Tambomachay, The bath of the Inca Kings.

Peru is a country that is full of history and culture. From the ancient Inca Empire to the vibrant and colorful festivals in Cusco, Peru has something for everyone who wants to explore its rich history. One of the best examples of this can be found at Tambomachay, an archaeological site outside Cusco. This ancient bath is an incredible example of Inca architecture and engineering, and it’s one that you definitely won’t want to miss out on when visiting Peru.

Tambomachay Inca site

Tambomachay Inca site.

What is Tambomachay?.

Tambomachay is an Inca site located just 30 minutes outside of Cusco in the Cusco to Pisac. The site consists of a series of terraces with stone walls and a small fountain. Tambomachay was believed to be a bathing site for elite members of the Inca society.

The water at Tambomachay is thought to have therapeutic properties, and it is said that the Incas would bathe in the fountain to heal their ailments. Today, visitors to Tambomachay can still see the remnants of the Inca bathhouse.

The meaning of Tambomachay.

The name Tambomachay is derived from the Quechua words Tambo, meaning “resting place,” and Machay, meaning “cave or hidden place. “Tambomachay can also be translated as “the secret resting place.”

Location.

Tambomachay is located about 7 kilometers northwest of Cusco, at 30 minutes drive from the center of Cusco on the main route from Cusco to Sacred Valley via Pisac. The site is situated at 3,700 m (12139 ft) above sea level in the Andes Mountains.

History.

Tambomachay is believed to have been constructed as a royal bath for the Inca ruler Pachacuti (1438–1472). It was probably used as a royal bathhouse, where members of the elite could relax and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the spring water. The aqueducts and canals were used to channel water from the spring into the various baths.

The site was also an important stop on the Inca Trail and would have provided weary travelers a place to rest and refresh themselves before continuing their journey. Today, Tambomachay is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can still see the remains of the ancient Inca buildings and walls. The site is also an important symbol of Inca engineering and architecture and is a testimony to the advanced level of technology attained by the ancient civilization.

Altitude.

Tambomachay is located at an altitude of 3,700 meters (12,139 feet), making it one of the highest Inca sites in the Cusco region.

The weather.

The weather in Tambomachay is usually sunny during the day, but it can get cold at night. It is important to dress warmly when visiting Tambomachay, especially if you plan to visit early or late in the afternoons.

Tambomachay FAQs.

How to get there?.

To get to Tambomachay from Cusco, you can take a collective, private car or participate in a guided Cusco City Tour. The drive takes around 20-30 minutes.

HUERTO is the name of the Colectivo that can take you to the entrance of Tambomachay for 1 sol. However, we do not recommend going to this place alone; it is better to travel with a tour guide or guided tours.
A private Taxi would be expensive, around 120 soles round trip, and you will need to hire a tour guide to enjoy the place to the fullest.
A city tour of Cusco is the best way to explore Tambomachay; the tour includes several places in Cusco city and the 4 ruins in Sacsayhuaman. The Inca people built

What to expect?.

The route is easy to follow; you must drive along the Cusco-Pisac for 30 minutes, and you will see the sign and main entrance of Puka Pukara on the right side and 100 m further the access to Tambomachay on the ride side.

Once you arrive at Tambomachay, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Andes Mountains and learn about their hydraulic engineering prowess. There is a short hike to the Inca site, where you can see many native trees and birds along the stream.

When is the best time of the year to visit?.

Tambomachay is a pre-Inca site located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The best time to visit Tambomachay is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the trails are dry and easy to hike.

Interesting Facts.

The Tambomachay site is located just outside Cusco, Peru, and was built by the Inca. The site consists of aqueducts and canals that bring water down from a nearby mountain spring. The water flows through stone channels and into a series of baths. The baths are thought to have been used for ceremonial or religious purposes.

There is some debate over the exact purpose of the Tambomachay site. Some believe it was used as a bath for the Inca nobility, while others believe it had a more spiritual or religious sense. Regardless of its exact purpose, the Tambomachay site is an impressive feat of engineering and a beautiful example of Inca architecture.

What to pack?.

When packing for Tambomachay, be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there is nowhere to buy food or drink once you arrive. A hat and sunscreen are also essential, as the sun can be pretty intense at high altitudes. Good walking shoes are a must, as the path from the parking lot to the ruins is steep and rocky. Finally, don’t forget your camera to capture all the incredible views!

Tips for visiting.

When packing for Tambomachay, you will take a beautiful short hike in a hidden valley; also, at the same site, you can hike longer to enjoy nature.

Bring a small backpack that is comfortable for hiking
Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat or other sun protection
Rain gear, a plastic poncho or umbrella
Don’t forget your camera! The ancient ruins and breathtaking scenery are worth capturing.

How much is the entrance fee?.

You can not buy the entrance ticket to Tambomachay; you need to purchase a Boleto Turistico that includes several Inca sites.

Full Boleto Turistico with sacred Valley is 130 soles
Half Boleto Turistico is 70 soles, and you can visit the 4 ruins in Cusco and several Museums in Cusco city