Family Journey to the Heart of Incan Civilization in Cusco

Echoes of the Past

Today was a day of delving deeper into the mysteries of the Inca civilization, a journey that resonated with my own heritage. As a restoration technician, I'm used to piecing together fragments of history, but walking through these sites with my family, especially Mateo, felt like bringing those fragments to life. It was a day filled with exploration, wonder, and a profound connection to the past, one that I'm eager to share.

Our exploration began with a hearty breakfast at Mr Soup. It was a small place, but the soups were amazing. It certainly prepared us for a day of exploring. Fuelled and ready to go, we set off to explore the ruins.


Discover authentic Peruvian flavors at Mr Soup in Cusco—where every bowl tells a story.

Our first stop was Tambomachay, often referred to as the 'Baths of the Inca.' The ingenuity of the Inca hydraulic engineering was immediately apparent. The precision with which the aqueducts and channels were carved from stone was astounding, a testament to their advanced understanding of water management. It was easy to imagine this place as a site of ritual purification, where water, revered as a source of life, played a central role in their spiritual practices. The crisp mountain air and the sound of flowing water created a serene atmosphere, a perfect start to our day of exploration. Mateo was particularly fascinated by the fountains, constantly asking how the Incas managed to make the water flow so perfectly. Sophie, with her librarian's mind, was engrossed in the historical accounts, piecing together the significance of the site.


Discover Tambomachay, the serene Incan Water Temple near Cusco, where ancient aqueducts meet stunning Andean vistas.

The stones whisper stories of a civilization deeply connected to the earth and its life-giving waters.

Next, we ventured to Puka Pukara, the 'Red Fortress.' The name itself is quite fitting, as the stones took on a reddish hue under the Andean sun. Unlike the intricate stonework of other Inca sites, Puka Pukara had a more rugged, almost hastily constructed feel. This led me to believe it was a military outpost, a strategic point for controlling the passage to Cusco. As I stood there, I imagined Inca warriors standing guard, watching over the valley below. Mateo, ever the imaginative one, started making up stories of battles and sieges, turning the ruins into his own personal playground. The views from Puka Pukara were breathtaking, offering a panoramic perspective of the surrounding landscape. It's easy to see why the Incas chose this location, a vantage point that allowed them to monitor movements and protect their capital.


Explore Puka Pukara, an ancient Inca archaeological site near Cusco, rich in history and stunning Andean scenery.

Our final archaeological site for the day was Q'enco, a place of mystery and intrigue. The name 'Q'enco' translates to 'labyrinth' in Quechua, and as we explored the site, it was easy to see why. The complex is carved from a single rock formation, with a network of tunnels, passages, and chambers that seem to lead nowhere and everywhere at once. It's believed that Q'enco was a religious site, a place where the Incas performed ceremonies and rituals to honor their gods. The zigzagging channel, carved into the rock, was particularly fascinating, as it was thought to have been used to pour sacred liquids, perhaps even the blood of sacrifices. As we wandered through the tunnels, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. The Incas were masters of their craft, able to transform solid rock into a place of spiritual significance. Mateo, usually so energetic, was subdued by the atmosphere of Q'enco, as if he too could feel the weight of history pressing down on us. Sophie was busy taking notes, eager to delve deeper into the mysteries of this enigmatic site.


Explore the ancient wonders of Q'enco Archaeological Complex, a historical treasure in Cusco revealing the Inca civilization's spiritual and architectural mastery.

After a day of exploring ancient ruins, our stomachs were rumbling. We headed to Nuna Raymi for lunch, a restaurant known for its commitment to local and organic ingredients. The food was delicious, a perfect blend of traditional Peruvian flavors and modern culinary techniques. I had the lomo saltado, a classic dish of beef stir-fry with onions and tomatoes, while Sophie opted for the Andean trout. Mateo, of course, went for the alpaca skewers, a dish he's grown quite fond of during our trip. The atmosphere at Nuna Raymi was warm and inviting, a welcome respite after a long day of walking. It felt good to support a restaurant that was committed to sustainability and the local community, a reflection of the values that I try to instill in Mateo.


Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine at Nuna Raymi in Cusco—where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to Cusco, but not before stopping at Paddy's Irish Pub for a quick drink. It might seem strange to visit an Irish pub in Peru, but Paddy's is known as the highest Irish-owned pub in the world, a quirky fact that I couldn't resist checking out. The pub was cozy and inviting, a perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploration. I ordered a local beer, while Sophie sipped on a Pisco Sour, the national drink of Peru. Mateo, of course, was happy with his Coca-Cola, content to soak in the atmosphere of the pub. It was a fun way to end our day, a reminder that even in the heart of the Andes, you can find a touch of home.


Experience the warmth of Irish hospitality at Paddy's Irish Pub in the heart of Cusco, where great food and drinks meet vibrant local culture.

For dinner, we decided to treat ourselves to a meal at Cicciolina, a restaurant that combines Peruvian and Mediterranean flavors. The atmosphere was elegant and romantic, a perfect setting for a special evening. I started with the ceviche, a dish of fresh fish marinated in lime juice and spices, while Sophie opted for the seafood risotto. Mateo, always the adventurous eater, tried the guinea pig, a local delicacy. The food was exquisite, a testament to the chef's skill and creativity. Cicciolina was the perfect place to celebrate our day of exploration, a culinary experience that we'll remember for years to come.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine fused with local flavors at Cicciolina in Cusco's historic center.

As I reflect on our journey through Tambomachay, Puka Pukara, and Q'enco, I'm struck by the ingenuity and resilience of the Inca civilization. Their ability to harness water, build fortresses, and create sacred spaces is a testament to their advanced knowledge and deep connection to the natural world. Walking through these sites with my family, I felt a sense of pride in my Peruvian heritage, a connection to the past that I want to share with Mateo. It was a day of exploration, wonder, and profound learning, one that will stay with us long after we leave Cusco.

Tomorrow, we plan to delve into the museums of Cusco, starting with the Museo de Arte Precolombino, the Inka Museum, and the intriguing Coca Museum. It will be a different kind of exploration, one that focuses on the artifacts and stories of the Inca civilization. I'm excited to see what we'll discover, what new insights we'll gain into this fascinating culture. And, of course, I'm looking forward to sharing it all with you, my readers, as we continue our family journey to the heart of Incan civilization.