Huchuy Qosqo is little known among the average traveler to Peru and Machu Picchu. Sometimes the name crops up in association with trekking and the Inca Trail, and is often mentioned as an alternative to the former, more famous trek. However, this small archaeological site is nowhere on the scale of Machu Picchu and involves only 1 full day of trekking. Rather than being an alternative to the Inca Trail, Huchuy Qosqo should be viewed as a supplement or as an easier trek to take if the difficulty of the Inca Trail is not appealing or otherwise impeding.
In Quechua, Huchuy Qosqo means "little Cusco," but this name has recent origins and the site was previously known as Kakya Qawanu. It is located at an elevation of 11,800 feet (3,600 meters) above sea level. The site provides excellent views of the Sacred Valley, the Vilcanota River, and the surrounding mountain range and marks the change in landscape between puna(or high altitude savannah) and the fertile Andean terraces on the river valley.
The archaeological site includes and extensive set of adobe and stone buildings, or what remains of them. Perhaps the most significant aspect of the site is a 131-foot (40-meter) long kallanka (or great hall), characterized by very fine stonework and which is thought to have served as a ceremonial center. The inclusion of adobe is unusual; the other notable example is in Raqchi (also known as the Temple of Wiracocha). Both were identifiably constructed during the late stages of the Inca Empire after 1450, had long rectangular forms and had pitched roofs covered in straw. Located on a plateau and surrounded by Inca terracing, the complex was also served by an irrigation channel.
Access:
Huchuy cannot be reached by road. There are two ways to access the site via trail. The first is via the small town of Lamay, located almost 2,000 feet (600 meters) below the site. A series of switchbacks leads up to Huchuy Qosqo.
The second access is a longer trek from Tauca (or Tauqaq), located at 12,600 feet (3,840 meters) above sea level and approximately 1.5 hours or 100 miles (60 km) from Cusco. This small town is located on the edge of Piuray Lagoon, where a trail leads northeast to a 14,450 foot (4,400 meter) pass and offers astounding views of the snow-capped peaks of Ausangate (6,384 m), Veronica (5,682 m), Pitusiray (5,050 m), and Sahuasiray (5,770 m).
Reaching the site can be done independently, though having a guide that knows the terrain is highly recommended. Treks usually start from Tauca. Two-day treks make camp just before reaching the site, whereas one-day treks continue on. Organized tours include a guide, cooks, and horses for carrying gear, including tents and sleeping bags.
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