Tambo Colorado is an archaeological site located in the Pisco region, Peru. It is an ancient Inca administrative center built during the 15th century and is known for its red and yellow adobe walls.
It was an Inca settlement (1450 AD) located in the province of Pisco, valley of the same name, right bank, in a corner formed by the hills in the vicinity of the town of Humay. It is one of the best preserved archaeological sites in Peru.
This impressive Inca settlement is located in the province of Pisco, in the eastern part of the Pisco River valley, in a corner that was formed by the hills around the town of Humay and just an hour's drive from the city of Pisco. , although buses also leave to get there from Lima.
The name “Tambo Colorado” means “Red Tambo” in Quechua, due to the reddish color of the adobe walls. The site was used as a center of Inca government and administration during the reign of the ninth Inca, Pachacutec.
Tambo Colorado has a series of buildings and courtyards that show Inca planning and architecture, including adobe walls, warehouses, homes, plazas, and a ceremonial temple. In addition, the site has a series of canals and aqueducts that show the skill of the Incas in water management.
It is divided into three large sectors, North, center and South, separated by the road that goes down from the mountains towards the coast and a large trapezoidal plaza, which has an Ushno, a small platform where the Inca himself directed the most important festivities of Tawantinsuyu. . From the top of this tiny pyramid you can clearly see a large part of the wide and fertile valley that extends towards the sea.
To enter this archaeological center, there is no fixed schedule, its doors are open every day. Monday to Sunday from 8 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon. The price is 7.50 soles.
To get to Tambo Colorado from Lima, there are several options:
By car: You can take the Panamericana Sur highway from Lima and continue south until you reach the city of Pisco, which is about 220 km away. Then, from Pisco, take the road to the town of Humay, where the archaeological site of Tambo Colorado is located.
By bus: There are several bus companies that offer daily trips from Lima to Pisco, such as Cruz del Sur, Oltursa and Civa. Once in Pisco, you can take a taxi or bus to Tambo Colorado.
On tour: If you prefer a more comfortable option with a guide, you can book a tour from Lima that includes a visit to Tambo Colorado. There are several tourism agencies that offer this service.
It is important to note that travel time may vary depending on the means of transportation used and traffic conditions on the road. It is recommended to plan the trip in advance and take into account road safety recommendations.
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