With so many ancient temples and ruins scattered across Cusco, some sites inevitably fade into the background, eclipsed by their more renowned counterparts. Yet, for those with time and curiosity, exploring the city’s overlooked relics can be just as rewarding. One such place is Qochapata, a well-ensconced mound featuring terraces, semi-reconstructed walls, and a grove of towering eucalyptus trees.
By: Omri Westmark
Date: 20:29 16.03.25
Last Update: 20:29 16.03.25
Tucked away in the misty hills overlooking Cusco, Qochapata (or Cochapata) is an Incan archaeological site that seems to have slipped through the cracks of mainstream history. Its name, drawn from the Quechua words for “lake” (qucha) and “elevated place” (pata), hints at its geographical features. Yet today, it remains a quiet, almost forgotten vestige of the city’s glorious past.
Rising true to its Incan name, this elevated site towers over its surroundings, while its slopes are still marked by remnants of ancient terraces. At the base of the mound, a cluster of reconstructed buildings stands, some with modern additions like thatched roofs. In contrast, the rugged hilltop stays bare and serves as a prime vantage point over Cusco’s historic center, its valleys, and the distant Andean peaks, a view well worth the short ascent.
What was this place? A ceremonial site? A strategic lookout? A forgotten stronghold? While much about Qochapata is steeped in mystery, what’s clear is that it offers an unfiltered, undisturbed connection to the past.
Unlike the throngs that swarm nearby ruins, those visiting Qochapata are far more likely to have the entire place to themselves. The site sits near the K’enko Eucalyptus Forest, a verdant expanse of towering trees that perfume the air with their crisp, medicinal scent. A leisurely hike through these woods leads to the ruins, where the naturally weathered edges of ancient terraces and stone foundations peek through the undergrowth.
Though Qochapata is far eclipsed by the city’s more impressive and well-preserved sites, it still offers a quaint stop for those passing through the area.
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
