1.- HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The Inca Pachacutec Monument was built within a space and context that seeks to revalue the essence of the Andean culture. The construction of the Inca Pachacutec Monument also symbolizes a tribute to one of the rulers who, according to chronicles written by the Spaniards who arrived during the conquest, was the one who transformed the culture into a vast and powerful empire at the same time. In fact it is mentioned that the figure and presence of Pachacutec was fundamental to consolidate the entire culture, maintaining a legacy that to this day is considered a source of pride for the Andean identity.
For centuries the city of Cusco has witnessed a constant struggle in order to preserve and at the same time maintain the cultural roots against the cultural imposition from other cultures such as colonial and even globalization, is for this reason that the Monument of Inca Pachacutec is also represented as a manifestation of cultural stability allowing to remember the power of the Inca culture and its vision established for the people.
2.- Who was Pachacutec?
Recognized as the ninth ruler of the Inca culture inka Pachacutec was mainly recognized for turning a small town that at that time was known as Cusco into an extensive and vast empire recognized throughout the continent. The original name of this ruler was Inca Yupanqui who expanded the territory of the culture from southern Colombia to the tip of Chile so it is also recognized that his reign established before and after in the history of what was known as the Tahuantinsuyo.
The Inca Pachacutec Monument is also an emblem to remember as the visionary leader who at the same time was a military strategy had a vision of territorial expansion with the method of implementing social, political and even economic reforms by establishing a base system of roads, canals and administrative centers which helped him to facilitate the control of its extensive territory and on the other hand was a pioneer in the innovation of archaeological and religious enclosures so he established the construction of temples, ceremonial centers and enclosures that can be visited to this day.
3.- A vision set in the Inca Pachacutec Monument
Another aspect that is known about the Inca Pachacutec Monument is that its construction was not only a tribute to the Inca ruler but also a representation of the vision he once had of the Andean world. In more than one sense the Monument of Inca Pachacutec seeks to capture the greatness of his name by showing how an Inca ruler could transcend even in time and culture. Within the representations attributed to him, it is evident that there is a direct relationship between the earth and the spiritual world, which directly reflects the Andean beliefs that at the time were linked and directly linked to political, spiritual and even natural aspects.
On the other hand, it is not only intended to remember the warlike and administrative achievements that the Inca Pachacutec had, in fact, it also seeks to integrate all the knowledge that once existed of the Inca culture and also of the villages that were subdued with the passing of time, diversifying traditions under the same emblem, in this way it is understood that the Inca Pachacutec Monument is a symbol of Peruvian pride, besides being a legacy for the native peoples that once integrated the entire Andean culture.
4.- Chronology of the construction of the Inca Pachacutec Monument
The Inca Pachacutec Monument began its construction in 1992 with the intention of paying homage to the leader considered as the reformer of the earth. From the beginning, the construction of the Monument of Inca Pachacutec was promoted by the regional government of Cusco who, through direct collaboration with many cultural and tourist entities, set the objective of highlighting the historical and cultural value that the city of Cusco possesses, having as a strategic location the district of Santiago, thus allowing a panoramic view of the center of the city. This location is also strategic since it is located in a point of access to the city of the course so many tourists who visit every year use it as a reference point to be able to locate the historic center.
During this construction process artists and at the same time local artisans were integrated who used traditional and ancestral techniques for the creation and molding of the statue that is made of bronze. The Inca Pachacutec Monument was placed a stone structure that has the molding and similarity with a structure of Inca origin, thanks to this conservation and cultural development campaigns were carried out to promote tourism and at the same time educational that seeks to pay tribute to the past but at the same time promote education for future generations about the importance of the Inca culture during history.
| “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” |
In 2011, it was the mayor Daniel Estrada Perez who had the initiative to make a joint remodeling with other historical monuments in order to increase the cultural beauty that had the city of Cusco, was commissioned that this remodeling was in charge of the sculptor Fausto Espinoza Cusco.
5.- MONUMENT ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
The Inca Pachacutec Monument not only stands out for its size and imposing appearance, but also for the delicate architectural design that involves symbolic elements belonging to the Andean culture, which offers a unique visual experience. The structure that composes the Monument of Inca Pachacutec contains artistic, historical, scientific and even traditional elements so it is considered as a multifunctional space that not only refers to the Inca Pachacutec but to the whole culture.
6.- Structure of the Inca Pachacutec Monument
The Inca Pachacutec Monument is composed of 2 parts, essentially the base is a tower built of stone that has 22.40 meters high, its construction has a complete simulation of Inca walls in addition to an Andean architecture where the reference of the emergence from the earth is made, while the upper part presents a figure made entirely of bronze that has a height of approximately 11.50 meters high mainly representing the image of the Inca Pachacutec, the ninth Inca ruler.
Inside this same tower you can find an interactive museum that has a total of 6 levels where you can learn about the development of the city and the process of conquest. This exhibition and display is offered in English and Spanish so that visitors from around the world can learn about it, however something that distinguishes it from many other museums is that it is also shown in Quechua, which also allows local people and people from the Andean communities who visit the city to learn more about the history when visiting the Inca Pachacutec Monument. The exhibition also has didactic and inclusive material such as ceramic samples so that they can experience the visit even with the sense of touch.
7.- How to get to the Inca Pachacutec Monument
Getting to the Inca Pachacutec Monument is really easy since it is located at a considerably close distance from the historic center of the city, for this it is recommended to take a transport that can be a cab through the Indriver application or hire it directly with the travel agency. Remember that it is not a viable option to use one of the street cabs as it may have a higher cost or represent a danger. For this you must indicate that the final destination is the Pachacutec Oval and the average travel time can vary between 5 to 15 minutes depending on traffic.
8.- IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE INCA PACHACUTEC MONUMENT
| Entrance fee | s/2.00 soles per person |
| Schedule | Monday to Sunday from 08:00 am until to 17:00 pm |
9.- YOU COULD ALREADY HAVE IT INCLUDED
“Many people do not know that the tourist ticket purchased to visit places like Saqsayhuaman, Puca Pucara, Pisac, Ollantaytambo or Chinchero also includes the entrance to the Inca Pachacutec Monument but only in its complete version that has a duration of 10 days. If you do not get to buy this admission you also have the option to visit it directly and pay the entrance ticket that costs only s/2.00 soles.”
10.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How tall is the Inca Pachacutec Monument?
The main structure that serves as a base has a height of approximately 22.40 meters, while at the top you can see a figure made of bronze that has a height of approximately 11.50 meters, representing the Inca ruler known as Pachacutec.
- What is the best time to visit the Pachacutec Monument?
The Monument of Inca Pachacutec is available all year round, however the best season to visit it is undoubtedly the dry season that occurs between April and October where the weather and temperature is much more pleasant allowing visitors who go inside to have a beautiful panoramic view when they reach the 6th level.
- How much does it cost to enter the Pachacutec Monument?
The price of the entrance ticket is s/2.00 soles per person, however if during your trip to Peru you purchased the Complete Tourist Ticket you will have it included.
- Can you climb to the top of the Pachacutec Monument?
Yes, this is one of the advantages that this monument offers you, the last level serves as a panoramic viewpoint of the city.
- Is the Pachacutec Monument included in Cusco city tours?
Normally, when a traveler seeks to enjoy the interior of the Inca Pachacutec Monument, you must do it on his own or in coordination with the travel company.
We are sure that visiting the Inca Pachacutec Monument will be the ideal complement for your trip and you do not need much to achieve it, just coordinate it in advance. Auri Peru can help you get it in a quick and easy way ensuring that your experience will be unique, contact us now and discover how to live the best adventure of your life.
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”
