The archaeological center of Inkilltambo is an Inca temple built during the reign of Inca Wiraqocha. Inkilltambo is part of the Sacsayhuaman archaeological complex. It is located northeast of the city of Cusco, in the San Sebastián district. It is situated just one hour from the main square (“Plaza de Armas”) of Cusco.
Inkilltambo has different sectors, each one dedicated to a different purpose. The higher section of the complex displays religious and storage facilities. On the other hand, the lower section has numerous terraces, which were used to grow crops.
After the Spanish conquest, Inkilltambo was abandoned for centuries. Nowadays, just the foundations of the Inca monuments survive. Between 2015 and 2016, the Peruvian government began to restore the Inkilltambo complex.
The restoration works of Inkilltambo managed to uncover roads, terraces, water canals, and stone buildings. The access to Inkilltambo is free. However, it is not visited by many tourists.
We are a local travel agency specialized in tours to the region of Cusco in Peru. Our guides are experts in the history of the numerous Inca sites of the region. We also offer full day tours to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Do not forget to check our 3 Days Huchuy Qosqo Trek.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
08:00 am
01:00 pm
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 8:00 am. Then, we will drive to Kusilluchayoc, where the trailhead to Inkilltambo is located. Kusilluchayoc is also known as the “Temple of the Monkeys”. It consists of a large stone decorated with carvings of snakes, monkeys, and mountain lions. This place was used to perform religious ceremonies and leave offerings to the Inca gods.
Then, we will walk to the Temple of the Moon. Like its name suggests, this place was built to worship the moon goddess. The main cave of the temple has an orifice from which the moonlight reflects into the site every winter solstice.
Nowadays, the entrance to the Temple of the Moon is forbidden. However, it is still possible to explore the top of the temple, which has some carvings of llamas, condors, snakes, and Inca crosses. From there, it is possible to get great views of the city of Cusco, including the main square and the San Blas neighborhood.
Afterwards, we will continue our tour to Inkilltambo. This archaeological site was built during the government of Inca Wiraqocha, before the creation of the Inca Empire. During the reign of Inca Pachacutec, the complex was rebuilt and expanded.
Our staff will give you a detailed guided tour of the place. You will explore the terraces, temples, and water fountains of Inkilltambo.
Finally, we will visit the Kallachaka bridge, where we will see the remains of some old colonial furnaces. Then, we will walk back to Cusco.
