The archaeological site of Tipon is located in the district of Oropesa, in the province of Quispicanchi, in the region of Cusco, Peru. It is located approximately 23 kilometers southeast of the city of Cusco, and can be reached by car or public transportation.
Tipon is an important archaeological site in the Cusco region due to its sophisticated hydraulic system and Inca architecture. The complex is located on a steep mountainside and features a series of agricultural terraces, water channels and fountains. It is an impressive example of the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Incas in working the land and controlling the flow of water.
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Attractions of the Tipon archaeological site
The archaeological site of Tipon is an impressive example of Inca architecture and its advanced hydraulic system. Below, I describe some of the attractions you can see at this site:
- Agricultural terraces: The Tipon complex has a series of agricultural terraces built on the side of a mountain. The Incas built these terraces in order to be able to cultivate in a steep and rocky terrain.
- Fountains and water channels: Tipon’s hydraulic system is impressive and features a series of water channels and fountains. It is believed that these fountains were used for ceremonial and religious purposes.
- Subway aqueducts: One of the most interesting features of Tipon is its system of subway aqueducts. These subway canals carried water from the mountains to the agricultural fields on the terraces.
- Inca architecture: In Tipon, you can see Inca architecture in all its splendor. The stone and adobe buildings are perfectly integrated into the natural landscape of the area.
- Viewpoints: There are several viewpoints in Tipon from where you can appreciate the beauty of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
What to do in Tipon
Besides exploring the ruins of the Tipon archaeological site, there are some activities you can do in the area. Here are a few options:
- Hiking: If you are a nature lover, you can hike around the Tipon archaeological site. There are several hiking trails that will allow you to explore the natural beauty of the area.
- Picnic: If you want to enjoy a day outdoors, you can have a picnic in the surroundings of Tipón. There are rest areas and green areas where you can enjoy lunch or a snack.
- Visit other nearby sites: If you have time, you can visit other archaeological sites near Tipón, such as Pikillacta, Raqchi or Piquillacta. All of these places have their own unique history and architecture.
- Shopping for handicrafts: In the local stores and markets in the area, you can find a variety of handicrafts handmade by the local inhabitants. You can buy weavings, pottery, jewelry and other art objects.
How to get to Tipon
To get to the archaeological site of Tipon, you can take a cab, a bus or a tour from the city of Cusco. Below, I explain the most common options:
- Cab: From Cusco, you can take a cab to Tipon. The trip takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. It is advisable to agree on the cab fare with the driver before getting into the vehicle.
- Colectivo: You can also take a colectivo from the San Pedro market in Cusco. These colectivos go to different destinations in the region, including Tipón. The cost is cheaper than the cab, but the trip can be more uncomfortable and take longer.
- Tour: Another option is to take a tour from Cusco that includes a visit to the Tipon archaeological site. This type of tour usually includes transportation, a tour guide and visits to other nearby sites. It is a comfortable and complete option, but can be more expensive.
Gastronomy of Tipon
Tipon is a place that is not well known for its gastronomy in particular, but being located in the region of Cusco, it offers a great variety of traditional dishes of Peruvian gastronomy. Here are some of the dishes that you can find in the restaurants and food stalls in the area:
Baked guinea pig
The guinea pig is a typical dish of Andean gastronomy, which is prepared in various ways. In Tipon, you can find baked guinea pig, which is served with potatoes and salad.
Chupe de camarones (shrimp chowder)
Chupe de camarones is a thick soup prepared with shrimp, potatoes, corn and other ingredients. It is a very popular dish in the Cusco region.
Lomo saltado
Lomo saltado is a well-known Peruvian dish prepared with meat, onion, tomato and fried potatoes. It is a very tasty and hearty option.
Pachamanca
Pachamanca is a traditional dish that is cooked in a hole in the ground, covered with banana leaves. It is prepared with meat, potatoes, corn and other ingredients. It is a very popular dish in the Andean region.
Aji de gallina
Aji de gallina is a dish prepared with shredded chicken, a creamy yellow chili sauce, bread and other ingredients. It is a very tasty and spicy dish.
