Sacred sites in Sacred Valley

Sacred Sites of the Valley

The Sacred Valley contains a diverse collection of religious sites spanning from the Inca Empire to the Spanish colonial era. Significant landmarks include the megalithic Temple of the Sun and ritual water fountains at Ollantaytambo, showcasing advanced Inca masonry and hydraulic engineering. The region also features historic Catholic structures, such as the 17th-century church in Chinchero built atop Inca foundations and the pilgrimage sanctuary of Señor de Huanca, where religious traditions blend indigenous and Christian practices.

Sacred Sites of the Valley — Map

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A

Temple of Sun

Unfinished Inca structure in Ollantaytambo featuring six massive pink granite monoliths. These megaliths, weighing over 50 tons each, were transported from a quarry across the valley and fitted with precision joints.

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B

Colonial Church of Chinchero

Constructed in 1607 over the remains of an Inca palace. The interior contains ornate murals from the Cusco School of art and a gilded baroque altar, illustrating the syncretism of Spanish and indigenous cultures.

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C

Ten Alcoves

A wall featuring ten large trapezoidal niches located within the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex. These recesses likely held mummies or sacred objects during Inca religious ceremonies.

D

Santuario Señor de Huanca

A major Catholic pilgrimage site situated at the base of Pachatusan mountain. It houses a sacred image of Christ painted on a rock, which according to tradition, appeared miraculously in the 17th century.

E

Water Temple

An Inca ritual site in Ollantaytambo designed for water worship. It features finely carved stone channels and fountains that continue to flow with water diverted from mountain streams using ancient hydraulic techniques.

F

Parroquia “Santiago Apostol de Lamay”

A colonial-era parish church located in the central plaza of Lamay. It serves as a local religious hub for the community and exhibits traditional Andean colonial architecture.

G

San Pedro Apostol

Historic colonial church in Calca featuring two bell towers and a traditional plaza setting. It remains a central site for local Catholic festivals and community gatherings.

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