Three Overlooked Sites in Cusco
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on October 28, 2022 by James Bustamante
Are there overlooked sites in Cusco? The Incan city is one of the most popular cities to visit in Peru, in fact, it’s arguably the most popular even more so than Lima. Part of Cusco’s popularity is correlated to the activities which start in the former Incan capital. Cusco is a gateway to many adventures in this amazing country, you’ll set out on the Inca trail, the Salkantay trek, the Rainbow mountain and, the Machu Picchu hike just to name a few.
The mentioned day tours and multiday hikes catch most of the interest of incoming travelers but, there are also other great locations just outside the city limits that are overlooked. As amazing as Cusco is used for a hub, there are other amazing sights to see in and around Cusco, which can often be overlooked for shinier sights like Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca . Let’s go over 3 overlooked sites in Cusco that are worth the visit.
The Tambomachay Site Near Cusco
The first location is Tambomachay, an Incan water temple. It consists of a series of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls that run through terraced rocks, the Incas were incredible architects. So much so, that the function of this site remains uncertain to this day. Many archeologists believe it may have served as a military outpost guarding the approaches to Cusco; it could have been a temple that venerated the gods or even a spa resort for the Incan political elite. More on the Tambomachay ruins here.
The Puka Pukara Fortress
Another location that should not be forgotten is Puka Pukara. This fort is made of large walls, terraces, and staircases and played a large part in defending the people of Cusco and the Inca Empire from invaders. It most likely received its name from the reddish color that the structure gives off at dusk, truly a remarkable sight. This military architecture also functioned as an administrative center. If you want to learn more about the ruins check them out at Puka Pukara Fortress.
The Q’enqo Ruins Site In Cusco
The last location we’ll be looking at is Qenko (or Qenqo), this area is home to one of the largest Huacas (holy places) in the Cusco Region. Many Huacas were based on naturally occurring rock formations. It was believed to be a place where sacrifices and mummification took place, you may even catch a glimpse of tomb-like structures along the walls and cliff faces. It really makes you wonder just how ingenious the Incas were back then. Learn more about Qenqo at The Qenqo ruins.
Conclusion
The next time you find yourself in Cusco and want to visit Inca ruins don’t forget about the overlooked sites in Cusco. There are several other Incan ruins to visit that are largely unknown to most tourists. It’s not just in Cusco but also near the Urubamba valley as well. If you want to know anything more about Peru, Cusco, and Machu Picchu Travel, check out the rest of our blog posts at Peru Travel Blog, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our special packages.
