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TambomachayLocation: Rediscover Machu Picchu > Peru & The Andes > Tambomachay -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fresh Water From Ancient Fountains...
The complex of Tambomachay is situated at just 9 km (5.6 mi) from Cuzco (Cusco), in the side of a hill. It is believed that the Incas have used this complex for religious ceremonies either directly dedicated to the water's worshipping or for other rituals that included the use of flowing water.
Specialists call Tambomachay a "royal bath". The Inca ruler periodically visited Tambomachay and and the other, nearby site of Puca Pucara (Puka Pukara). During these repeated visits, his followers would stay at Puca Pucara, while the great leader would stay at Tambomachay with only his closest followers, family members and personal guards.
In August, every year, locals gather around Tambomachay and perform various ceremonials acts. Although, this event is not as renowned as the Inti Raymi Festival, it does attract a few foreign visitors.
The Tambomachay site is composed of a liturgical fountain and 3 terraces. The structure has 3 levels and, as it was common among Inca buildings, this one too had been built with perfectly fitting-together unequal-shaped bricks without the usage of mortar. Even after many centuries, the stones look well-polished and strongly stick to one another.
At Tambomachay there are 2 fountains that constantly function, at any time of the year. The crystal-clear water is sometimes drunk by tourists who come here, but locals also use it for drinking and washing as well. We advise you not to drink from Tambomachay! In order to avoid any possible intoxications (from minor to severe), we advise you to drink only bottled water.
Tambomachay is not crowded with visitors. It is place where you can feel relaxed and admire the Inca construction. The landscape is rather less interesting, so don't expect to see impressive sights, that you will in other parts of the region.
If you do a circuit, then you could also visit the nearby Puca Pucara site, which is just 1 km (0.62 mi) away.
Tambomachay's, old fountains poring new water |
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