Tambomachay
Located 5 miles (8 km) from Cusco, Tambomachay is a peaceful Inca site consisting of a series of delicately carved aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls that run through the terraced rocks.
In Quechua, Tambomachay means “guesthouse cave,” deriving from the word tampu, guesthouse, and mach’ay, cave. While the exact function of the site is uncertain, it may have served as a defensive outpost to Cusco, a spa for the elite Incan political leaders, a temple dedicated to water, or all three. One thing is certain: it held great meaning for the Incas, signaled by its huge double doorway, a feature reserved for places of importance.
Tambomachay is better known as El Bano del Inca, or “The Bath of the Inca,” because it is thought to have been a place to bath in attempt to clean the mind and spirit of evil. Legend has it that the spring water here has never run dry, sparking the belief that it is also a possible “fountain of youth.”
The clear and abundant water that flows at Tambomachay originates from nearby thermal springs. The aqueducts and canals are built in such a way that the water flows unhindered to a little waterfall at the bottom of the structure, once used for ceremonial purposes. Inca worshipped water as the source of life; one of the pillars of the Andean conception of the world.
Tambomachay is a great example of the ancient architects’ ability to harmonize constructions with landscape, creating a space where the sound of the water echoes in the canals, resulting in a beautifully peaceful atmosphere.
Where to stay in Tambomachay
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Tambomachay accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Belmond Palacio Nazarenas Boutique Hotel
The Belmond Palacio Nazarenas is a boutique hotel in Cusco. The hotel is set in a former convent that has been beautifully restored into one of the city’s best hotels.
Hotel Wakapunku
Hotel Wakapunku is located just two blocks from Cusco’s main plaza. This boutique hotel is warm and inviting.
Belmond Hotel Monasterio Cusco
The Belmond Hotel Monasterio is found in Cusco, Peru. This beautiful and historic hotel is centrally located in Cusco.
Inkaterra La Casona Cusco
Inkaterra La Casona Cusco is an exquisite hotel in central Cusco. Set within a 16th-century colonial mansion, Inkaterra La Casona is easily one of the best hotels in Cusco.
Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza
Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza is centrally located in Cusco, Peru. This hotel is cozy and set within a remodeled colonial house.
Sueños del Inka
Sueños del Inka puts you steps from some of the most important historic sites in Cusco, where you’ll see many monuments to the culture clash between the Spanish and the Inca.
Cusco Plaza II Saphy
The Cusco Plaza II is a hotel located just three minutes from the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, Peru. The hotel is set within a refurbished colonial home and offers guests a complimentary breakfast each day.
JW Marriott Hotel Cusco
A 5-star hotel in the heart of historical Cusco, the JW Marriott Hotel Cusco offers architecturally breathtaking accommodations very close to the main attractions of this important city.
Hotel Novotel Cusco
Hotel Novotel is located in the historic center of Cusco. This hotel is contemporary and has an excellent breakfast buffet.
Hostal Cusco Plaza I Nazarenas
Located in central Cusco, Hostal Cusco Plaza I is the ideal home base for an exploration of the imperial city of the Inca. This hotel is as cozy on the inside as it is bustling and exciting on the outside.
Sonesta Posada del Inca Cusco
Sonesta Posada del Inca is located just a few steps away from Cusco’s main square. With first-class lodging and authentic Peruvian hospitality, this hotel offers travelers an excellent choice in the heart of Cusco.
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
Just two blocks from the heart of the fascinating city of Cusco, this renovated mansion offers luxury service and loads of period art for your perusal.
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