THE LABYRINTH OF THE INCAS

 

 

Qenqo in Quechua means LABYRINTH. The reason why the Incas called this place a "labyrinth" is unknown, but it could be due to its mysterious caves and whimsical architectural details. What is certain, however, is that this was a temple dedicated to very special magical-religious ceremonies.

 

  

 

A few meters below this temple is what is perhaps the most mysterious and sacred part of the temple where cults to the mummies of the ancestors and some sacrifices were probably carried out; it is an enigmatic cavity that was carved in the form of a shrine where in the central part there is a kind of table or ceremonial altar carved in the living rock.

 

  

 

Among its most important sectors are: a curious amphitheater that apparently was not finished and for some reason was not completed, also at the top of the temple there is a strange zigzag channel that, according to historians, during sacrifices, the priests poured blood and a sacred liquor made from fermented corn. 

 

  

 

This mysterious temple is divided into 2 sectors: Qenqo grande and Qenqo chico and is located just 2 kilometers from the city of Cusco, a few meters from the Sacsayhuaan archaeological complex. Qenqo can be easily reached on foot, going up through the picturesque neighborhood of San Blas in 30 minutes.

 

  

 

Armando el cronista