The Inca Site of Tambomachay

The Inca Site of Tambomachay is located in Cusco – Peru. This place was used as a ceremonial center and is thought to have been built in the late 15th century. It consists of a series of terraces and water fountains used by the Incas for ritual bathing or to serve other ritual purposes.
It is believed that the Incas used the place for religious ceremonies and rest for traveling dignitaries. The site consists of a series of aqueducts, canals and water sources to a series of “baths”. Here we will find some of the best works of the Incas in hydraulic engineering.

Location

Tambomachay Tour Tambomachay is located approximately 12 kilometers north of the city of Cusco, very close to the Sacsayhuamán fortress. The Inca Site of Tambomachay is situated at an altitude of 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) on the east side of the Cusco Valley.

Description

The Inca Site of Tambomachay is known as an Inca spa or resting place of the Inca, they are made up of a set of aqueducts or underground water channels, of whose origin there is no exact knowledge to this day, they feed 3 fountains or waterfalls, of which the main one Located at the top.

Feeds the secondary ones that have an exactly identical torrent or flow of water, which can be verified by two identical containers that are filled at the same time, which is an example of the high level achieved. by the Incas in hydraulic engineering.

Tambomachay We also found 6 niches that can be found in the place, above the impressive main water source with magnificent carvings, immediately confirming the ritual or religious use of the place.

Popular culture also calls the place the Inca baths, Ñusta, or resting place of this greatest ruler. Both previous versions could be true, since possibly the Cusco elite used this place as a center of worship for water and ritual purification or even fertility, since this element was directly related to life.

The existence of a garden with its own water system is also mentioned, which unfortunately is no longer functional today, however, currently the place is adorned with Queuña, molles and Kantú trees, which give it a beautiful landscape to the place.

Likewise, some other chronicles, from a European perspective of the time, mention it as a hunting or recreational place that belonged to the Inca Tupac Yupanqui, the truth is that at some point these territories were full of the characteristic fauna of the Andes.

Why was Tambomachay Important?

Why was Tambomachay Important
The main function of this archaeological complex was to provide and worship water to their gods, this site also served as a resting place for the Inca ruler, right there is the main water source known as “Baños del Inca”, of the that to this day its waters remain completely normal.

It is also believed that it was the hunting area of the Inca Yupanqui, so it can be deduced that the place would be flooded with numerous animal species.

It is possible that another of its functions would have been to provide water to the cultivation areas of the Inca site known as Puca Pucara.

Tambomachay Tower
In this place are the remains of a tower that was built on a limestone rock formation. This tower is also an indication that it could have been more of a control center, probably for those coming from Antisuyo, although it is also possible that it was simply used to control strict security. which was offered to the Inca and his noble elite.

When is the best time to visit Tambomachay?

When is the best time to visit Tambomachay Tambomachay is a pre-Inca site located on the outskirts of Cusco. This place is made up of several aqueducts and water canals that once supplied water to the city of Cusco and nearby places.

Currently, the Inca Site of Tambomachay is a favorite tourist place for many visitors, where they visit the archaeological center of Tambomachay and learn about the Inca culture.

The best time to visit Tambomachay is during the dry season, which runs from April to November. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny and there is little rain. This makes it ideal for exploring the ruins and hiking in the nearby mountains.

The rainy season runs from November to April and although the rain is sporadic, it can make hiking and exploring the ruins difficult. However, during the rainy season, we have fewer people visiting these places.

How to get to Tambomachay

How to get to Tambomachay To reach the Inca Site of Tambomachay, we have many options:

The first option and more recommended is hiring the service of a tour operator in advance, write to us to know which tour allows you to visit Tambomachay.

On foot: This route is very long, because from the Plaza de Armas you must go up to the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuaman and from there you just go to Tambomachay, which is about 20 to 30 minutes walking.

By car: As we know from the Plaza de Armas there is no public transportation that passes through there so from the Plaza Mayor we will go to Rosaspata, and from there we have the option of taking two transports, the first one is Cristo Blanco that will take you only to Qenqo and from there you will have to walk a few minutes more to get to Tambomachay and the second is to take Señor de Huertos, which takes you to the archaeological complex of Tambomachay.

Tips for visiting
If you’re visiting the Inca site of Tambomachay, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:

Bring your passport or any personal ID.
Children can travel only under parents supervision.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Tambomachay is located in a high-altitude area, so be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential rain.
Bring water and snacks.
Be respectful of the ancient ruins and do not climb on them or touch any artifacts.
Take your time exploring the different areas of the site. There is a lot to see, including an impressive aqueduct system and temple complex.
Make sure to wear sunscreen and bring a hat or sunglasses.
Take some cash with you.
If you hire the service of a tourist agency make sure they are a licensed tour operator.