Tarawasi

Cuzco & the Sacred Valley

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Named after the Inca site of Rimactambo, Limatambo is popularly known as Tarawasi. The site was used as a ceremonial center and a resting place for the Inca chasquis (Inca runners who delivered messages over long distances). The exceptional polygonal retaining wall, noteworthy for its 28 human-sized niches, is in itself worth the trip from Cuzco. On the wall below it, look for flower shapes and a nine-sided heart amid the patchwork of perfectly interlocking stones.

Limatambo, 80km west of Cuzco, is situated beside the road, about 115km west of Abancay.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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    Llama Terraces

    29.98 MILES

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    Intihuatana

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  • Sacristy

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  • Hut of the Caretaker of the Funerary Rock

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    22.03 MILES

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Nearby Cuzco & the Sacred Valley attractions

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2. Runkurakay

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Beyond Paq’amayo on the Inca Trail, at an altitude of about 3600m, the trail crosses the river over a small footbridge and climbs toward Runkurakay; at…

3. Inca Quarry

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The 6km hike to the Inca quarry on the opposite side of the river from the main ruins is a good walk from Ollantaytambo. The trail starts from the Inca…

4. Sayaqmarka

17.69 MILES

The Inca Trail descends to the ruin of Sayaqmarka, a tightly constructed complex perched on a small mountain spur, which offers incredible views.

5. Inca Tunnel

18.2 MILES

The Inca Trail leads across an Inca causeway and up a gentle climb through some beautiful cloud forest and this Inca tunnel carved from the rock.

6. Ollantaytambo Ruins

18.51 MILES

Both fortress and temple, these spectacular Inca ruins rise above Ollantaytambo, making a splendid half-day trip. (Admission is via the boleto turístico…

8. Pinkulluna

18.61 MILES

It's a very steep climb up the hillside, but views are magnificent. You will see the Ollantaytambo ruins from the best vantage point, and it's nice to…