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Portada / About Peru / Cusco / Archaeological Centers Cusco / Tambomachay - Inca´s Baths

Tambomachay - Inca´s Baths

Tambomachay, an archaeological center that is believed to have played an important religious function related to water and the regeneration of the land.
Chica en Tambomachay cusco
The Archaeological Site of Tambomachay is also known as the Baths of the Inca.

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

The location has an approximate extension of half a hectare and the material used for its construction was limestone with polygonal style masonry. Tradition knows this monument as "The Bath of the Ñusta" due to the existence of two aqueducts that carry crystal clear water all year round.

What does Tambomachay mean?

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

Water worship in Tambomachay

In the Andean worldview, water was the origin of life, turning this resource into one of their main deities. For this reason, special importance was given to water worship in all Inca constructions.

Tambomachay has liturgical fountains carved in stone and feed an extensive network of channels that provided water to the nearby archaeological enclosures.

Water worship is present in every Inca enclosure, represented as water channels in which the flow of it is continuous.

Where does the water of Tambomachay come from?

This archaeological center was built over a river and springs, although it is still not exactly known where the flowing water comes from. The slope allows water to run through all the channels, which despite having passed more than 600 years, 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 was not greatly damaged in the era of Spanish colonization, that 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 precinct 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.

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 on the Cusco-Pisac road.

General Information

Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday from 08:00 am to 05:30 pm.

Price

Entrance to Tambomachay is included in the Tourist Ticket.

  • Tourist Ticket Cusco for Foreign Tourist: S/. 130.00 (Approx. USD 36) allows entry to 16 tourist sites, valid for 10 days.
  • Tourist Ticket Cusco for National Tourist: S/. 70.00 (Approx. USD 20) allows entry to 16 tourist sites, valid for 10 days.

Climate

The climate at Tambomachay corresponds to the climate of the city of Cusco, which 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 why it is named so.

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 looking to save money. First, go to the "Rosaspata" stop where the "Huerto" transport company passes, which will take you to the Tambomachay complex in a journey of no more than 30 minutes. You can ask the transport staff for help; they will gladly assist 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 takes no more than 20 minutes.
  • Tourist bus: This option can be found in the city center, and it not only allows you to visit Tambomachay but also other nearby archaeological sites, such as Sacsayhuaman, Q'enqo, and Puca Pucara.
  • Guided tour: Most tours offered include a visit to the archaeological complex of Tambomachay. Therefore, 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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