We will start this One Day Hike to Inkilltambo by picking you up at 0800 AM from your hotel in Cusco. Then in our private transport we will embark on a 25 minutes journey to the trail head.
Inkilltambo or Inca Carcel (Inca Prison) is an archaeological site just off the city of Cusco. This site however, was not a prison. It was a place where the Incan messengers use to rest while travelling around the Inca empire. It is located in vicinity of Sacsayhuaman and Moon Temple. The route takes you through distinct flora and fauna.
Viracocha, the eighth Sapa built Inkilltambo. His son, the ninth Inca Sapa, Pachacutec, who built Machu Picchu and Choquequirao expanded it. It comprises of a series of enclosures, farming terraces, ceremonial site. There are aqueducts from Pre-Hispanic era.
The ceremonial site consists of massive stone blocks. There are many cavities which links to each other through underground passages.
One of the impressive things is that each sectors are built depending on its use. For instance, the first part of the complex comprises of farming terraces. The upper part houses the ceremonial centre and storage area. There are other notable structures whose purpose of construction is not clear yet.
Sadly, the prominence of this appealing site faded away upon Spanish conquest. Thanks to the recent archaeological research, it is gradually getting the attention.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
0800 AM
At 0800 AM, we will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then we will be driving you to the trail head. It is in Kusilluchayoc. Locally the place is famous for the temple of monkeys. From here we will hike to the moon temple.
It is a massive craved rock. The incas used this as a ceremonial site to express their gratitude to Moon. Here our guide will give you a detailed tour of the site. From here it is almost an hour walk to Inkilltambo.
It nestles along, Qhapac Ñan (the original Inca Trail). The path the Incas used to reach Machu Picchu from Cusco along Pisac. This sector of the trail will be taking a sector popular for Eucalyptus plantation.
Upon reaching Inkilltambo, our guide will give you a detailed tour of the archeological complex. We will the stop for lunch. After relishing on our box lunch, we will continue the tour with a visit to Kallachaka Bridge. Here you will be able to see the remains of an ancient colonial oven.
After the tour, we will hike back to Cusco. We will drop you at the main square, Plaza De Armas at 0500PM.
I highly recommend doing this trek. Me and my partner had a wonderful time. I am very thankful to our guide, Richard and his team for making this trip an informative one.
Excellent option while acclimatising in Cusco. Very informative and an off road experience. Totally recommend.
