1.- INTRODUCTION TO INKILLTAMBO CUSCO
The archaeological center of Inkilltambo Cusco is located in the city of Cusco and although it is not popularly known it contains an incredible sample of the Inca architecture denoting the great ingenuity and dominion that this culture had over the buildings, one of the main characteristics that highlights Inkilltambo is that the construction if it was elaborated in an organic way to an immense rock that is typical of the place. When you make the experience of one day hike to Inkilltambo you can get to appreciate a total of five elaborate niches throughout the archaeological center in addition to what in the upper area you can also see figures in high relief that resemble anthropomorphic forms besides being completely surrounded by a set of terraces finally elaborated, complex aqueducts and a complete drainage system which allows to understand what was the true importance that had Inkilltambo at its best time also making it clear that this was a multifunctional center.
2.- IT IS WORTH VISITING A NEW DESTINATION
“Something that will really interest you about Inkilltambo is that there is no cost to enter, in fact this is a proposal that was developed to promote the destination to visitors and thus raise its archaeological value.”
The word Inkilltambo Cusco is the combination of Quechua words, Inkill represents the garden or a place where flowers grow and tambo is characterized as a resting place or an inn on the road, resulting in the assumption that Inkilltambo was a very important center of rest where it was characterized by the abundant presence of flowers. According to records left by Spanish chroniclers who arrived in Cusco in the year 1532, Inkilltambo was elaborated during the reign of the Inca Wiracocha and it is estimated that it was during the year 1420, however at this time its elaboration was rough so it is only when the Inca Pachacutec, who was his son ascended to rule and finally gave the required importance even implementing some sectors with a finer finish that were directed for religious use.
3.- ARCHITECTURE IN INKILLTAMBO
As we have already mentioned at the beginning during the initial construction of Inkilltambo Cusco, everything was done in a rustic way, however it was under the government of Inca Pachacutec the moment in which the complete aesthetics of this place changed radically obtaining a much finer style that harmonized better with the native rocks that existed there, allowing the existence of the water fountains that until today can be enjoyed when you make the experience of one day hike to Inkilltambo.
Its main purpose as a huaca or sacred place was the worship of the element of water and for this the construction of the five niches that can also be appreciated during your visit to Inkilltambo Cusco, in addition to the multiple water channels that were intended to supply all the terraces that are around the huge stones, today you can only appreciate the base of the main buildings in addition to paths and stairs made entirely of stone, also highlights the main temple that is finally carved.
It was only between 2015 and 2016 the time when the ministry of culture finally carried out a restoration project to finally be able to finally recover in a proper way and at the same time preserve everything that was covered by earth, during this project fortunately came to recover trails for agricultural purposes, irrigation canals, retaining walls, stairs, Inca trails in addition to other structures that were still intact.
4.- HOW TO GET INKILLTAMBO
This is the main question that many travelers ask before planning their trip, the reality is that Inkilltambo Cusco is quite close to the city of Cusco itself so it is possible to perform an Inkilltambo Trek activity. But first it is important to get to the checkpoint for this there are two alternatives.
- The first option is to be able to get a transport that allows you to get to the Bombonera sector, here is the checkpoint to access Inkilltambo, since the Inkilltambo Trek experience begins and lasts approximately 20 minutes for each section.
- The second alternative is to coordinate your visit to Inkilltambo properly with your travel agency. This option is more complete because you can enjoy your visit in the company of a professional guide who step by step will give you important and historical information about Inkilltambo.
| “If you don’t climb the mountain, you will never enjoy the scenery..” |
This visit is a different way to appreciate what the city of Cusco contains, the trail not only allows you to get to Inkilltambo Cusco but also to another popular archaeological center that is nearby and is called Huayna Choquequirao. For those who are nature lovers but at the same time want to discover a new place without a doubt is this option to visit Inkilltambo will be ideal, some of the main things you can appreciate during the experience are:
- Ceremonial paintings
- Stone stairs
- Ceremonial courtyards
- Tunnels carved in the huaca
- Water channels for agricultural distribution
- Set of terraces
- Main Huaca
- Inca trails and roads.
- A crystalline river
5.- WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT INKILLTAMBO
The availability of Inkilltambo Cusco is throughout the year, however having the alternative of Inkilltambo Trek is best to consider the dry season to enjoy the experience, that season occurs between the months of May to October and is when the weather is much more stable for outdoor activities in addition to what the likelihood of a sudden change is almost zero. This is also the favorite season for many travelers to visit other destinations near Cusco so we recommend you to coordinate your trip properly.
Now you know that there are more destinations that you can enjoy during your stay in the city of Cusco, Inkilltambo is waiting for you. Auri Peru designs different experiences so that travelers looking to immerse themselves in the culture and history can do so in a more vivid way. Contact us now and we can make the trip of your dreams come true.
“Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures.”
