# Trekking to Huchuy Qosqo: An Overlooked Marvel in the Sacred Valley
## Overview
Peru boasts stunning scenery, a rich heritage, and iconic trekking paths. While many tourists are drawn to the famous Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek en route to Machu Picchu, numerous less-frequented hikes provide breathtaking views and a profound link to the region’s past. One such overlooked marvel is the trek to **Huchuy Qosqo**, an ancient Incan archaeological site perched high above the Sacred Valley.
This all-day hike presents a unique experience, guiding trekkers through isolated villages, rugged mountain vistas, and ancient Incan ruins. If you’re seeking a journey that melds history, culture, and natural beauty, this trek is the perfect choice.
—
## The Adventure Starts: From Taucca to the High Andes
The hike to Huchuy Qosqo begins in the quaint village of **Taucca**, approximately an hour’s drive from Cusco. Situated at an elevation of over **12,000 feet (3,660 meters)**, the trek kicks off with a steep incline, immediately challenging your stamina. Even those well-acclimated to Cusco’s altitude may find the thin air makes the ascent demanding.
As you climb, the scenery shifts to a vast, dry landscape reminiscent of the high-altitude plains found in Wyoming or New Zealand’s Tongariro region. The stark beauty of the Andes unfolds around you, with rugged peaks soaring above and small villages sprinkled throughout the valley below.
Along the route, you’ll encounter a **hydroelectric dam** that powers the area. Your guide will likely highlight the agricultural fields where local farmers cultivate potatoes and other crops, continuing a practice that dates back to the Inca era.
—
## A Peek into Andean Rural Life
As the path levels out, you’ll have a chance to rest and admire the stunning vistas. This section of the trek provides a unique insight into rural Andean life. You might see locals dressed in traditional Quechua attire, guiding goats or caring for their crops.
One of the most intriguing stops along the journey is a **largely deserted village**, where mud-brick homes and thatched roofs have slowly disintegrated over the years. Many younger individuals from these villages have moved to urban areas like Cusco seeking better prospects, leaving behind ghostly reminders of the past.
At the village’s edge, you’ll find an **ancient Incan guardhouse**, a testament to the empire’s once-flourishing presence in the area. This is an ideal place to take a break for lunch, enjoying the serene surroundings and possibly spotting a few grazing llamas or alpacas.
—
## Stepping into History: The Last Leg to Huchuy Qosqo
Following lunch, the trail proceeds through an **ancient Incan doorway**, indicating the shift from the high plains into a verdant canyon. This section of the hike is especially picturesque, with a small river meandering through the valley and remnants of Incan terraces clinging to the mountainsides.
Your guide will elaborate on how the Incas were brilliant engineers, creating intricate irrigation systems and agricultural terraces to support their communities. These terraces, still discernible today, once fed the inhabitants of Huchuy Qosqo and the nearby villages.
As you progress, the canyon suddenly opens up to present a stunning view of the **Sacred Valley** far below. The realization that you are still thousands of feet above the valley floor is both thrilling and humbling.
—
## Discovering Huchuy Qosqo: A Neglected Incan Settlement
The final leg of the hike brings you to **Huchuy Qosqo**, translating to “Little Cusco” in Quechua. This less-frequented archaeological site is thought to have been the haven of **Inca ruler Viracocha**, who sought refuge here after being dethroned by his son, Pachacuti.
In contrast to the grand stone structures of Machu Picchu, Huchuy Qosqo boasts **mud-covered stone walls**, a design that predates Pachacuti’s era. Following the Spanish conquest, the site was mainly abandoned, with many structures damaged in 1534.
Despite its historical importance, Huchuy Qosqo remains relatively undiscovered by visitors. On most days, you’ll encounter only a few fellow explorers, allowing you to wander the ruins in tranquility while relishing the spectacular views of the Sacred Valley.
—
## The Descent: A Challenging Conclusion
After exploring the ruins, the hike wraps up with a **steep descent** down a series of switchbacks to the valley floor. This final trek can be taxing on the knees, so trekking poles are strongly advised.
At the bottom, a driver will be there to take you back to Cusco, providing you with a chance to reflect on your day’s adventure.