Tambomachay
Cusco Province
Archaeological site in Peru
Contents
9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome, fellow travelers and seekers of history, to the majestic archaeological sanctuary of Tambomachay. Located merely fifteen minutes or about four miles north of the historic capital city of Cusco, this site sits at a…
Listen in the app2The Approaching Trail and Surrounding Landscape
As we depart from the main road and begin our gentle ascent along the rugged dirt trail leading into the Tambomachay complex, I invite you to take a close look at the vibrant natural environment enveloping us. To your right and…
Listen in the app3The Lower Retaining Wall and Polygonal Masonry
We have now arrived at the base of the magnificent lower retaining wall, presenting us with our first up-close encounter with the legendary stonework that makes this region so world-renowned. Look closely at the awe-inspiring…
Listen in the app4The Main Waterfalls and the Sacred Dual Cascades
As we advance toward the very heart of the complex, your eyes and ears are instantly captivated by the gentle, eternal song of cascading water. We have reached the central aquatic feature of Tambomachay, the very reason this site…
Listen in the app5The High Terrace and the Trapezoidal Niches
Look up just slightly from the main dual waterfalls to the elegantly constructed high retaining terrace immediately adjacent to the cascades. Built seamlessly into this meticulously fitted upper wall, you will easily spot four…
Listen in the app6The Living Bedrock and Hidden Animal Symbolism
As we continue to scan the complex, intricately layered stonework surrounding the central fountains, I want you to direct your attention to the massive, organic chunks of natural bedrock that have been brilliantly, almost…
Listen in the app7The Upper Ceremonial Platform and False Doorways
Let us now shift our gaze upwards, toward the very highest levels of the Tambomachay complex. Access to this elevated area was historically achieved via a secluded stone staircase located on the far side of the third terrace. …
Listen in the app8The Secret Cave and the Hidden Chinkana
For our final major section, we must look away from the manicured terraces and direct our attention to the rugged, untamed hillside situated just above the main archaeological site. If you follow the tiny, steep mountain path…
Listen in the app9Closing
As our profound journey through the cascading waters and megalithic stones of Tambomachay draws to a close, let us pause once more near the base of the central fountains. Take a deep, deliberate breath of the mountain air and…
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What is Tambomachay?
Tambomachay is a place in Cusco Province with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Cusco Province |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 9 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | -13.4808, -71.9647 |
| Last updated |
