The sets that we will describe next were undoubtedly very important sanctuaries for Incas. In spite of the destruction that this complex underwent during the colony- which can be appreciated at the moment inside it- it is still impressive and colossal.

The Sacrifice Room of Q’enqo

It is a subterranean chamber. It is the lower portion of a large rock, so that floors, ceilings, walls, tables and cupboards are carved in a single gigantic rock. It is said that this underground chamber could have been used to embalm the dead bodies of people of noble lineage, also as a sacrifice place of humans and animals such as llama. Formerly, the sacrifice rock was covered in gold.

Intiwatana and Astronomical Observatory

The Intiwatana is situated in the superior part of the great rock, constituted of 2 stone prominences of cylindrical shape that rise upright on a quasi-elliptical pedestal, all in situ, carved on the top of the rock. The use of Intiwatanas (where the sun is tied) during the Inca times is still a mystery. It is presumed that it was a kind of astronomical observatory, which the “amautas” (maestros) used to measure the time, to establish the seasons, determine the solstices and equinoxes and also as a shrine, where they worshipped the sun, the moon and the stars.

The Winding Duct

This is on the large rock and near the Intiwatana. The zigzag canal starts from a small hole and moves down in an inclined plane and broken line, which then branches off; one of these branches led the liquid to the underground Chamber or Sacrifice Room (according to the Cusqueño historian Victor Angles). The liquid could be enshrined chichi or blood of beings sacrificed for the gods.

The Amphitheatre

This is a huge semi-circular area of a length of 55m., with 19 incomplete niches distributed along the wall. During the Inca time, this place was a temple for public ceremonies. In front of the free area there is a large stone block 6 m. high, resting on a solid rectangular pedestal. It has niches spread around the amphitheater as seats, but according to recent research, it is very likely that actually these niches have been the foundation of a great wall, to show the representation of an entity which they worshiped.

SCHEDULE

Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00 to 18:00
Price: The entry to Q´enqo is included in the Tourist Ticket