Tambomachay, The Inca Baths

Tambomachay, The Inca baths, comes from the Quechua words Tampu, which means place or storage, and Machay, which means rest, is a splendid place where ceremony for the water took place.

Its precise function is unknown, but it may have served as a ceremonial site, an Inca spa, or a military outpost—or perhaps a mix of all three.

Located in the Andes, 7 km from the Cusco city.

Location:

Tambomachay is located 8km from the city of Cusco , at 3700 meters above the sea level.

Description:

It consists of a series of aqueducts, canals and waterfalls that run through the terraced rocks. It is situated near springs such as the one called Timpuc Puquio, a boiling spring on the northern bank of the Timpuc River and the spring near Huaylla Cocha community. These natural springs were channeled through three waterfalls that still flow today.

What was the main function of Tambomachay?

As it has stated earlier, its precise function is unknown. However, there is one popular belief. The site is also known as El Baño del Inca, or the Bath of the Inca. This refers to one of the long-held theories about the site’s function: that it was a spa of sorts for the Inca ruler, and maybe for the wider Inca nobility. It’s a secluded and tranquil spot, and the constantly flowing water would certainly have provided for all the Inca’s spa-break needs. But there was probably more going on at Tambomachay than just high-altitude bathing.

Tambomachay possesses a hydraulic system a natural spring, which continuously feeds a series of small aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls built into the terraces.

Importance of Water in Incas time:

Water— and the control of water—had a ceremonial function for the Incas. They were able to control the flow of water with great precision, often bringing the water from springs way up in the mountains via stone channels and aqueducts, and finally to fountains and waterfalls at important points within their religious sites.

Considering the presence of precise water features at Tambomachay, and its construction on a natural spring, it’s likely that it served a ceremonial function connected with water. The trapezoidal niches could also have served a ceremonial purpose, perhaps to hold offerings (trapezoidal niches and openings are, however, ubiquitous in Inca architecture, from the finest temples to the most basic walls). It’s possible that all this could have been tied in with the notion of a spa: if the Inca ruler did come here to bathe and cleanse himself, that in itself could have been a ceremonial process.

Note:

Inca Baths are very alike to the ones in Ollantaytambo.

How to get to Tambomachay?

Tambomachay is not far from Cusco. Therefore, there are different options to get to this archeological site. You can take a taxi to get there. It will take 45 minutes from Cusco to Tambomachay. If you want to save some money, you can take the public transportation. The third option and more recommended is hiring the service of a tour operator in advance.

Inkayni Peru Tours has different packages that include Tambomachay. Visit our website to check the tour that fits your needs www.inkayniperutours.com

There are different options to get to this archeological site

Inkayni Tips:

• Bring your passport or any personal ID.
• Children can travel only under parents supervision.
• Have a camera with you.
• Drink water to keep hydrated.
• Wear a hat and sunscreen to prevent from sun damage.
• Nights are cold. Bring warm clothes.
• Take some cash with you.
• If you hire the service of a tourist agency make sure they are a licensed tour operator.

You should take into account:

Tambomachay is part of The Magic of the Andes where you will visit:

• Inca Museum
• Qoricancha
• Saqsayhuaman
• Tambomachay
• Temple of the Moon
• Aguas Calientes
• Animal Sanctuary
• Uros
• Amantani
• Taquile
• Juliaca

Tambomachay is also part of “Horseback riding – Outdoor Activity”. There are 3 more places you will visit:

• Saqsayhuaman
• Qenqo
• Puca Pucara

Opening Hours:

From Monday to Sunday: 7:00 to 18:00

Entrance Fee:

There is a general tourist ticket that includes Tambomachay and 15 more tourist places. The cost of this ticket is 70 Peruvian soles for Peruvians and 130 Peruvian Soles for foreigners.

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” – Martin Buber