Tambomachay is located in the archaeological park of Sacsayhuaman, is considered as a resting site, was declared cultural heritage of the National July 11, 1982, by law No. 23765, by National Directorial Resolution No. 829-2006.
History of Tambomachay
Tambomachay in Spanish, or Tampumachay in Quechua word, Tampu macha “ay, place of rest, is an archaeological site that was destined for the cult of water and for the potentate of the Inca Empire to put to rest.
Architecture of Tambomachay
The monument is remarkable for its architectural excellence, it is observed 4 walls or terraces staggered attached to the hill, built on the basis of irregular polyhedrons of carved stone, masterfully assembled, and forming three parallel platforms, on the last one stands a thick wall consists of a series of aqueducts, canals and several waterfalls that run through the rocks, it is noteworthy that from a main waterfall, the Incas created two secondary waterfalls, which are exactly the same. The Inca ruins, formed by a set of finely carved stone structures, aqueducts and waterfalls from nearby springs and hot springs.
There was also a kind of royal garden whose irrigation came from a complicated system of canals specially made for this purpose. Likewise, it was a control area for people coming from the Antisuyo, because there was a control tower there.
Hydraulic design
The Incas built a complex with three parallel platforms that included an ornate wall and a subway hydraulic system with two canals carved in rock that transported water from springs constantly.
This hydraulic engineering was born with the ancient civilization, since man in his need for survival had to learn to control and use water, that is why ancient civilizations were located and developed near water sources such as rivers, since at that time the rivers were a vital part of communication and were also used as a source of water for irrigation and for human consumption. The Incas venerated water and Tambomachay was used as a temple to worship water.
One of the main attractions in our country where we can see the development of vertical falls or waterfalls is in the Archaeological Complex ed Tambomachay, has an extraordinary hydraulic system consisting of aqueducts and waterfalls that come from springs, formed by a set of finely carved stones.
Main Structures
In the archaeological complex of Tambomachay we can see:
The water fountains: known as the Baño de la Ñusta or the Inca spa, it houses two aqueducts finely carved in rock that transport and maintain the constant flow of clean water throughout the year.
The Pucara or Ushnu: Known as “Pucara” or watchtower, this building may have served as a strategic point for observation, it could also have functioned as an “Ushnu” ritual platform used by the Incas to perform ceremonies and rituals. This structure has solid ornate walls, built on a high rocky outcrop, with a main access and large trapezoidal niches of exquisite masonry.
The Roads: The roads to Tambomachay exercised crucial roles in the Tahuantisuyo network, some were commercial, connecting towns and provinces, while others ritual. these roads not only facilitated trade, but also allowed the Inca and his noble family to worship, thus integrating Tambomachay into the important network of roads to the Antisuyo.
The terraces or terraces: built with four platforms or platforms that adapt to the natural shape of the rocky terrain, each platform has its own architectural style that highlights the Inca skill. Two of these platforms are made of masonry concerted, method that organizes the stones in an orderly and precise way. the other two have a polygonal style.
Cultural and spiritual significance of Tambomachay
To date, the Tambomachay archaeological complex continues to be a place of cultural and tourist importance.
How to get to the Tambomahay Archaeological complex
The most usual way to know the Archaeological Park of Tambomachay is with the guided visit of the City Tour, this tour offers you besides the visit to Tambomachay other archaeological park of the city of Cusco (The Cathedral, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay) with approximate visiting time of 5 to 6 hours in a shared or private group.
The other way is on your own taking a cab or taking a bus (local combis like cristo blanco or Emp Huertos) if you only want to visit Tambomachay, paying the entrance fee at the entrance gate. The visit will take you about 40 to 1 hour to arrive by cab or bus.
Location and access
The access is from the city of Cusco, by land you can arrive by tourist bus at 7.32 km from the city of Cusco and 20 minutes from the city of Cusco.
Schedules and prices
Visiting hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Every day.
- Hours: 7 am – 17:30 pm
- The cost of Integral Tourist Ticket is S/ 130.00 and Partial Tourist Ticket S/ 70.00 soles (Foreign rates), Integral Tourist Ticket for Peruvians S/ 70.00 soles and Partial Ticket S/. 40.00 soles.
Visiting tips
For your visit to Sacsayhuaman you can consider the following recommendations:
Bring your tourist ticket.
Wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
Light clothing in the rainy season, a jacket or rain coat.
Hiking shoes.
A small backpack.
Water
Cash.
and your camera and capture the best moments.
What to see near Tambomachay
Very close to Tambomachay Archaeological Park, we have Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, PucaPucara.
