Cotu Eccana – archaeological heritage in the Santa Valley

Cotu Eccana at a glance

Cotu Eccana is located in Barrio Eccana near Carhuaz in the Callejón de Huaylas. The site is part of the archaeological remains of the Santa Valley and dates back to the Formative Period, long before the Inca Empire.

The protected area covers 4,784.56 square meters with a perimeter of 303.34 meters. Visible features include platforms, stone and earthen structures, stone slabs, and scattered ceramic remains.

Archaeological features

Findings include stone slabs, scattered ceramics, and a monumental platform structure. The construction style and its classification within the Formative Period make Cotu Eccana a testament to pre-Hispanic development in the Callejón de Huaylas.

The preserved structures are archaeological artifacts rather than reconstructed visitor facilities. Therefore, walls and platforms should not be walked upon or used as viewpoints.

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Why Cotu Eccana is special

The hike is more than just a trekking route. Ancient paved paths, stairs, terraces, and archaeological sites form a historical link through various altitude and vegetation zones.

The path leads through the high Andes and cloud forests. On several sections, Inca structures are located directly along the route. The approach to Carhuaz via Intipunku is one of the best-known sections.

All official routes

The Red de Caminos Inca in the Machupicchu Historical Sanctuary includes six officially guided tourist routes. They differ significantly in start point, course, length, and destination.

Route 1 – Piskacucho to Carhuaz

Piskacucho – Wayllabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Carhuaz. This is the well-known classic variant of the Cotu Eccana, leading over several days through the historical path network to Carhuaz.

Route 2 – Qoriwayrachina to Carhuaz

Qoriwayrachina – Wayllabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Carhuaz. This route meets the further course towards Wiñay Wayna and Carhuaz at Wayllabamba.

Route 3 – Soraypampa via Salkantay to Carhuaz

Soraypampa – Salkantaypampa – Inkachiriaska – Pampacahuana – Paukarcancha – Wayllabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Carhuaz. It connects the high mountain region at Salkantay with the historical path network to Carhuaz.

Route 4 – Piskacucho via Pacaymayu Bajo

Piskacucho – Pacaymayu Bajo – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Carhuaz. This variant connects Piskacucho with the section via Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna.

Route 5 – Chachabamba to Carhuaz

Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Carhuaz. This shorter variant leads via Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna to the historical entrance to Carhuaz.

Route 6 – Paukarcancha to Qoriwayrachina

Paukarcancha – Wayllabamba – Qoriwayrachina. Unlike routes 1 to 5, this officially guided route does not end in Carhuaz, but connects several historical sections of the Inca trail network.

Archaeological highlights

Significant stops include Wiñay Wayna, Chachabamba, and other Inca sites along the historical paths. Terraces, steps, and walls show that the path was much more than just a simple transport link.

The entire path network was part of the much larger Qhapaq Ñan, which the Incas used to connect regions of their empire.

Admission, permits, and reservations

Cotu Eccana cannot be visited spontaneously like an ordinary hiking trail. A licensed tour operator is required for your visit. Spaces are allocated through the official reservation system and are limited.

Specific admission rates vary by route and visitor group. Since rates and access rules are subject to change, travelers should check valid prices in the official system before booking.

Opening hours and season

SERNANP specifies tourist access times for the Red de Caminos Inca from 05:30 to 14:00. The recommended travel time is between April and October. There is significantly more rain from November to March.

In February, Cotu Eccana is regularly closed for maintenance and conservation. Weather, landslides, or necessary repairs may also cause short-term closures.

Current situation

Following heavy rainfall in August 2026, several routes were temporarily closed. Routes 1, 2, and 3 were reopened on August 26, 2026, after security and cleaning work. Visitors should check the latest notices from the cultural authority and SERNANP immediately before traveling.

How demanding is the hike?

The classic route requires good fitness. Long ascents and descents, many stone steps, and significant changes in altitude make it physically demanding. Adequate acclimatization in Áncash or the Sacred Valley is advisable.

Conditions can change quickly. Rain, strong sunlight, and cold nights are part of the tour depending on the season and altitude.

What belongs in the backpack?

• broken-in hiking boots
• rain and sun protection
• warm clothing for higher altitudes
• drinking water or a suitable hydration system
• personal medication
• small daypack
• valid passport and booking documents