QENQO

Q'ENQO, WAKA
OF THE PUMA

SACRED JOURNEYS
Andean Connection
trips to the sacred places in the Andes

Q’enqo. Means labyrinth or zigzag. Located 2km from Cusco, this temple dedicated to Mother
Earth is a unique center of celebrations and astronomical studies. It has numerous ceremonial
carvings, holes and canals cut into the rock. One of its features is a semi-natural underground
chamber. Limestone formation intricately carved with depictions of mythical beings, as well as
winding underground passageways and semicircular amphitheater. This waka was used for
ceremonies to Mother Earth and Heaven. It is a Temple of the Living Light, ceremonial altar
and main spiritual center. Dedicated to the Puma, the vibrant vortexes are some of the most
powerful for initiates. This archaeological complex is situated 2 km northwest of Cusco (10
minutes by car). Q’enko or “labyrinth” is considered a holy place where ceremonies honoring
the Sun, Moon, and the stars used to take place.

Puka Pukara. This archaeological complex is situated 7 km/4 miles northeast of Cusco (20
minutes by car and 2 hours on foot). The complex contains several rooms, inner plazas,
aqueducts, vantage points, and pathways. It might have served as a tambo or rest and lodging
area. According to the tale, each time the Inka was able to go to Tambomachay, he would be
accompanied by a large cortege, which stayed at Puka Pukara.

Tambomachay. Situated 8 km/4 miles northwest of Cusco (25 minutes by car). Tambomachay
might have fulfilled an important altar function linked to water and the regeneration of the land
and closely linked with Puka Pukara. The area covers about one hectare, and was made out of
polygonal shaped set limestone.

-Community Project. Camelids such as llamas, vicuñas, and alpacas are to be seen there in
their native environment. They also demonstrate how to make clothing from the wool fibers of
the animals. In addition, you can see native flowers and some Inkan built agricultural terraces.

TIPON. The Archaeological Park of Tipon, a place of great water fountains, is another one of
the most important architectural complexes found in Cusco. This old site is located 23 km. to
the Southeast of the Inka capital at a height of 3,600 meters above sea level; the highest area
of the park is found at the pass of Ranraq'asa above 3,900 meters. It belongs to the district of
Oropesa, province of Quispicanchis in Cusco.
Historian Luis Antonio Pardo says the real name of Tipon may come from the Quechua word
Timpuj which means "to be boiling", and it relates to the water flowing out of the fountains as if
the liquid was boiling. This name was recently made up since the original name is not known.
Victor Angles holds that Tipon could have been the Royal House of Yahuar Huaca, who
retreated here after being defeated by the Chancas. His son Wiracocha faced the Chancas
and defeated them, being crowned Inka instead of his father. Garcilaso de la Vega wrote the
following: "It was determined that the son, as most of the court decided, would be the head of
the kingdom; and to avoid riots and civil wars, they accepted everything the prince wanted.
After it was agreed, they obtained a Royal House, between Muyna and Quepicancha, in a
pleasant place with all the gifts, fields, gardens and other royal amusements for hunting and
fishing. The house was built close to the Yucay River. Angles assumes that the place identified
by Garcilaso is Tipon. The Watanay River passes close to Tipon and two small rivers flow out
of it to surround the complex. These could be the small rivers that the Garcilaso wrote about.
Muiuparka: A vortex where Inkas performed rituals to create perfect union with the Creator and
Cosmic energy (phenomenal healings occur here.)