The best panoramic views of Cusco
Qenqo: Not only can we take you to this enigmatic place, but you can also be part of our tours around these impressive Inca constructions.
For a long time, this ancient building has been considered a sacred place, and all the surrounding areas have become more popular due to their panoramic views of the city of Cusco. Additionally, many tourist activities and craft shops have recently started to appear in these landscapes.
Currently, this impressive archaeological center is part of our classic private city tour. You can also visit it on our full-day city tour, which is a combination of archaeological sites and everyday places to visit in Cusco. Furthermore, you can find Qenqo as an included attraction in our exclusive “Ancient Inca Sites in Cusco and Pisac” tourist service.
But if you want to explore Qenqo on your own, taking your time to rest and take photos, we can offer you our “private transportation in Cusco” to take you safely to Qenqo. Additionally, you can rely on our “shuttle car in Cusco” service. So you can spend your own time inside this complex while we wait for you to go to the next attraction or take you back to your hotel. It’s up to you.
Well, let’s take a look at the benefits of visiting Qenqo!
Short description
This archaeological site is located at 3,580 meters above sea level (11,745 feet), precisely 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Cusco’s main square. This is the reason for its privileged panoramic view of the entire Cusco valley, adorned with eucalyptus trees and Qantu flowers (our national flower).
In reality, Qenqo is not a construction like the others. Instead of building stone walls and terraces around it, they used the natural state of this rocky formation (limestone) to carve narrow inner streets, altarpieces, sculptures, gates, windows, and many other structures. All of these were executed by the Inca civilization to enhance this supposed Center for Mummification.
So you can visit this important place, as well as others, through our tourist services in Cusco.
But if you want to explore these constructions managing your own time, you can rely on our “private transportation in Cusco” service. This way, you could visit the high Qenqo (the most touristy sector), as well as the low Qenqo, which is the second sector of the entire Qenqo archaeological center.
The advantage of visiting the low Qenqo, with our “private transportation in Cusco“ service, is the natural environment and the views. You can enjoy a comfortable time amidst eucalyptus forests next to the low Qenqo.
More fun around Qenqo
All the surrounding areas host numerous archaeological remains. For instance, just 5 minutes from Qenqo, you can find a stone seat used for astronomical observations performed by the Willak Uma (Andean priest).
If you wish to explore non-touristy Inca remains, just cross the road and you’ll see a section of the original Inca trail and a religious construction. This place is the best for taking stunning photos of yourself, your family, or your partner. Undoubtedly, it’s a dreamy spot for photography.
Furthermore, if you’re an adventurous soul and want to walk a bit more through this natural beauty, we can recommend you to hike to ‘the Temple of the Moon.’ The path there is flat and offers panoramic views. However, you can only make this visit with our tourist transportation service in Cusco. You can’t visit it on regular tourist services.
Another type of tourist service in these lands is horseback riding. There’s a designated route, so you just need to relax and enjoy this excursion. You can also find this type of service in our exclusive ‘horseback riding and ATV tour‘ service.
The historical significance
The name Qenqo is written in Quechua, and its translation into English could be ‘labyrinth,’ as all the narrow streets and carved underground paths give that perspective of a labyrinth. But if we focus on history, the real name of this place could be ‘patallaqta’ (the citadel on something).
Because, during the collection of all the sacred idols carried out by the Royal Crown of Spain, they found the settlement of Pachacutec, called Patallacta, located next to Sacsayhuamán, and inside they found the mummy of Pachacutec. Currently, many archaeologists believe that Qenqo is the residential palace of Pachacutec.
Other theories suggest that, due to its proximity to the city of Cusco, this Qenqo could be the most important center for mummifying deceased Incas. Furthermore, some people believe that this center was used for sacrificing llamas and alpacas to the Sun God.
As you can see, Qenqo is an interesting place to visit when you’re in Cusco. If you want to visit this site and more, take our guided private tours in Cusco. But if you wish to spend more time in Qenqo enjoying many attractions, inquire about our ‘private tourist transportation services in Cusco.
