Tambomachay - Inca Baths

Tambomachay, archaeological center that would have fulfilled an important religious function linked to water and the regeneration of the land.

The archaeological site of Tambomachay, along with Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Sacsayhuaman, is one of the most important archaeological complexes in the city of Cusco. It is located just 7 kilometers from the ancient capital of the Incas. Due to its location, it belongs to one of the important centers in the 'ceques' or imaginary lines that started from Cuzco and served the Incas to organize their sanctuaries and important centers. Its function was to provide water to the surrounding sites and as baths for the Inca. The harmony that exists between its stone walls and the nature that surrounds it transforms it into one of the most important places in the Inca period. Learn some interesting facts about this archaeological site.

The archaeological site of Tambomachay was a place dedicated to the worship of water and as a resting place for the Inca nobility. Currently, this archaeological site continues to impress all visitors with its complex hydraulic engineering.

The location has an approximate area of ??half a hectare and the material used for its construction was limestone with polygonal style rigs. Tradition knows this monument as “El Baño de la Ñusta” due to the existence of two aqueducts that carry crystal clear water all year round.

Location

Tambomachay is located 5 kilometers from the city of Cusco and 0.6 kilometers from Puca Pucara, an archaeological site with which it is closely related. It is located on the Cusco-Pisac highway.

What does Tambomachay mean?

The name it receives does not have an exact definition, but it is believed that it comes from two Quechua words: "Tampu" which means accommodation and "Mach'ay" which is rest. However, other translations indicate that "Mach'ay" means caves.

Cult of water in Tambomachay

In the Andean worldview, water was the origin of life, making this resource one of its main deities. For this reason, special importance was given to the cult of water in all Inca constructions.

Tambomachay has liturgical fountains worked in stone and that feed an extensive network of canals that provided water to the nearby archaeological sites.

The cult of water is present in each Inca enclosure, represented as water channels in which its flow is continuous.

Where does Tambomachay's water come from?

This archaeological center was built on a river and springs, although it is not yet known exactly where the flowing water comes from. The unevenness allows the water to travel through all the channels, which despite more than 600 years having passed, continue to flow.

Attractions

There is no doubt that all archaeological sites offer a different view of the Inca culture, in this case Tambomachay shows us the importance that water had in the Inca era.

Tambomachay did not suffer much damage during the time of Spanish colonization, which is why the complex is one of the best preserved, located near the city of Cusco.

Inca Baths

Tambomachay is an important example of the hydraulic engineering that the Incas possessed, since the site has water channels made of carved stone in which water flows all year round.

This water flows to a platform that functioned as a liturgical fountain and, presumably, the Inca baths.

General information

Entry time

Monday to Sunday from 08:00 am to 17:30 pm.

Price

The Tambomachay entrance is included in the Tourist Ticket.

Cusco Tourist Ticket for Foreign Tourist: S/. 130.00 (USD 36 approx.) allows entry to 16 tourist sites, valid for 10 days.

Cusco Tourist Ticket for National tourist: S/. 70.00 (USD 20 approx.) allows entry to 16 tourist sites valid for 10 days.

Climate

The climate in Tambomachay corresponds to the climate of the city of Cusco, it is generally dry and temperate. However, it is recommended to visit this place in the afternoons, when the temperature is not so high and you can appreciate the reason for the name of the place.

How to get to Tambomachay?

Getting to Tambomachay is very simple, and it offers different options:

Public transportation: This option is the most economical for those who want to save. First, go to the “Rosaspata” whereabouts where the transportation company “Huerto” passes by, which will take you to the Tambomachay complex in a trip of no more than 30 minutes. You can ask for help from the staff who works in transportation, they will be happy to help you.

By taxi: The taxi service is a very convenient option if you want to get there quickly, the service should not cost more than 30 soles and the trip does not last more than 20 minutes.

Tourist bus: This option can be found in the very center of the city, and not only allows you to get to know Tambomachay but also other nearby archaeological sites, such as Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo and Puca Pucara.

Guided tour: Most of the tours offered include a visit to the Tambomachay archaeological complex. So this is the best option for your visit, plus you will be accompanied by a guide who will explain in detail the history of this magical place.

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