How to get to Inkilltambo

Just minutes from the historic centre, there is a sanctuary far from the hustle and bustle of the city that few tourists know about: Inkilltambo.

Surrounded by terraces, canals and a peaceful atmosphere, this place offers a unique experience, away from the crowds and closer to the Andean landscape of Cusco.

Read on to find out how to get there, either by taking a leisurely stroll or going there directly, so you can choose the pace that best suits your trip.

Entry is completely FREE for all visitors (local, national or foreign).

Before we move on to the guide, here are some important points to consider before visiting the site.

Inkilltambo is located northeast of the city of Cusco and belongs to the district of San Sebastián. It is also part of the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park. The site forms part of a group of Inca ritual and urban spaces that extended beyond the city's main centre.

Its location on a hillside surrounded by terraces and canals explains its importance in Inca planning, particularly with regard to its relationship with water and the landscape.

There are two ways to get to the venue:

If you like to explore at a leisurely pace and enjoy the scenery, walking to Inkilltambo is a good option, as this is the "original" route that people usually take.

The route starts at the entrance of the same name, which is located at the end of Chinchaysuyo Avenue.

There are two ways to reach the entrance: you can arrive by vehicle or take a short uphill walk. You can access it via Circunvalación Street or Collasuyo Street.

The walk to Inkilltambo follows an easy-to-navigate dirt road that is flat.

During the walk, you may see various plant species and small birds, as well as the remains of Inca buildings.

Una forma de llegar es ir en un vehículo particular al lugar, este tendrá dos rutas por la que poder ir:

• Por la Av. Circunvalación, pasando el Centro Arqueológico de Puka Pukara llegando a la zona de Yuncaypata y de ahí usando la ruta que aparece como CU-1110 en Maps para así llegar a Inkilltambo.
• Por la zona de Kari Grande, de la calle Rumi Wasi tomando la ruta CU-1110 para volver a conectar con una pequeña parte de Yuncaypata, esta ruta resulta más corta que la anterior, pero buena parte del camino será tierra.

Although it is not a main part of the route to Inkilltambo, it is possible to see it from afar: a circular pyramid that served as a ceremonial center surrounded by terraces.

Durante tu caminata podrás ver restos de construcciones antiguas de los incas, que son:

The complex forms part of the Qhapaq Ñan road system. The name Inkilltambo comes from the Quechua words:

• Inkill = garden or place of ornamental cultivation
• Tampu = lodging or place of rest

The site is also known as Inkacárceland was built by the Inca Wiracocha to serve as an important ceremonial centre where priests stayed.

Under Pachacutec, the complex was expanded and restructured to carry out religious, administrative and agricultural activities.

The complex was also used to accommodate travellers passing through Amaru Marcahuasi and Antisuyo in the Peruvian Amazon.

After arriving, take the path back to the entrance and continue touring the following sites:

• Kallachaka: This circular pyramid can be visited by taking the downhill route, which is located near the start of the tour. From there, you will pass the terraces you saw earlier before arriving at the site.

• Moon Temple: Although it is further away, you can return to the entrance point and take Qory Huayrachina Avenue, a straight road leading to the temple. If you wish, you can then continue on to Qenqo.