Located in the southern portion of the Sacred Valley, the archaeological site of Tipón is one of the least-visited of Cusco’s major tourist attractions, but also one of its most interesting and rewarding. Tipón’s relative lack of visitors means that you’ll have the complex mostly to yourself, leaving you free to explore one of the Inca Empire’s most beautiful constructions on your own.
Tipón Ruins
While the ancient city’s exact purpose is still unknown, it has been theorized that it is the royal estate built by Inca Viracocha for his father Yahuar Huaca, as recorded by the chronicler Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. What is known for sure is that the site contains one of the most extensive irrigation systems of any Inca ruins. This network of channels carried water to the surrounding agricultural terraces, which, like other Andean terraces, were specially designed to be capable of supporting numerous unique microclimates. Tipón is definitely one of the most architecturally-impressive of any Inca construction, and really demonstrates the engineering prowess and mastery of building techniques achieved by the empire.
One of the most visually-striking elements of the complex is the water temple located at the top of the agricultural terraces. Water played an important part in the Inca worldview, and this scarce resource continues to play an important part in the beliefs and practices of contemporary Andean peoples. You will really feel a sense of sacred wonder as you lay eyes on this mysterious sanctuary, and your mind will fill with vivid imagery of the rituals which must have taken place in this very spot.
The water at Tipón emerges from a natural spring and still runs through the irrigation canals just as it did centuries ago, unlike many other sites. In fact, the water from these canals still provides irrigation for the agricultural needs of modern people living in the town. Seeing the Incas’ handiwork still functioning in perfect working order after hundreds of years is truly an incredible sight and should really give you an appreciation for the magnitude of their accomplishments. For more information, pick up a copy of Kenneth R. Wright’s Tipon: Water Engineering Masterpiece of the Inca Empire (https://www.amazon.com/Tipon-Water-Engineering-Masterpiece-Empire/dp/0784408513). Written by an engineer, this book goes into great detail about the history and construction of the site in a way that is easy for the layman to understand.
Cuy: Tipón’s Culinary Specialty
After you’ve visited the archaeological site, make sure you stay in the town of Tipón long enough to enjoy a plate of cuy (guinea pig). While cuy is consumed throughout the Andes, Tipón is considered the capital of this delicacy and is one of the best places to try it for the first time. While visitors from countries where the guinea pig is known as a family pet might be a tad squeamish about eating this rodent, many are surprised by how much they end up enjoying it. Not only is cuy delicious, eating it is also a unique cultural experience, so don’t miss out the opportunity!
Visiting Tipón
It’s easy to visit Tipón on a day trip from Cusco, and can easily be combined with stops at other nearby attractions like Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas. Together these three sites make up the principal sites on the South Sacred Valley portion of the Cusco touristic circuit. While this area is the least visited part of the Sacred Valley, nearly everyone who makes the effort to travel here considers it a highlight. Make sure to visit these beautiful and interesting places on your trip to Cusco!
Header Image: Modified from Flickr / Eva Lewitus
