Qenko, Cusco

Q'enqo, also known variably as Kenko, Quenco, or Q’inqu, is a significant archaeological site in the Sacred Valley of Cusco. Located about 6 km northeast of Cusco in the Cusco Region, Province, and District, this site has been declared a Cultural Heritage of the Cusco Region by the National Institute of Culture.

The site's Quechua name, meaning "zig-zag" or "Labyrinth," reflects the complex underground channels and tunnels that characterize Q'enqo. It was an important religious center for the Inca, where rituals honoring major gods were conducted. The ceremonies likely involved sacrifices and mummification, as suggested by the presence of features like an underground chamber potentially used for embalming.

Q'enqo is notable for its large natural rock formations, known as huacas, which were considered sacred. Despite efforts by the Spanish colonizers to destroy indigenous religious sites, the sturdy stone constructions of Q'enqo largely survived. The site is divided into two main areas: Q’enqo Grande and Q’enqo Chico, with the former being the larger formation.

Carved into these rock formations are symbols of significant animals in Andean cosmovision: the condor, the puma, and the snake. The site also contains intricate carvings and features such as intiwatanas, which are believed to have been used for astronomical observations and as a shrine for solar, lunar, and stellar worship.

Notable structures within Q'enqo include a large semicircular area that was used for public ceremonies and an underground chamber that symbolizes the entrance to the world of the dead. This chamber, along with a zigzagging channel used to transport liquids, such as chicha or sacrificial blood, underscores the site's ritual importance.

Today, the site remains a powerful testament to Incan architectural and religious practices. It continues to impress visitors with its grand scale and the depth of history it represents. Adjacent to the archaeological complex is a forest of towering eucalyptus trees, adding to the site’s allure and providing a scenic backdrop for photography. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open to the public free of charge.