Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Other buildings within the ramparts provided food and shelter for an estimated 5000 war-
riors.
Between the zigzag ramparts and the hill lies a large, flat parade ground that is used for
the colorful tourist spectacle of
Inti Raymi
, held every June 24.
Q'enqo
The name of this small but fascinating
ruin
means 'zigzag.' It's a large limestone rock
riddled with niches, steps and extraordinary symbolic carvings, including the zigzagging
channels that probably gave the site its name. These channels were likely used for the ritu-
al offering of
chicha
or, perhaps, blood. Up top you'll find a flat surface used for cere-
monies and, if you look carefully, some laboriously etched representations of a puma, a
condor and a llama. Back below you can explore a mysterious subterranean cave with al-
tars hewn into the rock.
Q'enqo is about 4km northeast of Cuzco, on the left of the road as you descend from
Tambomachay.
Tambomachay
In a sheltered spot about 300m from the main road, this site consists of a beautifully
wrought ceremonial stone bath channeling crystalline spring water through fountains that
still function today. It is thus popularly known as
El Baño del Inca
(The Bath of the Inca),
and theories connect the site to an Inca water cult. Pukapukara can be seen from the small
signaling post opposite.
Pukapukara
Just across the main road from Tambomachay is this commanding structure looking down
on the Cuzco valley. In some lights the rock looks pink, and the name literally means 'Red
Fort,' though it is more likely to have been a hunting lodge, a guard post or a stopping
point for travelers. It is composed of several lower residential chambers, storerooms and
an upper esplanade with panoramic views.
