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Ancient Ruins in Cusco

Ancient Ruins in Cusco, Peru

Cusco Ancient Ruins

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What travelers are saying

  • Kevin A
    Cuyahoga Falls, OH15 contributions
    Cusco fortress
    June 2019: My travel buddy and a friend decided to taxi here one day during our stay in Cusco. Generally over exceeded our expectations. Vast and diverse; awe inspiring views. The fee S 70/ $ 21 was worth it though at first we were hesitant.
    Review of: Sacsayhuaman
    Written September 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TheExplorerFamily
    Somerset, NJ6,433 contributions
    Historic District with Positive Energy
    The Historic District encompasses the massive Plaza de Armas, and several Museums, Art Galleries and Restaurants in the vicinity. The Cathedral, Coricancha, and surrounding areas with the Monuments, Murals, amazing scenery on the hillside, and the vibrant people made us fall in love with this ancient and clean area in this city.

    The precisely created Inca Foundations of all the buildings, and the stunning Balconies all around just made us want to stop and stare. Even the numerous vendors and hawkers were not able to distract or annoy us.

    There was so much to do and see here. We were only here for four days, so had to hit the ground running without giving ourselves enough time to acclimatize with the high altitude here. In spite of this, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and would love to return to see and explore everything again at a more relaxed pace.

    Review of: Centro Historico De Cusco
    Written September 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TheExplorerFamily
    Somerset, NJ6,433 contributions
    An Amazingly Knowledgeable Visit
    This was the most important Temple in the Inca Empire, and was built in 1438 at the meeting place of two large rivers. The complex is huge and one area contained the Temple of the Sun that was dedicated to the three biggest Gods in the Inca Pantheon – the Creator God Viracocha, the Moon Goddess Quilla and the Sun God Inti.

    Once upon a time, the place was filled with a lot of gold everywhere, but after taking Cusco, the Spaniards looted almost all the wealth, melted it all down and took it to Spain. They destroyed the place, and in 1534 built the Christian Monastery of Santo Domingo over the complex to signify the replacement of one religion with another.

    Little remains today except for the original foundation walls and lots of legendary stories. Those massive foundation walls that the Inca constructed were built from very large stones finely cut and fitted together without any mortar – a big feat of architecture. Another feature of the Inca builders was that the walls lean inwards, and were built to withstand earthquakes and sinking. The Spanish could not destroy these walls, so they just built over those solid foundations.

    The Incas were also known for their detailed astronomical observations. A few rooms are dedicated to this. Their knowledge of The Milky Way and other Constellations was incredible. Lots of proof of this is presented in some of those rooms.

    The Gardens of the complex are also beautiful, and were meant to pay homage to Inti. They are still immaculately maintained. One area has the three symbols of the Inca – The Puma, the Condor and the Snake – carved out in the grass.

    We had an amazing guided tour, and learned a tremendous amount about the Inca life, and their advance knowledge about architecture and astronomy.

    Recommend taking a guided tour to understand what you are looking at. A “Must Visit”.
    Review of: Qorikancha
    Written September 21, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Candace Larkin
    Avignon, France2 contributions
    Tipon is a great place to visit!
    Tipon is a great place to visit! The incredible Incan ruins are a must-see, and the stunning mountain views are breathtaking. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the food is delicious. The activities available are varied, from walking and hiking to rafting and zip-lining. The accommodations are comfortable and reasonably priced, making it a great place for families to stay. We had a wonderful time exploring the ruins, trying the local cuisine, and taking advantage of the outdoor activities. We highly recommend Tipon to any family looking for a unique and exciting vacation destination.
    Review of: Tipon
    Written March 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ectoplasm Fantasia
    Birmingham, UK1,364 contributions
    Beautiful
    Loved this.

    The water on the stones was especially nice to see.

    A pleasant stroll along the path to see the stones and at an easy pace - no hills which makes a difference.
    Review of: Tambomachay
    Written August 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TheExplorerFamily
    Somerset, NJ6,433 contributions
    Large Stones, Narrow Canyon
    This is an archaeological site near Cuzco, and is one of the largest Huacas (Holy Places). The Quechua name “Qenko” means labyrinth, and in ancient times it was believed that the place was built to invoke Kaypacha – a legendary snake who gives birth to life.

    The Spanish actually named this place, but almost completely destroyed it, so its purpose is not known. It was believed to be a place where human sacrifices and mummification took place. What we saw was a complex of subterranean canals, passageways, and a semi-circular structure – pretty much in ruins. Some areas of the Canyon were very narrow, and we could only pass one at a time. We spent half an hour here.

    It was nice, but skip it if you are short on time.
    Review of: Q'enqo
    Written September 21, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Komator
    Barcelona, Spain783 contributions
    Interesting
    In the middle of Cusco you'll find this wall made by the Incas. You're walking and one side you have this old wall, all stones perfectly aligned. There's nothing else to do… just walk, see it and, touch it.
    Review of: Twelve Angled Stone
    Written February 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rafal W
    Skoki, Poland1,401 contributions
    Red Fortress
    After wandering for a while around Cuzco's Centro Historico I'd decided to take a little walk to the ruins I've spotted two days earlier, on my way from Pisac. Weather was just fine, so I thought that little stroll outside of the town and away of its crowds would be good idea. Puka Pukara is one of many Inca sites scattered around countryside outside of Cuzco. Fortress was built on the top of the small hill near Tambomachay, about 8 km to the north of Cuzco, probably in times of Pachacutec i.e. somewhere between 1438 and 1471. The name of the site comes from the colour of the material it was built of; puka = red, pukara = fortress, which, in time of it construction was red, but faded away with passage of time To be honest, there's not much left of the fortress apart from curtain walls and humble remains of few buildings and something that looks like small shrine or sacred site. That's all what survived the fall of Inca Empire. What is the real attraction of this place is its location, as from the hillock it was built on, there is a beautiful view at nearby mountain ranges and valley below them. Like I mentioned before, me, and handful other tourist I'd met on my way to fhe fortress, we'd just took a stroll to the place, but I've noticed on my way from Puka Pukara to Q'enqo, that sightseeing buses from Cuzco were stopping there. I'd also seen some minibuses from local tour agencies going to and fro. And from little conversation with locals I'd learned that it is possible to book a horse ride with a guide around Inca sites.
    Review of: Puka Pukara
    Written March 30, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pete S
    Florida, NY518 contributions
    Macchu Picchu awesome views
    Went on 7 day tour of macchu Picchu Cusco and Lima with gate one travel, the tour guide Ron did a fantastic job, whoever you go with get a guide to explain everything and go to the highest point and work down. You will get awesome pictures. Trip was better than I expected. Plan properly and you will have a great time.
    Review of: Andes
    Written October 31, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Willowbroom Sam
    Houston, TX1,231 contributions
    Ancient ruins, takes you back in history
    A huge town surrounded by big walls. Per the guide, this was pre Inca, I.e. the Wari dynasty. A beautiful princess of the town said she would marry the person who got water to the village. Two men competed and one was successful in getting water from the huanatay lake. One can see two channels in the mountains.

    The town was built like a perfect rectangle with rectangular homes and absolutely straight pathways/ walkways. Almost three floor high walls and homes.

    The guide told us that seven columns were found and each column had the skeleton of a man. And that this was an honor for the men to give up their lives for building the erect columns.

    Gypsum plastering is found in walls and floors. Sh was also found leading tk the belief that the volcanic mountain behind the city may have erupted making the people abandon the place.

    He told me that the place was eventually used by Incas as a concentration camp for prisoners.

    A visit with a tour guide is a must. Otherwise one will just see some old broken ruins and cannot appreciate the history.
    Review of: Pikillaqta
    Written July 31, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jack Low
    4 contributions
    Excellent Rainbow Mountain tour!
    Our tour with the Eder to the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley was very well organised and enjoyable. We got picked up punctually for our tasty breakfast, and we were given plenty of information on the excursions throughout the day. It was reassuring to know Eder had oxygen available in case the altitude got too much (something to be mindful of!). Lunch was provided too on the way back which was great. Would recommend doing the tour with Eder, we all had a great day!
    Review of: Mytourinperu
    Written May 3, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kinshuk P
    Bengaluru, India68 contributions
    Interesting views
    If you have the time make the trip after you probably have done Pisac, Urubamba, Chinchero and other significant Inca ruins like MP. This one has some great city overlooking views and stylish ruins if you are historically inclined
    Review of: Chullpas de Ninamarca
    Written June 14, 2014
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robert D
    Heers, Belgium176 contributions
    Impressive architecture
    If you like architecture and want to see / know how the houses were build by the Inca's, then this is the place to be.
    There are no tourists at all. You can walkd freely around. It is quite a big place. Take about 3-4 hours.
    If possible take a guide, he/she can can give you all the necessary information:
    How and why the houses were build .
    It is very impressive
    Review of: Ciudadela de Mauk'allaqta
    Written November 7, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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