The 4 most traditional points of Cusco: 4 Ruins
The four archaeological centers located around Cusco are Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. These sites are a must for travelers who visit the region and want to learn more about Inca culture and history.
Saqsayhuaman, is one of the most impressive archaeological structures in Cusco. The construction of this fortified complex began in the 15th century during the reign of the ninth Inca ruler, Pachacutec. It was a titanic work of engineering that took more than 70 years to complete. Saqsayhuaman is known for its enormous hand-carved stone blocks that fit together perfectly without the use of mortar. This structure was used as a military and religious complex, as well as being the site of one of the most important battles between the Incas and the Spanish. Today, it is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Cusco and an important tourist attraction.
Qenqo is an archaeological site located a few kilometers from the center of Cusco. It was built by the Inca civilization and is believed to have been used as a ceremonial and religious center. The meaning of its name in Quechua is “labyrinth” or “zigzag”, which reflects the complexity of its design. Qenqo consists of a series of terraces, plazas and canals carved into the rock, which are believed to have been used for ceremonies and rituals related to agriculture and the winter solstice. You can also find carved in the rock, figures of animals such as snakes, pumas and condors, which could have been used to represent the Inca gods. Qenqo is one of the four most important archaeological sites in Cusco and a must for tourists interested in the culture and history of the Incas.
Puka Pukara is an archaeological site located about 7 km from the city of Cusco. It was built during the reign of the Incas and its name means “red fortress”. It is believed that this place was used as a military checkpoint and also as a resting place for travelers heading south of the empire. Puka Pukara is composed of stone walls, terraces and plazas, and boasts a breathtaking view of the surrounding valleys. Nowadays, this place is an obligatory stop for tourists visiting Cusco and is part of the tourist tours along with the other three nearby archaeological sites: Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo and Tambomachay. Do not miss the opportunity to visit Puka Pukara and learn more about the history and culture of the Incas.
Finally, Tambomachay is an archaeological site located in the region of Cusco, Peru. It is known for being a bath complex from Inca times and has been the subject of study and admiration for many years. Archaeologists believe that Tambomachay was built as a sacred place to pay homage to water and life, which were essential to the Inca culture. The baths of Tambomachay feature an intricate network of canals and fountains that feed a series of pools and wells. It is believed that these pools were used for ritual and ceremonial purposes, and that the water flowing from them was considered sacred. Visitors to Tambomachay can enjoy viewing the archaeological structures and learn about the cultural and historical significance of this sacred site. If you are planning a trip to Cusco, be sure to include Tambomachay in your itinerary to experience an important part of Inca history.
Together, these four archaeological centers are an impressive display of Inca architecture and engineering, as well as their culture and religious beliefs. A visit to these sites is a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers visiting Cusco.