The archaeological site of Qenqo was an important site during the Inca period. It is located near the city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Tahuantinsuyo empire. Likewise, due to its proximity to the Sacsayhuaman fortress, it served as an amphitheater and a religious site. The most striking thing about its construction was its underground labyrinths, where religious ceremonies and even animal sacrifices would have been carried out. It is believed that this site would have been a 'huaca' (shrine) of a culture before the Incas. However, when the Incas made the place their own, they adapted its structure to their convenience for the worship of their new gods: the sun, the moon, the stars. Most of its structure was built with local stone, which was better able to withstand the looting and destruction caused by the Spanish in the 16th century. This did not happen in nearby temples such as Sacsayhuaman, which was destroyed up to 80% of its original structure. After many years, Qenqo was studied by some Peruvian archeologists. Even in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, the discoverer of Machu Picchu to the world. Despite this, part of its structures were looted by the so-called 'extirpators of idolatries'. What little is known about the place is that it was an important religious point. Some skeletal remains were found nearby. Some hypotheses even suggest that there would be the tomb of Emperor Pachacutec, the most important ruler in Inca history.
Cusco Photo Gallery
More Peru Highlights
Machu Picchu: Facts, travel information and highlights
Once you have submitted this form, we'll send you a brief questionnaire to gather your requirements. From there, we'll work closely with you to design the best itinerary for your vacations.
We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website, and analyze website traffic. By clicking Accept you consent to our use of cookies. Read about how we use cookies.
Your Cookie Settings
We use cookies to enable essential functionality on our website, and analyze website traffic. Read about how we use cookies.
Cookie Categories
Essential
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our websites. You cannot refuse these cookies without impacting how our websites function. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings, as described under the heading "Managing cookies" in the Privacy and Cookies Policy.
Analytics
These cookies collect information that is used in aggregate form to help us understand how our websites are being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are.
.jpg "Cusco Main Square")
