Q'enco Archaeological Complex
Q'enco Archaeological Complex things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Plan your stay
Posts
Visited the Q’enco Archaeological Complex as part of my day trip from Cusco, and it was a fascinating stop filled with history and mystery. Though smaller and less known compared to sites like Saqsaywaman, Q’enco offers a very unique and intimate glimpse into the ceremonial practices of the Inca civilization. The site features incredible carved limestone formations, including an impressive altar, channels believed to have been used for ritual liquid offerings, and underground passageways that add an air of mystery and spiritual significance. Our guide did a great job explaining the symbolism and sacred purpose of the complex, including how it was likely used for mummification ceremonies and astronomical observations. The rock carvings are extremely precise and show just how advanced the Inca understanding of stonework and spirituality was. Walking through the narrow corridors and stepping into the inner chambers gave me goosebumps—it truly felt like stepping back in time. The surrounding landscape is peaceful and green, making it a lovely and serene stop away from the busier sites. It’s also close to other ruins, so it's perfect as part of a half-day or full-day archaeological circuit from Cusco. Highly recommend visiting Q’enco with a guide to fully appreciate its hidden depth and ceremonial importance. It may be a smaller site, but it’s packed with cultural value and definitely worth your time!
Rahul Parab
00
Where: : Q’enqo – Cusco - Peru Title: One of the first places we visited in Cusco. We arrived overnight, slept 4 hours and we got ready to start our first day visiting Cusco. We got a half day trip with Alex, the taxi driver that took us from the airport to the B&B and it was the best thing we did, because he was really patient and took us to see lots of things without rush, since we were really tired and little sick because of the altitude. Q’enqo was one of the first place he took us and we already liked it. The place compared to others (Pisa, etc) is small but really cool area to explore, especially in your first day that your body is getting used to the high area. You will be able to get a great time exploring the huge rocks from the archeological area, some little scared spots between the rocks get your memory get back in the past and think what was happening there, since they told us that the place was where sacrifices and mummification was taken place. You will also get beautiful views from the bridge. Grade: Eli = 4, Serge = 4 Recommend: Yeah, its smaller than other areas but interesting place to visit. Tip: Try to pass some insect repellent because I got few bites there and the weather in Cusco changes really quickly, so get some sunblock but also a rain jacket!
Discovering Destinations
00
Info/tips: - This is included in the "Boleto Turístico del Cusco" - It’s usually visited as part of the “Cusco City Tour” together with Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, Saqsaywaman and Qorikancha. - If not visited with a guide, I would recommend 30 minutes and a book such as "The Incas - Cosmic Vision" to well understand the archaeological site Ensure that the guide explains: - What’s an Huaca (Qenko consists of two Huacas) - What’s an "Intihuatana" and where it’s located on the site. - The potential ceremonial altar in the small Qenko ("Qenqo Chico”) - What’s the shape of the site (should be a lezard according to some theory) This is an archaeological site near Cusco which offers a fascinating glimpse into the ceremonial life of the Incas. It is a significant Incan complex known for its unique rock formations and ceremonial functions. The site illustrate the Incan's sophisticated engineering and spiritual practices. Highlights of Qenko include: - A large limestone outcrop, intricately carved with channels and steps, thought to have been used for religious rituals and possibly sacrifices. - His amphitheater-like structure. - The underground chambers. - The central monolith
Thomas Defise
00
Mysterious Sacrificial Archaeological Site! It was a quick short visit on our drive to Cusco. The same tickets (about $20 per person) that got us entry to the other multiple archeological sites also have this one included on the list. So definitely save the tickets if you plan to visit multiple archaeological sites on your trip. There is no evidence but the stories and rumors say that perhaps mummies of the kings are buried here. They say that Pachacutec was buried in the cave. The disturbing part was that this was actually a sacrificial site and the young children were sacrificed on that cave altar. (They got little children of poor who cannot defend for themselves) and all of the above is denied as they don’t want the site to get a bad reputation. If you have psychic abilities and can sense you feel a bit uneasy when near the altar! I felt it that way not sure why. It’s a nice walk through small caves like structures and large stones. It’s 100% worth a quick visit for sure. The Cusco city views from here were spectacular! Lots of places to take pictures with the view.
Tina G
00
One of the archeology points in the cusco city tour. Q'enco is an ancient megalithic site located just outside of Cusco. It's believed to have been a religious and ceremonial center for the Incas, and it's full of fascinating ruins, including an amphitheater, temples, and a network of tunnels carved into the rock. I was particularly impressed by the amphitheater, which is still used for traditional ceremonies today. It's an amazing place to sit and imagine what it must have been like to be there hundreds of years ago. The tunnels are also worth exploring, but be warned that they can be a bit claustrophobic in some places. If you're not a fan of tight spaces, you might want to skip them. Good view of city
Nandu Ramani
00
Q'enqo é um centro arqueológico localizado no Vale Sagrado dos Incas, situado a seis quilômetros de Cuzco e que fica aproximadamente a 3.600 metros de altitude, era um antigo local de culto ao Deus Sol e a Pacha Mama e presume-se que foi um dos santuários mais importantes da era Incaica, não se sabe o nome original deste templo, mas os conquistadores espanhóis lhe deram o nome de Q'enqo, palavra quíchua que significa "Labirinto", nome dado devido ao complexo de galerias subterrâneas em forma de labirinto e também pelos pequenos canais lavrados nas rochas, em forma de ziguezague. Na época do Império Inca acredita-se que foi um centro dedicado a realização de ritos e chama a atenção pelo anfiteatro de forma semi circular, a curiosidade é que ainda é desconhecida a finalidade desta construção, mas estima-se que tenha sido utilizada como altar, tribunal ou até mesmo como tumba. Igualmente interessante é o labirinto com seus canais em ziguezague e sua grande pedra ao centro, em frente à qual possivelmente se prostravam os adoradores de Inti, o Deus Sol e da deusa Pacha Mama, a Deusa Terra, uma lástima que pouco sobrou do local que foi quase que completamente destruído pelos invasores espanhóis e no pouco que restou do complexo arqueológico de Q'enqo, restaram apenas rochas talhadas que não puderam ser destruídas, além de alguns poucos vestígios dos corredores e aquedutos, mas praticamente nada restou dos recintos, depósitos ou dos banhos litúrgicos, mas mesmo assim ainda tem grande destaque à mesa de pedra utilizada para mumificação e para sacrifícios aos Deuses e também os grandes espaços destinados a armazenagem da Chicha, bebida muito popular na época e que era destinada a consumo da população Inca nas festas e rituais cerimoniais.
Carlos Roberto Minossi
00
Nearby Attractions Of Q'enco Archaeological Complex
Twelve Angled Stone
Mirador desde el Cristo Blanco
Plaza San Blas
Mirador desde el Cristo Blanco
Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco
Machu Picchu ticket
Temple of the Moon
Museo de Arte Precolombino Larco
Templo del San Blas
Antigua Casona San Blas

Twelve Angled Stone
4.6
(5.2K)
Click for details

Mirador desde el Cristo Blanco
4.5
(1.3K)
Click for details

Plaza San Blas
4.5
(1.2K)
Click for details

Mirador desde el Cristo Blanco
4.5
(1.1K)
Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Q'enco Archaeological Complex
LIMBUS RESTOBAR
Pachapapa
Green Point Vegan Restaurant
Jack's Café
Crepería & Backpacker La Bo'M
Chakruna Native Burgers
CHIA VEGAN RESTAURANT
ViewHouse Resto bar
LOCAL Restaurante
La Casona del Inka Restaurante Mirador

LIMBUS RESTOBAR
4.4
(2.7K)
$$
Click for details

Pachapapa
4.6
(2.3K)
$$
Click for details

Green Point Vegan Restaurant
4.7
(1.4K)
$$
Click for details

Jack's Café
4.6
(1.3K)
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
F2RH+CPX, Cusco 08003, Peru
Map
Website
cuscoperu.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(3.8K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
adventure
Description
Q'enqo, Qenko, Kenko, or Quenco is an archaeological site in the Sacred Valley of Peru located in the Cusco Region, Cusco Province, Cusco District, about 6 km north east of Cusco. The site was declared a Cultural Heritage of the Cusco Region by the National Institute of Culture.
attractions: Twelve Angled Stone, Mirador desde el Cristo Blanco, Plaza San Blas, Mirador desde el Cristo Blanco, Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco, Machu Picchu ticket, Temple of the Moon, Museo de Arte Precolombino Larco, Templo del San Blas, Antigua Casona San Blas, restaurants: LIMBUS RESTOBAR, Pachapapa, Green Point Vegan Restaurant, Jack's Café, Crepería & Backpacker La Bo'M, Chakruna Native Burgers, CHIA VEGAN RESTAURANT, ViewHouse Resto bar, LOCAL Restaurante, La Casona del Inka Restaurante Mirador
