Tipon & Raqchi, Cusco Dept.

In the hills south of Cusco City are the ruins of Tipon, known for its masterful series of expansive terraces and ingenious stone irrigation systems demonstrating the Incas deep rapport with water. The sublime multileveled fountain here is expressive of the Andean origin myths. From here we continue south, stopping briefly at the Wari aquaduct/Incan gateway Rumicolca. Another hour drive takes us to the sprawling Incan city of Raqchi. Once a key meeting place for Aymara and Quechua cultures, purported to be where the coronation of the Inca took place. An impressive and haunting site with over 150 round storage buildings (qolqas) and the remains of the temple of Virachocha, the tallest known Incan structure.