Qenqo: Archaeological Remains and Scenic Walks in the Outdoors

Did you know that by staying at Atoq San Blas you can walk to Qenqo along ancient trails that are part of the Qhapaq Ñan? In this post, we’ll tell you a bit more about this beautiful site that combines nature, open-air landscapes, and history—and is located very close to our hotel.

The archaeological complex of Qenqo is located northeast of the city of Cusco and is part of the city tours offered from the imperial city. This tourist attraction is made up of archaeological remains, featuring structures built with large stones and a beautiful forest with views of the city in the background. In Qenqo, visitors can see the sacrifice chamber, a subterranean room with large rock structures, as well as the Intiwatana, which is present in almost all Inca ceremonial centers and was used for rituals related to the sun. Finally, the amphitheater of Qenqo spans over 55 meters; it is believed this space was used for ceremonies during the Inca Empire.

Now let’s talk about how to get to Qenqo and a few alternative plans to enjoy once you’re there. As mentioned above, Qenqo is included in the city tours offered by travel agencies in Cusco. However, it’s also possible to get there by taxi—it costs around S/.20.0 from the hotel. This is a great option if you’d prefer to skip the uphill walk. If you’d like to book a taxi, just ask at the front desk; the ride takes about 20 minutes.

Lastly, you can walk from the hotel. Start the walk by taking Calle 7 Diablitos. At the end of this pedestrian street, you’ll find an uphill trail that is part of the Qhapaq Ñan (Inca road network). This path will lead you to a crossing with Av. Circunvalación. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the city—perfect for a quick photo break. Once you reach Av. Circunvalación, you’ll have two options: continue along the paved road to the entrance of Qenqo, or keep walking uphill through the forest paths to arrive at Qenqo.

Around Qenqo, you’ll find open meadows and scenic forest areas. These spots are open to the public and are perfect for early morning yoga. The fresh air and peaceful atmosphere make it ideal for recharging your energy. On the other hand, if you prefer visiting in the afternoon, the area is great for a forest walk or a romantic picnic with a blanket and some snacks while enjoying the sunset. The sunlight filters beautifully through the trees, creating a magical, romantic setting—perfect for some memorable photos.

General Information
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry
Qenqo is part of the Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket). You can buy the full ticket, which grants access to 16 tourist attractions and costs S/.130.0 for foreigners and S/.70.0 for Peruvians. There’s also a partial ticket that includes 4 sites and costs S/.70.0 for foreigners and S/.40.0 for Peruvians. The Boleto Turístico can be purchased directly at the entrance to Qenqo.