Amazing Huchuy Qosqo

On our final full day in Urubamba "we bused to Lamay and walked up to Huchuy Qosqo, something we had originally ruled out during planning due to 800m ascend at altitude. I barely survived." Says Sun-Ling.

Huchuy Qosqo is an Ican Archaeological Site up on the west side of the Sacred Valley above Calca and Lamay. And "by foot" is just about the only way to get to Huchuy Qosqo; horse back and possibly motorcycle are the others. There are more than several walking routes to reach to Huchuy Qosqo, all tough. We chose to walk up from Lamay. It's an 800 meter elevation gain pretty much straight up as you'll see in the photos.

Not included on the Boleto Turisitco, Huchuy Qosqo admission is 7 soles. Once up top at the site, the views are tremendous across the Sacred Valley and the terraces can be described as more than mesmerizing or the gift that keeps on giving.

Walking to the van depot. Lots of motos.


These ladies (and man) are waiting for transport at the Uruillos bus stop.


We get off the van in Lamay and cross the new bridge with a view of old bridge and some construction.


We make the left turn to head up the path which goes up the cliffs to the left and then wraps into the ravine that goes to the top. The distance on foot is not 10 km; it's a lot less.


Only an hour later we take our 2nd short break. It's very hot in the sun. There is zero shade. The views are fantastic.


A woman goes by on a horse, we never see her again.


Another break less than 30 minutes later. We are suffering.


Then clouds are starting to build = Cooler. Very good. We can see the Lamay bridge way down below.




The steepest section is in the ravine.


After 3 hours we're through the ravine and just below the site. The bridge we crossed is way below. How about those switchbacks?




Woohoo! 3hrs and 20 mins and we've paid our 7 soles admission and are looking for a lunch spot.






Lunch spot view.


The so-called fountain.


Some partially and mostly reconstructed buildings.





Terraces. First, a 20-second video.


Link, click here.







Spot a mesmerized SL at far right.




A bit of light rain. We put on our jackets.


We walked up the Inca Road towards the mirador before heading back down to Lamay. Great views up and down the Sacred Valley.


Looking towards Calca. There is a man plowing with a team of oxen below. We will walk right by him in a few minutes.






Going down through the ravine is much easier than going up. There are some locals ahead of us.