1.- HISTORY & SIGNIFICANCE
Tambomachay Cusco Peru is also popularly known as the baths of the Inca and within the set of archaeological centers of the city of Cusco is one of the most important, is located at 3700 m above sea level 10 minutes away from the city of Cusco. This place is completely surrounded by a set of impressive mountains and extensive valleys that transmit to all visitors a serenity and at the same time mystery for the function it may have once had. Undoubtedly Tambomachay Cusco Peru stands out for its imposing architecture and also for the ceremonial functions attributed to it due to the frequent presence of water that is somehow associated with spirituality and Andean cosmogony.
The name Tambomachay Cusco Peru does not have an exact definition, however it is associated with two words of Quechua origin:
- Tampu: Lodging
- Mach’ay: Cave or Cavern.
2.- Original purpose of the Inca construction
Ancestrally it is known that Tambomachay Cusco Peru was designed with a set of canals, aqueducts and fountains specifically for the flow of water and thus have a constant stream permanently. These structures were made with an impressive precision that took as a base the Inca masonry technique which was to assemble rock with rock without the presence of a mortar or connection which provided a great seismic resistance. For a long time it lasted about its purpose, however, thanks to the studies carried out, it is known that Tambomachay Cusco Peru had the main function of being a ceremonial center where ritual baths and ceremonies were performed for purification purposes in order to establish a connection with the spiritual world and the gods.
3.- THE REAL NAME OF TAMBOMACHAY
“Among the chronicles and existing records of the history of the city of Cusco we can find the record of Ceques that was written by the chronicler Bernabe Cobo who elaborated an account of the archaeological centers that are around the city and how they extend throughout the territory, in this way it is concluded that the real name of this place is Quinuas Puquio, which means origin of water which would make much more sense since this element is more present here, while the archaeological center of Puka Pukara has its own characteristics and is more accurately related to Tambomachay..”
When visiting Tambomachay Cusco Peru you can appreciate a set of terraces and also water channels that contain a drainage system which allows the water to flow in a constant and uninterrupted way, at first glance it looks like just another construction however from a much deeper point of view the overall design reflects the great importance that the water element had within the Andean belief since it was also associated with life and fertility, in this way it became a vital element not only of everyday life but of the religious rituals that were performed at the time. There are those who also point out that Tambomachay Cusco Peru had a higher purpose being a place of rest and healing for the high society of the Inca culture.
4.- Connections with the Inca high society
Something interesting that stands out at first sight of Tambomachay Cusco Peru is undoubtedly the connection with the high society that it has, this is known by the fine finishes that can be seen on the walls and fountains that are inside Tambomachay Cusco Peru, typical only of sacred places where people of high society were allowed to access, It is known that Tambomachay Cusco Peru was associated with ceremonies and rituals for the veneration of water and also the mountains or Apus, as well as for the Inca ruler for this reason it is thought that the members of his Panaca or royal family participated in these ceremonies in the sense of restoring their vital energy and preserve the connection with the spiritual world.
Another interpretation is that Cusco Tambomachay could have served as a refuge or royal sanctuary where the people closest to the Inca ruler were participants in ceremonies and rituals for the purpose of purification and spiritual renewal, the reason why the water flows permanently and without interruption in Tambomachay Cusco Peru symbolizes the power of the Inca culture through time and in perpetuity.
5.- Religious and ceremonial importance
Within the Inca culture the water element contains a deep meaning linked to the religious and spiritual world for this reason when you see the presence of water fountains and even more constant flow of this in Tambomachay Cusco Peru automatically has a connection with rituals for the worship of Andean deities and mainly the water element. In the Andean belief water renews the spiritual energy, the body, the earth and all the ceremonies that were performed in Tambomachay Cusco Peru in order to contribute to the welfare and balance of the Andean world.
Its location is also quite strategic, Cusco Tambomachay to be quite close to other archaeological centers and structures where ceremonies are performed as Qenqo, Saqsayhuaman or Puka Pukara reinforces the idea of the system of connection between archaeological centers with religious purpose which serves to strengthen the relationship between the earthly world and the spiritual world.
6.- WORSHIP OF WATER
The worship of the element water is based on its purpose that has been connected with the origin of life through many generations making it not only a resource but also a vital element so it was important to give it a sense of worship not only in Tambomachay Cusco Peru but in various constructions that can be found around what was once the territory of the Tahuantinsuyo. The water channels are present in many of the enclosures built in the archaeological centers of the Inca culture where the flow of water is constantly flowing.
Naturally there is always the doubt of the origin of this water, in the case of Tambomachay Cusco Peru was built on springs whose exact location is still unknown and where water constantly flows throughout the year. Having an unevenness allows the water to run through each of the channels and even after more than 600 years continues to influence with the same current.
7.- How to get to Tambomachay?
Getting to Tambomachay Cusco Peru is quite simple, you have several options to do so and you can choose the one that best suits your planning.
- The most recommended alternative is undoubtedly through a guided tour, this can be done in conjunction with the City Tour experience that is available every day in the morning or afternoon hours. You can choose whether you are looking for a shared alternative or a private experience. Both options will always be available to you and are considered the best alternative because the smallest details such as transportation, professional tour guide, entrance ticket and logistics necessary for you to enjoy it properly are already taken into account.
- The second alternative is a little more personalized and it is a specific visit to Tambomachay Cusco Peru with a specialized tourist transportation and an authorized tour guide, although this option has a higher cost it is also the favorite of many travelers looking to know this incredible destination.
- Finally there is the personal option, for this you can hire a transport or a cab in the InDriver application that allows you to get to the entry point of Tambomachay Cusco Peru, the trip takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. From this point you must pass the checkpoint and pay the entrance ticket and then you can visit the entire archaeological center without a time limit.
| Opening Hours | |
| Monday to Sunday | From 08:00 am until 17:30 pm |
| Entrance ticket price | |
| General Tourist Ticket (Foreigner) | S/. 130.00 soles per person (Valid for 10 days) |
| Partial Tourist Ticket (Foreigner) | S/. 70.00 soles per person (Valid for 2 days) |
| General Tourist Ticket (National) | S/. 70.00 soles per person (Valid for 10 days) |
| Partial Tourist Ticket (National) | S/. 40.00 soles per person (Valid for 2 days) |
| “Journey to Cusco’s best-preserved water temple, where every stone tells a story of Incan reverence for water.” |
8.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is the best time to visit Tambomachay?
The archaeological center of Cusco Tambomachay is available to visit throughout the year however being an archaeological center that are outdoors will always be my best to visit during the dry season, this occurs between May and October being the season in which the weather is much more stable and there is not so much presence of rain.
- How long does it take to tour Tambomachay?
It is an archaeological complex that is not very large for this reason the average visit time can be between 40 minutes or 1 hour.
- Can you still see water flowing at Tambomachay?
Yes, the water that exists in the canals and aqueducts is constant throughout the year without a change in flow or frequency. The water that we can appreciate today has the same level it had centuries ago.
- Is Tambomachay worth visiting?
Undoubtedly Tambomachay Cusco Peru is one of the most appreciated tourist destinations in the whole city of Cusco so it perfectly complements your visit, knowing it you will discover more about the history of one of the great cultures of South America.
Visiting the archaeological center of Tambomachay Cusco Peru undoubtedly represents a great complement to your trip in a historical and cultural context at the same time. Auri Peru seeks to share with you an experience full of emotions and memories that last a lifetime, contact us and take the first step in this new adventure.
“Where sacred springs never sleep”
