It is one of the most amazing expressions of hydraulic engineering of the Incas. Besides it agriculture importance, it plays an important role in their cult to water, which originates in the Pachatusan mountain, the main Apu of Cusco city. It was probably built by Amaru Inca and the most peculiar thing is that the water flow is the same in any of the fountains. It is located in a wide esplanade in the higher area of the South Valley and besides the canals and fountains there are also walls, rooms, ladders, petroglyphs and terraces.
Useful Tips:
- Location: about 21 kilometers from Cusco, at the km 990 at the road to Puno. You will have to take a 5 km detour to get to the archaeological site.
- Entrance: the cost is 20 soles and can be purchased at the site. It is also included in the Boleto Turístico, which is a ticket that includes several sites and costs around 130 soles.
- Schedule: Monday to Sunday, from 7 am to 6 pm
- Guides: there are some guides at the site and they charge directly to each visitor or group.
- Recommendations: go early, during the morning and early afternoon there is great natural light for pictures. At the end of the day there is a cold wind, so take a jacket.
Text and Photos by Iñigo Maneiro.
