Archaeological Complex of Tipon in Cusco

The Cusco City is the point of arrival for people wanting to visit Machu Picchu, the most famous Inca ruin in Peru, but there are many fantastic, lesser known ruins near Cusco that are also worth exploring like Tipon.

The Tipon Inca Sites are one of the most beautiful and closest archaeological centers of the City of Cusco. The archaeological complex is made up of different enclosures, Andean terraces, platforms, irrigation works, and much more. The ruins of Tipón teach us how clearly advanced the Incas were in matters of engineering, architecture, and spirituality. Besides, they have a private kitchen where cuy is the delicacy of choice. So you will find many things to discover and enjoy besides the beautiful ruins.

Location of the Archaeological Center of Tipon

Tipon is located in the Choquepata community in the district of Oropesa, Province of Quispicanchi. The exact distance is 14 miles (22km) to the South East of the city of Cusco.

The Tipon ruins are located at over 11,000 feet (3316 meters) above sea level however the highest point of these Inca ruins is set at 12,600 feet (3,850 meters) above sea level. This makes it a high elevation excursion so remember to acclimate first.

Description of the archaeological complex of Tipon

The Tipon Ruins consist of a site of more than 500 acres near Cusco. It was built around a natural spring. And while there is evidence of irrigation canals in the vast majority of Inca ruins, Tipón is one of the only famous places in Peru where the irrigation system is still fully operational. The wonderful site has flowing water throughout the year, even in the dry season. Therefore, it is not surprising that Tipon is a masterpiece when it comes to water management. The Tipón Ruins are an immense archaeological park where water was worshiped in ancient times.

This Inca citadel is hidden among the mountains above the South Valley. Still, this park has a beautiful view of well-preserved Inca terraces, finely crafted fountains, and water channels that continue to function to this day. It is clear that its terraces and water channels had a purely agricultural purpose.

The Purpose of the Tipon Ruins

The 500-acre Tipon ruins are a testament to Inca’s engineering ability. The site consists of 12 central terraces, hundreds of smaller terraces, and waterworks for irrigation and religious ceremonies.

The Tipon ruins seemed to have been used for growing crops, religious practices and as a meeting group for the Inca elite. Scholars agree that the Tipon ruins served as a water shrine for the empire.

The Inca understood the importance of this valuable element when it came to health, crops, and of course, their religious ceremonies.

Advanced Irrigation Techniques In Tipon

The Tipon inca site also feature hydraulic structures that form part of the terrace walls. This allowed the Inca to provide irrigation water from one terrace to another at a lower level.

The hydraulic system implemented by the Inca engineers in some parts had a 15 foot (4.5 meters) drop to the bottom. There was a little splash from the water due to the design techniques implemented, this would allow conserving as much water as possible.

They used, and perfected a technique called bifurcation in order to effectively send water in varying directions, this was one of the basic principles in their irrigation system.

The site is said to be older than the actual Tipon ruins, you can find petroglyphs that are thousands of years old at the top of the Tipon mountain.

Things to See on a Visit to Tipon

Here are a few of the highlights of Tipon Archaeological Park to explore the South Valley Tour with a few hours.

• The royal enclosures: It is presumed that these enclosures were the Royal House of the father of the Inca Huiracocha. The Inca was also known as Huaqaj. It is one of the most extensive and attractive places in the ruins. In the gardens, you will find numerous Inca terraces to observe and water sources as well.
• Terraces and channels: These Inca constructions are so neatly made that they still stand to this day. It is believed that in addition to serving as the Royal House, it could also have been a center for agricultural experimentation due to the well-designed channels and terraces.
• Intihuatana: The altar of the Sun is located a few meters from the royal enclosures. These were built with trapezoidal windows so you can appreciate the entire park. It is believed that it was destined for the worship of the Sun due to its location in the middle of a mountainous elevation.
• Cruzmoqo viewpoint: The Cruzmoqo or “summit where there is a cross” is in the north of the Park. From its location, you can appreciate most of Cusco city.
• Minor enclosures: They are named that way because fewer connotation characters lived in them.

Getting to The Tipon Ruins

To get to the ruins of Tipon, you must have a complete or partial Cusco Tourist Ticket, which includes the main attractions of the Sacred Valley of Cusco. This ticket comes with any private tour. Whether you arrange with your agency or tour operator of choice. You can visit the Tipón ruins as part of a tour of the Sacred Valley.

Admission Fee:

1. Please note that you will need to purchase a tourist pass to enter the sites on this tour. You can purchase a partial tourist pass for S/. 70 soles (about $25 USD).
2. if you plan to tour only the sites in the Sacred Valley during your trip. However, if you plan to visit sites in both the Sacred Valley and Cusco, we recommend you purchase the full tourist pass for S/. 130 soles (about $45 USD). It is not necessary to purchase the tourist pass in advance, as you can get it at the first site we visit on the tour.

Alternative Things To Do Near Tipon

One of the biggest attractions of the Tipon region is not only its ruins but also its Cuy. Tipón is the capital of Cuy in Peru. So after a day touring the ruins you can take the opportunity to try this delicious and traditional dish. Just a few minutes from the Park, you will find numerous restaurants where the typical food of the area abounds. Dare to try one of the most nationally recognized dishes and enjoy the local flavor of baked Cuy or Chicharrón. You can also take advantage to continue gastronomic tourism in any city tour in Cusco, where you can experience the good local flavor.

Si te gustó este artículo y la información que encontraste, ¡regálanos 5 estrellas!

(1 votos, promedio: 5.00 de 5)

Loading...