Tambomachay or Tampumachay as some Quechuologists prefer to call it, along with other attractions such as Pukapukara, Qenko and the white Christ are part of the archaeological center of Saqsaywaman, and one of the best preserved archaeological sites in Cusco, so it is an essential part of the tourist visits that take place in the famous City tour of the city. Its impressive water fountains and structures with top quality finishes that contrast with the natural beauty that surrounds it, undoubtedly make this place extremely important in Inca times.
This archaeological site is located 7 km from the city of Cusco, very close to the Sacsayhuamán fortress, at 3,700 meters above sea level. It is one of the best examples of the Inca ability to manipulate water.
The main function of this archaeological complex was to provide water to the nearby archaeological sites and also served as a resting place for the Inca ruler, right there is the main waterfall known as "the baths of the Inca", which until today its waters flow 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.
The word Tambomachay that is used today to name these archaeological remains, is a compound word that comes from two terms, Tambo - which by chronicles and common use is known to refer to places built by the Inca state, where reserves were stored of various agricultural products, clothing or weapons - And Machay which is a place of rest or rest. The meaning of both words together would give meaning to all the functionality described above, in terms of place of purification, without mentioning the sacred meaning that it obviously had and that we also describe, which would make it likely that this name was recent, since there are also chronicles of the seventeenth century that call the place as Quinua Puquio.
Another use of the word Machay, translates it as a labyrinth, which together would be translated as tambo of the cave, in which case it could refer not only to the rock formations that exist in the place, but also possibly some underground formation that is could have identified it at some point, which would not be unusual due to the calcareous composition of the place where it is found.
The archaeological complex of Tambomachay consists of a series of gutters, aqueducts, several waterfalls that flow from the rocks and likewise, there was a kind of royal garden whose irrigation system came from a whole system of channels designed to perfection with great dedication. .
Tambomachay extends over 450 square meters of construction, in addition to having a perfect hydraulic design, it is also surrounded by immense walls, platforms, temples and Inca houses.
Until now, no excavations have been carried out, therefore, it is believed that its extension is broader.
These ruins, which are also known as the Inca spa, are made up of a set of aqueducts or underground water channels, of whose origin to this day there is no exact knowledge, they feed 3 fountains or waterfalls, of which the main Located in the upper part, it feeds the secondary ones that have an exactly identical torrent or flow of water, being able to verify this by using two identical containers that are filled at the same time, which is a sample of the high level reached by the Incas in engineering. hydraulics. In addition, the 6 niches that can be found in the place, over the impressive main fountain of magnificent carvings, immediately confirm the ritual use of the place, which, according to the residual structures that surround it, may have been a closed area at some point. time, and that it was probably used as a temple to worship water. The platforms of which it is composed, in addition to the canalization of the river that bears the same name of the place, have an impressive masonry in which irregular blocks of limestone are perfectly assembled, which would give us an idea of the time in which the place was built, since this is an architectural feature of the imperial Inca period.
The foundations of a tower located in front of the main area provide the place with functions typical of a control center, probably for those who came from Antisuyo, although it is also possible that it was simply used to control strict security. that was offered to the Inca and his noble elite.
Popular culture also calls the place the baths of the Inca, Ñusta, or the resting place of this highest ruler. Both previous versions could be true, since possibly the Cusco elite used this place as a cult center 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, the place is currently adorned with Queuña, molles and Kantu trees, which give the place a beautiful landscape. 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, it is certain that at some point these territories were full of the characteristic fauna of the Andes.
Studies carried out by Tom Zuidema in his book "The ceque system of Cusco" establish this place as a shrine to the first ceque of his Conti, which were imaginary lines that started from the center of Cusco to be distributed throughout the empire. of the Incas, taking as milestones, sanctuaries and sacred places of diverse indoles.
The archaeological site of Tambomachay presents water channels made of carved stone that end in two slopes, crystal clear water flows through here throughout the year. There is a platform that served as a liturgical source and, probably, as baths for the Inca.
The Tambomachay archaeological site was built on a river and springs. According to historians, the Incas calculated the flow of water in the channels so that they did not collide with it.
It is still not known exactly where the water that flows in its channels comes from. Without a doubt, it is one more manifestation of the extensive knowledge of the Incas, these constructions continue with flowing water after more than 600 years.
It was one of the most important customs by the Incas. The archaeological site of Tambomachay has an extraordinary hydraulic system.
It has underground channels carved into the rock, they transport a constant flow of clean water, throughout the year.
The unique shape of the space in which it was built gives Tambomachay an atmosphere of tranquility. In addition, it is one of the best examples of the ability of the Inca architects to preserve the harmony between the buildings and the landscape. The network of channels that filtered water poured the liquid into a platform at the bottom where the Inca worshiped the water.
To get to Tambomachay, you have the following options:
All the companies that work in the sector include this attraction within their program, City tour or visit to the city, the prices are very accessible, we only recommend you not to get carried away by excessively low rates. In our case the itinerary runs as follows:
This activity can be carried out at two different times that allow the adaptation of any itinerary, the first that begins after the pick-up at 9:00 in the morning and the second at 1:00 p.m.
The conventional visit generally begins at the convent of Santo Domingo or old Qorikancha and immediately continues at the cathedral, which will be reached by taking an informative tour on foot along 03 blocks.
After these visits, you will finally leave the city in approximately 20 minutes to continue with successive visits to the archaeological centers of Tambomachay Pukapukara, Qenko and finally Saqsaywaman, the most impressive of all of them.
The visit ends around 2 or 6 in the afternoon, which, depending on the shift, makes it imperative that passengers leave after lunch, or if they wish, they have the option of bringing their own snacks.
Hiring a private taxi to visit Tambomachay is a very good option, and if you have mobility at your disposal you can take the opportunity to do the complete tour and not only visit Tambomachay but also Qenko, Pukapukara Cristo Blanco and Saqsaywaman. The service should not cost you more than 100 nuevos soles.
If you wish, you can take a collective service to get to Tambomachay. All you have to do is go to the place, in one of the many buses that pass by, and to take it you must arrive at the main location of the San Antonio Abad National University from Cusco, from the historic center this should not take more than 15 minutes. Finally, at this whereabouts you will have to wait for some buses from the company called "Huerto", once on board, it will take approximately 30 minutes to get to the archaeological center. The staff of this transport will be happy to help you.
To enter the archaeological center of Tambomachay, you must take into account that it will be necessary to purchase the tourist ticket for the city of Cusco, in any of its modalities, that is, a partial or integral ticket, remember that there is no independent entrance.
The opening hours of this archaeological center are between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday, without exceptions.
Do not miss the opportunity to appreciate this impressive attraction that Cusco offers you, we assure you that this visit will enrich your experience.
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
