The hike to the Urco huacas and terraces is a peaceful and uncrowded experience in the Sacred Valley, ideal for connecting with the agricultural landscape and the ancestral memory of Calca. The route traverses ancient terraces, farm fields, and traditional paths, offering open views of the Vilcanota River and the Apus (sacred mountain spirits) of the valley.
In the Urco sector, you will find archaeological remains associated with the Inka period, including terraces and a ceremonial stone carved in the shape of a toad, which is linked to ancient agricultural observations and rituals related to water and rain. The hike allows visitors to appreciate how the territory still preserves a living relationship between agriculture, the mountains, and Andean tradition.
The tour can conclude at the renowned Inkariy Museum, a cultural space located in Calca that introduces the main pre-Hispanic cultures of Peru—from Caral to the Inkas—in an educational and engaging way through immersive rooms, sculptures, and historical recreations. The museum was conceived to showcase the Andean cultural legacy using an accessible and contemporary language.
- Difficulty level: Low
- Altitude: 2,926 meters (9,599 feet)
- Hiking time: 1.5 hours
- Departure time: 8:00 AM
- Return time: 3:00 PM
Itinerary:
From Calca, this hike is an excellent half-day option for those looking to combine nature, archaeological heritage, and the living culture of the Sacred Valley.
We will begin our tour at the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) of Calca and start walking along traditional roads and rural paths surrounded by agricultural fields and open views of the valley. After approximately an hour of hiking, we will reach the Urco terraces, an ancient agricultural space from the Inka period that still preserves part of its structure and connection to the local ceremonial landscape.
We will continue our journey toward the Unu Urco huaca, an archaeological and ceremonial site linked to water and ancient Andean ritual practices. Along the way, we can appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings and the harmony between the mountains, the river, and the ancient paths of the Sacred Valley.
Finally, we will arrive at the Inkariy Museum, where we will have time to explore its rooms and learn about the main pre-Hispanic cultures of Peru in an interactive way.
After the museum visit, we will return to Cusco via private transportation.
Includes:
- Private transportation (Cusco–Calca / Inkariy Museum–Cusco)
- Offering to Pachamama at the huaca
Does not include:
- Snacks / Light refreshments
- Museum entrance fee