Peculiar Urqo Ruins Near Calca Peru in the Sacred Valley

This is a map and basic overview on how to walk and discover the peculiar and little known Urqo Ruins near Calca in Peru’s Sacred Valley. The Urqo ruins are also known as the Urco Archaeological Park. This sacred site is only a short walk from the transportation hub village of Calca. The trail to the Urqo ruins can be completed as an out and back trail from the Inkariy Museum, which is located a short 15 minute walk on outskirts of town. This flat and easy trail is more of a casual stroll than a hike.

• Out & Back Trail or Loop Trail
• The Urqo Ruins are only 3/4 miles from the Inkariy Museum (easy and flat 15 minute walk)
• Loop Trail Option: 2.25 miles
• This is a super simple walking path on a mostly flat gravel road.

⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail

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Where are the Urqo Ruins?

_{The Entrance to the Urqo Archaeological Park}

The Urqo ruins are near Calca, in Peru’s Sacred Valley. It’s easy to reach Calca from Cusco or any village in the Sacred Valley. The nearby village of Urubamba makes an ideal base for those travelers exploring all that the valley has to offer.

Cusco to Calca Collectivos | Collectivo to Urubamba | Transfer in Urubamba to Calca | Exit Before Calca at the Inkairy Museum

From Urubamba | Collectivo to Calca | Exit Before Calca at the Inkairy Museum

If you’re already in Calca, just take the 15 walk the closest trailhead. The trail is clearly marked with a black and white archaeological park sign. Alternatively, take a moto to the Urqo Ruins from the village.

Travel Planning | The Ultimate Cusco & Sacred Valley Itinerary in One Week

Why Visit the Urqo Ruins Near Calca

The Urqo Ruins near Calca are an interesting, yet quick detour. What makes this place so peculiar is the unusual carvings found on one of the rocks. Although some say this “figure” may be the head of a snake or a puma, it appears more alien to me. What do you think? Indeed, it’s uncertain what Urqo was officially used for, but it is apparent that it had strong ties with water. It appears that the figure’s head has a water canal running through its eyes.

The Urqo ruins near Calca are an extremely sacred site that is rarely frequented by tourists. This short detour can be done in less than an hour and is worthwhile!

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Free Inca Ruins in Cusco & Sacred Valley

Want to discover more “off the beaten path” Inca sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley? Try out these worthwhile hikes.

• Cusco Self-Guided Hiking Tour | 8+ Free Inca Sites in Cusco
• Puma Orqo & Makallacta | The Birthplace of the Incas
• Ñaupa Iglesia | Pachar
• Perolniyoc Waterfall & Raqaypata Archaeological Site | Pachar
• Inti Punku, the Sun Gate | Ollantaytambo
• Saywa | Urubamba
• Ankasmarka | Between Calca & Lares

➯ Detailed Peru Travel Guide | 35+ Inca Sites in Peru You Need to Visit

Nearby Hidden Gem Inca Sites for a Small Fee

These two sites are found in the Sacred Valley and can be visited for a small entrance fee. Some days, the gatekeepers don’t charge.

Huchuy Qosqo | s/20 ($5.50 USD) | Lamay | Sacred Valley

Pumamarca | s/10 ($2.75 USD) | Ollantaytambo | Sacred Valley

Of course, don’t leave Cusco without utilizing the Boleto Turístico Cusco, or Cusco Tourist Ticket. This ticket highlights sprawling and impressive Archaeological Parks, museums, and other points of interest in Cusco and the incredible Sacred Valley. From Calca, head to Lares village, or take a lovely one day trek in Lares Valley.

In the Sacred Valley, the four Inca sites of the Cusco Tourist Ticket are found in the villages of Pisac, Maras (Moray Ruins), Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo. These four are some of the most impressive sites on the entire ticket. Still, don’t miss Cusco’s South Valley, and the lovely sites of Tipon and Pikillacta. There are also four parks worth a gander in the Imperial City of Cusco itself.

No, Tour, No Problem?! Visit ALL 16 Sites on the Cusco Tourist Ticket Without a Tour

Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, be mindful of constantly changing trail conditions, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.