The Qenqo Archaeological Complex is known as the Inca Labyrinth for having several subway galleries. Which are covered by large rocks and functioned as a very important religious space during the Inca period.
The enclosure is located at 3 580 meters above sea level approx. It is 4 kilometers from the historic center of Cusco.
Visiting this archaeological complex is simple and can be done by public or private transportation to the indicated destination, passing through Sacsayhuaman.
It is recommendable to travel with a travel agency that has all the necessary services to know optimally Qenqo and other tourist attractions near the place.
The word Qenqo has its origin in the Quechua language, which means Zigzag or labyrinth because of its shape. In this part, the Incas performed rituals and religious ceremonies in honor of the Sun God and Pacha Mama (Mother Earth).
In this site is at a point that served as an agricultural calendar. Used to determine the time in which to start planting, being agriculture one of its main activities.
There are several theories about the origin of Qenqo. Among them it is believed that it was a site previously occupied by another culture and then the Incas took the space to build and change the functionality in worship of their gods.
With the arrival of the Spaniards, they called Qenqo as an amphitheater because of its shape. This space has had a more important explanation for the Inca Empire as agriculture.
When visiting this archaeological site you will find a beautiful space. This archaeological site is divided into two main parts, known as Qenqo Grande and Qenqo Chico.
The latter is a set of platforms with buildings that are not found in their entirety. There are remains of high walls, among other rock formations.
Most of the sectors that make up the enclosure are present in Qenqo Grande:
It is the most striking space of Qenqo, which served as a possible religious cult. It consists of a semicircular structure more than 50 meters long, with niches on the sides and a stone up to 6 meters high that stands out from the others.
It is located near the Inti Huatana, it is a channel that descends inclined forming a broken line.
According to studies, it is presumed that animal blood or beverage blood such as chicha was used, which led to the subway chamber for use in religious rituals.
Also known as the astronomical observatory, it is located on a polished rock where time is believed to be measured.
During the solstice, on June 21, you can see the shadow of a puma image, which indicates the beginning of the agricultural year. Where the land is prepared for later cultivation.
It is the part known as the room of sacrifices and mummifications which is composed of a large rock where possibly human or llama sacrifices were performed.
The construction of underground galleries, is one of the most interesting of the archaeological complex of Qenqo. Where the Sacrificial Hall is located, which to this day is material for admiration and study.
To visit the Qenqo Archaeological Complex, there is no better option than to use the services of the travel agency Illapa, because it offers you the visit in private transportation with a bilingual guide who will explain every part of the destination. It also offers other attractions such as Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, the tour around the Sacred Valley and an expedition to the Sacred City of Machu Picchu where you will discover the secrets of the Incas.
