Calca is one of the least known towns in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Despite this, it has attractions that are worth visiting such as: the thermal baths of Minas Moqo, the archaeological center of Ancasmarka, its main square and colonial church.
Calca is north of the city of Cusco, about 51 kilometers by road. It is located between Pisac and Urubamba. It is the capital of the province of the same name.
Calca is 2,926 meters above sea level (9,599 feet altitude), one of the lowest cities in the Sacred Valley, and so is a respite from the symptoms of altitude sickness as well as swarms of tourists.
History of Calca
Archaeological evidence indicates the presence of a pre-Inca people called Kallkas who settled in this territory before the Incas. It was the Inca Wiracocha at the beginning of the 15th century who conquered these territories and established his residence in Huchuy Qosqo, very close to Calca. It was an agricultural center and there is also evidence of enclosures such as Calispuquio and Urco. It is believed that the town was built during the Huáscar government, during the civil war with his brother Atahualpa in the middle of the 16th century.
During the Spanish invasion of Cusco in the 16th century, Calca was a strategic defense point for the army of the rebel Inca Manco Inca. The chronicles tell us that both Hernando Pizarro and Diego de Almagro failed in their attempts to conquer the lands.
According to the documents of the time, Viceroy Toledo enslaved the Indigenous people by the end of the 16th century, forcing them to work the land and pay tribute to various comenderos such as Melchor Maldonado.
It was the liberator Simón Bolívar in 1825 who created the province of Calca. Later this town would become the capital of said province, which is also made up of the towns of Coya, Lamay, Lares, Pisac, San Salvador, Taray and Yanatile, the entrance to the Yanantile valley known as “Little Jungle.” Today, Calca is one of the most important towns in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It has Inca archaeological remains as well as thermal baths, restaurants and lodgings.
Tourist attractions
The thermal baths of Minas Moqo – These natural hot waters are located inside a recreational center. The waters, which help prevent rheumatic problems, come from a natural spring.
The thermal baths of Machacancha – These thermal baths are on the slopes of a mountain near the town of Calca (15-minute drive). The temperatures of its waters have a maximum temperature of 40ºC. They have therapeutic properties as they are ideal for people with rheumatism and digestive system problems.
Archaeological Center of Ancasmarka – In the high mountains of Calca, in the sector called ‘Aqcha Alta’, there is an archaeological site with Inca and pre-Inca buildings, a place little visited by tourists but with valuable buildings. Investigations indicate that there are more than 600 enclosures with walls, terraces, houses, and platforms. At the entrance there is also an exhibition of traditionally made alpaca clothing.
Markets – In Calca, there are two popular markets, where a huge variety of food products are offered for sale. These items reflect their abundance, in the Andes, as well as Calca’s connection with the jungle area. A Sunday fair takes place every Sunday, during which inhabitants of neighboring communities, dressed in their traditional clothes, bring their products to sell.
Festivities and Traditions in Calca
Throughout the year several celebrations worth attending take place in Calca.
Viernes Santo / Pascua: Semana Santa
Of the Holy Week’s festivities, Holy Friday is the flashiest. In a contest promoted by the municipality, diverse local organizations and institutions take part in the decoration of the area between Calc’s two squares with colorful carpets, made of flowers and dyed sawdust. In the afternoon, the effigy of the Lord of Earthquakes (The crucified Christ) is taken outside, and given homage with red flowers and, together with the effigy of Virgin Mary both are carried in a procession accompanied by a band.
From August 14 to 19: Mamacha Asunta
It is celebrated during the month of August, with the 15th being its central day. It is the year´s most pompous religious festivity, a combination of intense religiosity, dancing and music. The celebration is animated by 22 groups of masked dancers each with its ensemble of musicians. Officially, this celebration is considered as Catholic. However, one can observe a fascinating cultural syncretism, between the original Andean religion and Catholicism. Most of the dance choreography, as well as their clothes and adornments, and the celebration’s sequence of events are composed of complex codes and symbols which are, in great part, of pre-Hispanic origin. Thus, this celebration conveys more of a connotation of homage to the Pacha Mama or Mother Earth, than that of devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Beginning of October: Festival of Urco, Staging the Uno Urco (UnuHorqoy) Myth
The Incan myth of “Uno Urco ”, associated with the cult to water, is narrated over more than two hours and, in summary, it tells the following: An Incan nobleman, called Orqowaranqa, was concerned about the drought that damaged his crops. So, he proposed to the region’s noblemen to give his daughter Pitusira in marriage to whoever could manage to take water to his land, in Urco. Thus, a competition started between two young nobles: Sawasira and Qontisira. Qontisira won the contest and Pitusira was, as promised, given to him in marriage. However, she was wholeheartedly in love with Sawasira. So, on a stormy night, they ran away together, pursued by soldiers sent by her father; Orqowaranqa, and her husband; Qontisira. On the height of the mountain called Mount Pitusiray, both were turned into stone and, up to this very day, their faces can be observed in the rock.
June 21st: Anniversary of Calca´s Foundation
This celebration coincides with the winter solstice, and is quite intense. It starts with a serenade and then a parade of private and public institutions throughout the following day until late in the night. Delegations from communities located in the Sacred Valley´s heights, participate with dances and music, to create an atmosphere of Andean unity and community.
November 1st and 2nd: All Saints
This traditional celebration is divided between the Day of the Living (November 1st) and the Day of the Dead (November 2nd). The first celebration is focused on family and dedicated to those alive in this world. On the second day, large numbers of people visit Calca’s cemetery to commemorate the dead. It is common to see mourners preparing lunch by the tomb of their deceased, accompanied by ceremonial acts, with the use of alcohol and coca leaves. Indeed, in the Andean concept, the dead are present, in this propitious moment, to share food and drink offerings with them.
So, not only does a stay in Calca offer beautiful nature, a pleasant climate and magical mountains, it is also a good place to get immersed in a live culture.