Attraction
Sacsayhuamán
The great Inca complex on the hill above Cusco, famed for zigzag terrace walls of huge, precisely fitted stones and a plaza still used for Inti…
Tipón
An Inca estate about 22 km south-east of Cusco, known for its great terraces and working stone channels and fountains fed by a natural spring.
At a glance
- Type
- Inca estate and waterworks
- Area
- Oropesa, Quispicanchi, Cusco, Peru
Good to know
- Terraces
- Inca fountains
- Petroglyphs
Why we recommend it
Tipón is the place to see how skilled the Inca were with water. The archaeological park lies near Oropesa, in the community of Choquepata off the road from Cusco to Puno, about 22 kilometres south-east of the city. It climbs from about 3,250 metres to 3,960 metres. It is counted among the most important archaeological visits in the Cusco area and makes a rewarding half-day trip from the city.
The site was built in the early 15th century on land occupied since around 1000 BCE. It was most likely an imperial or elite estate created under Pachacuti or his son Topa Inca Yupanqui. An older account linked it to Viracocha Inca, but later studies have questioned that idea. Tipón was declared a National Archaeological Park of Peru in 1984 and is managed by the Ministry of Culture.
The core of the visit is the set of 13 main terraces in the southern part of the park, covering about three hectares, with walls between one and five metres high. Water still runs through them. Three Inca canals bring water from the Pukara River, the main one about 1.4 kilometres long and partly lined with stone, and a natural spring feeds the monumental fountain on terrace 11, where the flow splits into separate jets before joining again. A ceremonial fountain sits on terrace 8. The engineering is so admired that in 2006 the American Society of Civil Engineers added Tipón to its list of Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks.
Beyond the terraces the park is large, with about 100 hectares of terracing inside its defensive walls. On a rocky promontory at 3,525 metres is the Intiwatana, a solar observation point used to follow the solstices and equinoxes for the farming year. Higher still, at the summit of Cruzmoqo, are most of the park's 29 rocks carved with petroglyphs, including double spirals, arrows and lines of dots. Reaching them takes extra time and effort at altitude, so start early if you want to go to the top.
Tipón suits travellers interested in archaeology and engineering, and walkers happy to spend time climbing between terraces. The heights involved mean you should take it slowly and carry water and sun protection. Because it sits on the road towards Puno, it is easy to reach by road from Cusco.
Tipón FAQs
Where is Tipón?
Near Oropesa, about 22 kilometres south-east of Cusco, off the road to Puno.
What is Tipón known for?
Its Inca terraces and working stone canals and fountains fed by a natural spring.
Who built Tipón?
It was most likely an Inca estate built in the early 15th century under Pachacuti or Topa Inca Yupanqui.
How high is the site?
It ranges from about 3,250 metres to 3,960 metres at the summit of Cruzmoqo.
Why is Tipón recognised by civil engineers?
In 2006 the American Society of Civil Engineers added it to its list of Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks for its waterworks.
Are there petroglyphs?
Yes, the park has 29 rocks with petroglyphs, most of them at Cruzmoqo, the highest point.
Who manages the site?
The Peruvian Ministry of Culture, which declared it a National Archaeological Park in 1984.
Is Tipón open to visitors?
Yes, the park is open to the public and is owned by the Peruvian state.