qosqo trek. From here, we’ll ascend the hill through a spectacular Andean landscape. Along the way, you’ll witness Andean farmlands and camelids such as alpacas and llamas grazing. The ascent will lead us to the pass at an elevation of 4500 meters above sea level. From the pass, you’ll enjoy a captivating view.
Subsequently, we’ll begin our descent for about an hour and a half to Huchuy Qosqo. Here, you’ll receive a guided tour of Huchuy Qosqo, during which you’ll become acquainted with various sites within the archaeological complex.
Following the tour, we’ll pause for lunch before descending to Lamay. In Lamay, we’ll meet our transport, which will take you to the Ollantaytambo train station. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our representative will greet you and guide you to your hotel, where you’ll be accommodated in an ensuite hotel room.
Early in the morning, you’ll board a bus from Aguas Calientes town to reach the Machu Picchu citadel. Our local expert will provide a two-hour guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, offering you a deeper understanding of Inca life and the significance of each area within the renowned citadel. Following the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore the citadel.
Later, you can take a bus back to Aguas Calientes town. You might opt to stop for lunch at a local restaurant (not included). Afterward, you’ll board a train from Aguas Calientes town to Ollantaytambo. Upon arriving at the Ollantaytambo train station, our representative will meet you and arrange your transport back to Cusco.
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