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The Archeological Park of Tipon is a magic place that has a lot of interesting things to discover. There are fantastic Inca constructions that captivate anyone’s eyes. Inkayni Peru Tours offers you to visit Tipon among other tourist places like Huasao, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas. These places are part of our South Valley Tour, a different way to see Cusco.
Location:
It is located 23 km from Cusco, in the province of Quispicanchis.
Altitude:
It is at an altitude of 3 316 m.a.sl./ 10879 Ft
Climate:
Dry season: From May to October
Rainy season: From November to April
Best season to visit The Archeological Park of Tipon:
The best season to visit The Archeological Park of Tipon is during the dry season, from May to October, since there is less rain and the roads are safer. However, because nights during the dry season are cold, we recommend bringing warm clothes. During the day, you can wear light clothes, and to prevent from sun damage wear a hat and sunscreen.
Description:
Tipon is an Archeological Park where they worshipped water. It contains enclosures, terraces and an intact canal. The upper complex is crossed by the Inca Trail with an irrigation canal. It was put on the List of Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks.
What can you see in The Archeological Park of Tipon?
Tipon is one of the most visited sites of the city of Cusco. The park covers 239 hectares. It consists of wide agricultural terraces irrigated by a network of water channels fed by a natural spring. Several surrounding ruins have been excavated, and many more are visible below the soil.
According to the history, Tipon is part of the Qhapaq Ñan, the famous Inca route. Among the most interesting things you can find in Tipon, we can name the following:
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Royal Enclosures:
This is the most beautiful and detailed group of the park. It has beautiful fountains and small channels where water continues flowing up until now. The beautiful rooms and gardens were built with megalithic blocks of stone. It is believed that this place was part of the royal house that Wiracocha had built for his father Yahuar Huaca.
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Intihuatana:
It is assumed that Intihuatana (where the sun is tied) may have been an astronomical observatory, which served measure time, to establish the seasons, to determine the solstices and equinoxes. It is located a few meters from the main enclosures and at a higher altitude over a small hill that protects the complex.
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Checkpoint or Cruz Moqo:
In the northern side of the archeological complex there is a significant prominence that was an important checkpoint. It is called Cruz Moqo that means “summit where there is a cross” and at the same time Qosqo Qhawarina that means “from where Cusco can be seen”. Western Cusco can be seen from there. It was a very populated place during Inca time.
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Minor Enclosures:
This area was called minor enclosures since anyone who was considered important but did not belong to royalty lived there. The rooms are located almost 1 km from Intihuatana. Although they are of a lower quality compared to the royal enclosures, they are still outstanding.At first, they were built with stone, but then they were finished with adobe (mixture of clay and sand).
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Wall:
It is possible that Tipon was occupied by warriors that fought wars during many years. And to protect them, they built colossal and vast defensive walls, which surely took many years of work. Later, the wall was useless because all the regional kingdoms became part of Tahuantinsuyo, the great empire.
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Terraces and channels:
Inca terraces are precise and right angled. Every square inch is dedicated to agriculture. The water is guided through an ingenious system of channels throughout the terraces. Irrigating the various levels during the dry seasons and serving as an efficient drainage system during heavy rains.
It is assumed that great amounts of water come from the Pachatusan, a famous mountain near Tipon. It is quite impressive to see the system is still working.
Who built this place?
The true purpose of Tipón is not known. According to the history of Cusco, because Yawar Waqaq escaped during a war with the Chancas, Viracocha Inca ordered a palace to be built for his father, Yawar Waqaq. It will serve as a refuge for him.
How to get to Tipon:
There are 3 ways to get to Tipon:
- By Bus
This is the cheapest way to get to the town, but the longest. It takes 1 hour and a half approximately to get there. The name of the transport company is “Los Leones”, and it cost S/. 4 Peruvian soles roundtrip.
2. By Taxi:
The second option to get to Tipon is by taking a taxi. If you take one in the downtown area,it may cost from S/30.00 to S/ 40.00 Peruvian soles.
It takes 50 minutes approximately to get there.
3. Inkayni Peru Tours and the South Valley Tour
If you want to have everything arrange in advance, and get to the archeological park not only to the town, Inkayni Peru Tours is the best option. The previous two options will take you to the town of Tipon, but to access the archeological park you will have to walk approximately 30 minutes.
We offer you to take you to the Archeological Park of Tipon as part of our South Valley Tour. We have daily departures, and promise to take to Huasao, Pikillaqta, an important town of the Wari Culture in Cusco, and Andahuaylillas & The Sistine Chapel of America. The best adventure is guaranteed!.
Don’t wait any longer and contact us Inkayni Peru Tours through our different virtual platforms. We are at your service 24 hours a day.
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” – Anita Desai
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