We offer you an extraordinary adventure. During this captivating full-day hike, you will explore some of the most iconic archaeological sites in the city of Cusco, including the hidden gem of Inkilltambo, located near Sacsayhuaman.
We will visit the Temple of the Moon and then visit Inkilltambo. Despite its name, which derives from the Quechua term meaning “Inca prison”, this complex served as a resting place for Inca messengers traveling throughout the vast Inca Empire and was not a prison.
Originally built by the Inca Wiracocha, his son Pachacutec later oversaw expansion efforts. Like many other Inca sites Inkilltambo lost its identity in the wake of the Spanish conquest but restoration work has revealed its historical significance, slowly reintroducing it into the public consciousness.
At Quechuas Adventure Park, we offer experienced local tour guides who possess extensive historical knowledge. Our guides are also well trained in first aid, ensuring a safe and informative trip for our guests.
Our trip begins at 7:30 am with a convenient transfer from your accommodation to the Q’enqo area. Along the way, you will enjoy impressive and vibrant landscapes and great natural beauty passing by the Temple of the Moon for 1 hour and 20 minutes, then we will venture on a section of the Inca Trail ascending to a place where silence and Tranquility become our firm companions.
Our final destination is the notable archaeological site of Inkilltambo where we will enjoy a 45-minute visit. Here we can take photos and then take a break and enjoy some snacks. After our visit we will retrace our steps, concluding our tour around 2:30 p.m. in the Wayraqpunku area.
For the five days of Salkantay treks, you need personal trekking gear and a sleeping bag. If you do not have a sleeping bag is possible to rent one from us also if you like trekking poles, you can rent them from us. The rest needed for this trek we provide.
Here is a general packing list for the Salkantay trek that you can use as a reference:
Clothing:
Gear:
Optional:
DOCUMENTS YOU MUST CARRY DURING THE TREK
NOTE: Salkantay Treks Peru provides a duffle bag in which you can pack up to 7 kilograms of your personal belongings, which will be carried by horses during the trek. During the trek, you will carry a small backpack with the necessary items for the day hike. The rest of your belongings can be packed in the duffle bag, which will be accessible at each campsite.
To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
Also known as Inkacárcel, it is an archaeological center in Cusco that served as a sanctuary during the Inca era. It features intricate carvings on a huge granite rock and is surrounded by aqueduct platforms and drainage systems.
The name Inkilltambo comes from Quechua words, with “Inkill” meaning garden or flowery place and “Tambo” meaning inn. It basically describes the physical characteristics of the site.
Inkilltambo was built during the reign of Inca Wiracocha, between 1420 and 1438 AD. It was later expanded during the reign of Inca Pachacutec.
Inkilltambo is located in the San Sebastián district, within the Sacsayhuaman archaeological park in Cusco.
Inkilltambo was built in a rustic style, but under the rule of Inca Pachacutec a more refined architectural style was adopted to match the abundant stones and water sources of the area.
Inkilltambo served as a “huaca” for the worship of water. Enclosures with niches and water channels were built to supply the terraces supported by large stone walls.
Between 2015 and 2016, the Ministry of Culture invested nearly 5 million soles in the restoration of Inkilltambo, which included the restoration of various structures and elements.
Visitors can explore Huacas and numerous platforms, water channels, trapezoidal constructions, tunnels, Inca paths, ceremonial plazas, stairs, food storage buildings, ceremonial patios and encounter indigenous communities.
It is best to visit Inkilltambo during the dry season, which typically runs from April to December. The other months are usually rainy.
There is only one traditional food restaurant at the top of the archaeological complex. However, it may not always be open, so it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks.
Entry to Inkilltambo is free for everyone, whether you are a national or foreign tourist. The only expense is transportation.
Guided tours to Inkilltambo are not very common among tourists in Cusco. Some tour agencies offer bike tours to the site, with prices typically ranging from $15 to $30 per person.
Yes, if you go on foot using public transport, the route is safe, well signposted and well maintained.
Inkilltambo is ideal for those who enjoy visiting archaeological sites with fewer tourists, families looking for a quiet country experience, and people who like to walk or bike.
Be sure to wear good non-slip shoes, bring snacks, water, a raincoat, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Yes, there are no restrictions on bringing pets to Inkilltambo, so this is a pet-friendly site.
Nearby attractions include the Temple of the Moon, Kallachaka, Qenqo and the famous Sacsayhuaman archaeological site, each offering unique experiences and historical insights.
The Temple of the Moon is approximately 2 kilometers away, Kallachaka is approximately 5 kilometers away, Qenqo is also approximately 5 kilometers away, and Sacsayhuaman is approximately a 5-kilometer walk from Inkilltambo.
Entry to Qenqo, Sacsayhuaman, and other nearby attractions is usually covered by the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which costs 70 Peruvian soles and includes access to multiple sites.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru operated by Amazon Garden Lodge. Please take a moment to complete our short form so that one of our friendly adventure consultants can provide you with all the information for the best trip of your life in Peru.