November 12, 2025
The town of Calca
One of the main towns in the Sacred Valley of the Incas is Calca, a beautiful place with many tourist attractions. It is a part of the valley where you can see wide natural fields, archaeological sites, cultural spots, and relaxing areas. It’s an essential stop on your trip through Cusco — discover more details about Calca and add it to your itinerary.
Content
- What will I find in Calca?
- Where is Calca?
- What are the best activities to do in Calca?
- Tips for visiting the town of Calca
- Frequently Asked Questions
What will I find in Calca?
When visiting Calca, you’ll find a large town with an ideal climate to rest during your trip or to spend your first days acclimatizing. Thanks to its geography, it has fertile valleys surrounded by mountains, and throughout its extension, you’ll see the Urubamba River.
Here you can enjoy a peaceful walk through historic streets and colonial buildings, immerse yourself in its hot springs, or explore little-known archaeological sites while enjoying the serenity and beauty of its landscapes.
Where is Calca?
Calca is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and is the capital of the district of the same name. It was also known as Villa Zamora during colonial times. The approximate distance from Cusco is 50 kilometers, which can be covered in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Calca sits at an altitude of 2,926 meters (9,600 feet) above sea level, giving it a warm atmosphere — perfect for relaxing or spending your first days in Cusco acclimatizing.
What are the best activities to do in Calca?
Thanks to Calca’s geographic diversity, you’ll find a wide range of activities that let you discover more about this magical place. Explore the main options and embark on an adventure through one of the most diverse territories in the Sacred Valley.
Inkariy Museum
The experiential Inkariy Museum takes us on a journey through nine exhibition halls where we can learn more about ancient cultures spanning 5,000 years of history, featuring images, replicas of pottery, infographics, models, and dioramas (models representing scenes).
The cultures featured in the Inkariy Museum are Caral, Chavín, Paracas, Moche, Nazca, Wari, Lambayeque, Chimú, and Inca — nine civilizations, each in its own room, where visitors discover more details about them in chronological order. Another great attraction of this museum is the impressive sculpture of the god Wiracocha that welcomes visitors upon arrival.
To get to the Inkariy Museum from Calca, you’ll need to travel about 5 kilometers by vehicle, a trip that takes approximately 10 minutes.
Ankasmarka
One of the most impressive archaeological sites you can visit in Calca is Ankasmarka. It is located atop a hill and features approximately 600 circular constructions and structures (colcas), each serving as a dwelling or food and goods storage space.
The surrounding landscape is framed by mountains and valley fields, making the visit even more spectacular. During our tour of Ankasmarka, we’ll learn about the remarkable ingenuity of the Inca culture, see remnants of ancient Inca trails, and enjoy stunning natural scenery. The trip from Calca takes around 30 minutes, covering about 20 kilometers.
Huchuy Qosqo
Huchuy Qosqo is an impressive archaeological site located on a mountain, from which you can enjoy some of the best views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. As you explore, you’ll see numerous Inca-era buildings and dwellings, as well as agricultural terraces, irrigation channels, and water fountains that add a magical touch to the site.
To reach Huchuy Qosqo, there are two stages: first, a 15-minute car ride, followed by a steady uphill hike lasting nearly 3 hours. It’s an adventure that reveals lesser-known corners of this incredible region.
One of Huchuy Qosqo’s charms is the opportunity to camp there, where you can admire starry skies and surrounding mountains that offer one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the Cusco region.
Machacancha Hot Springs
To take a break during your journey through the Sacred Valley, you can stop by the Machacancha hot springs. This spot is located just 16 minutes from the center of Calca, about 8 kilometers away.
These thermal-medicinal waters have therapeutic properties — or at the very least, they offer a moment of relaxation and calm to reflect on your travel experiences.
Urqo Archaeological Site
The Urqo archaeological site dates back to the Inca period. It is located on the slopes of Mount Qanqan, about 15 minutes from Calca, roughly 6 kilometers away. During the visit, you can see a large tower and a huaca (sacred place) known as Wiracocha Urqo.
You’ll also find an esplanade filled with stone enclosures, channels, niches, and agricultural terraces. It is believed that Urqo served a ceremonial purpose of spiritual and cultural importance, as elements have been found suggesting ritualistic and religious functions.
Calispuquio Archaeological Site
The Calispuquio archaeological site is located 4.5 kilometers from the center of Calca. The drive takes about 10 minutes, making it an ideal destination to learn more about Inca architecture.
The complex is divided into three sectors. The first features nine stone enclosures and several courtyards. The second sector has two rectangular structures on a wide terrace, while the third sector consists of large agricultural terraces. Throughout the visit, you’ll enjoy impressive landscapes, as the site is located at a high altitude surrounded by green fields.
Tips for visiting the town of Calca
If you’re planning to visit the town of Calca during your Sacred Valley trip, here are some tips and recommendations to help you have a better and more immersive travel experience. Discover them below:
- The town of Calca is located at an altitude of 2,926 meters (9,600 feet) above sea level, giving it an ideal climate for spending your first few days in Cusco and avoiding altitude sickness.
- Walking around Calca is a great plan — its streets and main squares are perfect for spending the day and enjoying a calm atmosphere.
- Remember to bring water and snacks for any of your routes around Calca and the Sacred Valley. In most places you visit, you’ll find perfect spots to rest and relax.
- Camping atop Huchuy Qosqo is one of the best experiences in the Sacred Valley — you just need to complete the hike to enjoy it.
- In Calca, you’ll find plenty of cultural activities to do during the day — it’s a tourist-friendly town where there’s always something to explore.
- If you visit Calca during the dry season (April to October), you’ll enjoy clear and sunny weather, ideal for any adventure.
- During the rainy season (November to March), Calca experiences more frequent showers, but the landscapes become greener and more vibrant.
- In Calca, you can also enjoy adventure sports such as kayaking on the Urubamba River, mountain biking, and various hiking routes.
- The classic Sacred Valley tours usually don’t include the town of Calca, so you’ll need to visit it independently. Remember, it’s just over an hour away from Cusco.
- Remember that you can plan your Sacred Valley tour according to your preferences — consult with our travel advisors to discover all your options for visiting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get to Calca from Cusco?
You can reach Calca by public or private transportation from the city of Cusco. The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, covering about 50 kilometers along the route to Pisac.
2. What services can I find in the town of Calca?
In Calca, you’ll find lodging, restaurants, local shops, markets, pharmacies, and transportation options. It’s a town with moderate tourist infrastructure, ideal for travelers seeking tranquility.
3. Is it necessary to book a tour to visit Calca?
No, it’s not required. Unlike other Sacred Valley destinations, Calca is not usually included in classic tours, so many visitors explore it independently with greater flexibility.
4. Are there hikes or outdoor activities in Calca?
Yes, there are plenty of outdoor activities such as hikes to Huchuy Qosqo, archaeological visits to Ankasmarka or Urqo, relaxing at the Machacancha hot springs, and adventure sports like mountain biking and kayaking on the Urubamba River.
5. Is it safe to camp at Huchuy Qosqo?
Yes, camping at Huchuy Qosqo is a great way to enjoy the scenery and starry skies. It’s recommended to go well-prepared, bring warm clothing, and respect the natural and cultural environment.
6. What is the altitude of Calca?
Calca is located at 2,926 meters (9,600 feet) above sea level, making it a great place to acclimatize before visiting higher-altitude destinations such as Cusco or Machu Picchu.
7. What tourist attractions can I find in Calca?
The main attractions include the Inkariy Museum, the archaeological sites of Ankasmarka, Huchuy Qosqo, Urqo, and Calispuquio, as well as the Machacancha hot springs.
8. Where is the Inkariy Museum located?
The Inkariy Museum is located about 5 kilometers from downtown Calca and can be reached by private car or taxi in approximately 10 minutes.
9. Can I visit Ankasmarka on my own?
Yes, Ankasmarka can be visited independently. The site is well-marked, and entry is free.
10. What are the opening hours of the Machacancha hot springs?
The Machacancha hot springs are usually open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.