Tambo Colorado Ruins

General information

Destination
Ica, Peru

Program details

Visit the breathtaking Tambo Colorado Ruins, a well-preserved Inca adobe complex near the coast of Peru, also known under the Quechua names Puka Tampu (''red resting place''), Pukallaqta (''red place'') or Pukawasi (''red house''). The site was most likely built at the end of the 15th century during the reign of the Inca king Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui also known as Pachacutec. The site consists of several structures around a large central plaza. The central plaza is shaped like a trapezoid with its largest side being 150 m long. The main structures are grouped together in a northern part and a southern part (Sector Norte and Sector Sur). These structures are known as the Northern palace and the two Southern Palaces, flanked by an Ushnu (raised ceremonial platform) and a building known as the Utilities Structure. It is believed to have been used by the Incas as an administrative and control site on the main road from the coast to the highlands. A small on-site museum is located near the entrance of the complex where you will be able to see some pictures of other remains found in the area and on the slope of Tambo Colorado hill. You will also have the opportunity to visit the remains of an Inca cemetery.



On the way back you will stop in Hacienda Montesierpe. It was built during Colonial times and was famous for being one of the best producers of wine and pisco in the region. Sample the famous delicious pisco; a colorless or yellowish-to-amber colored grape brandy produced in winemaking regions of Peru and Chile. Pisco was developed by Spanish settlers in the 16th century as an alternative to orujo, a pomace brandy that was being imported from Spain.



After this you will be taken to your hotel to relax after the day´s adventure.



Languages: Spanish and English.