SACRED INCA TRAIL TO INKILLTAMBO A QUIET JOURNEY TO THE ANDEAN LEGACY

SACRED INCA TRAIL TO INKILLTAMBO A QUIET JOURNEY TO THE ANDEAN LEGACY

INCA TRAIL TO INKILLTAMBO

A beautiful place quite close to the city of Cusco, nestled in a valley formed by the folds of the magnificent mountains, this is Inkilltambo, a little-visited historical legacy, but that one enough to make you impressed. Far from being a crowded attraction like Machu Picchu or the most touristic routes in Peru, this is a hike in contact with nature and its immense peacefulness.

The name “Inkilltambo” etymologically comes from the Quechua language: Inkill, which means garden or a place of flowers, and Tambo, which is translated to a shelter or a place of refuge for hikers of the Inca Society. That is exactly what Inkilltambo was, a halfway spiritual resting place along the path leading to Antisuyo (a region towards the Andes during the Inca era).

The Inca Trail to Inkilltambo Journey

The Inca Trail to Inkilltambo begins after a 20-minute drive from Cusco’s city center. From there, the Inca Trail winds through farmlands and eucalyptus forests that smell out the air with their fresh aroma. As we move away from the hustle and bustle of the city, nature takes center stage.

The Inca Trail to Inkilltambo is not at all demanding, although the altitude, at 3,650 meters above sea level, can make the hike a little more arduous. But there’s no rush; there’s no reason to run to get the best photos; there’s plenty of time and space to enjoy of them.

There’s no commerce, no groups of tourists with walking sticks, cameras, or huge backpacks. Sometimes you’re the only one walking through these places, accompanied only by the wind and the shadows cast by the sun’s rays. The trail is littered with stones emerging from the ground. Sitting on one and contemplating the surroundings is an almost meditative experience, just enjoy this small place, which very few remain today.

After approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of walking the peaceful and ancient Inca Trail, the archaeological site of Inkilltambo emerges from the bushes. Inkilltambo is located deep in a small valley. Unlike other sophisticated Inca constructions, such as Sacsayhuaman, Ollantaytambo, or Pisac; Inkilltambo impresses with its harmonious space. Its efficiently carved limestone walls, agricultural terraces, and water channels still preserve an ancestral language that time has not been able to erase.

Once you arrive at the Inkilltambo archaeological site, it’s time to relax, take a break, and enjoy the impressive archaeological landscape and nature. Every stone used in its construction reveals details of the past. The atmosphere inspires you to reflect for a moment and wonder who and how many people built it. The energy is felt, and all that remains is to be part of it.

After enjoying this wonderful archaeological site, you can return to Cusco by the same way how you started. Alternatively, you can take a different route and enjoy many more sites.

Originally, the Inca Trails connected Inca Sacred Centers. The Inca Trail to Inkilltambo is one of them, but it’s one that very few people know about.

The Inca Trail to Inkilltambo also connects archaeological sites like Amaru Markawasi “Temple of the Moon,” Qenqo Chico, and K’usilluchayoq, small sacred ancestral sites, but immense due to the energy that one feels when visiting them.

Sacsayhuamán, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay are also nearby. You will need additional time to reach these sites, as well as an entrance ticket called Tourist Ticket.

We recommend inquiring or getting information before hiking the Inca Trail to Inkilltambo and its surroundings.

Useful Hike Tips when you hike the Inca Trail to Inkilltambo:

How to Get Inkilltambo Inca Site:

If you plan to hike on your own, you will need to take a taxi from Cusco’s city center to the nearest point of the trailhead. There are no official signs, so it is advisable to have a map or ask with locals.

If you plan to hike the Inca Trail to Inkilltambo with a tour operator, you will forget about everything mentioned above. The tour operator and basically the professional guide are knowledgeable about the route and the best spots to visit. PERU HIKING TOURS could be your recommended company to hike the Inca Trail to Inkilltambo, ask  your questions and stay well informed.

Hike Duration along the Inca Trail:

The hike could take up to 7 hours, depending on how you choose to get there.

Difficulty Level to Inkilltambo:

The difficulty is Moderate; the terrain is accessible, the trail is undulating without difficult slopes, but altitude can influence the hike.

Recommendations for what to bring when you hike the Inca Trail to Inkilltambo:

There are not local stores or stands along the trail, so it is important to bring all essentials such as water, snacks, a sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, lightweight hiking shoes, and a pair of walking sticks.

Best time to go to Inkilltambo:

Depends on the season; if it’s during the dry months (the “dry season in Cusco“) from April to September, it’s recommended to go early in the morning to take advantage of the good weather and warm sunshine. However, if you are in Cusco during the rainy months (the “rainy season in Cusco“) from October to March, it’s recommended to wait for good weather during the day; rain could hinder your hike.

Finally, the Inca Trail to Inkilltambo doesn’t appear in most brochures or book guides, and perhaps that’s why it’s so special. It’s a place where history is hidden, and only those who visit truly understand it. A corner where time seems to stand still, reminding travelers that sometimes the most valuable things are found right on the edge of the map.