Tipón is the most complete Inca city with a massive temple that is never crowded. The spacious temple terraces are designed so at every point you can either hear a nearby fountain or the sounds from a fountain echo across to you. The sounds bounce off the stone walls so that no matter where you are, you hear the sound of water flowing.

Like all Inca cities, there are three separate areas: religious, residential and agricultural. The residential has been undergoing an archeological study for some years and is currently closed to visitors. However, you can stand at the edge and watch the archeologists at work. If you have a guide with you or speak Spanish, you can ask them about their work.

The sounds of flowing water and lack of crowds make Tipón the most peaceful Inca ruins anywhere near Cusco or the Sacred Valley. It’s not in the Sacred Valley, but in the South Valley, south from Cusco.

There is a town with the same name where you turn off the main road to get to the archeological site. It has the best restaurants for trying roast cuy (guinea pig).

Transport

You can take any bus that goes to Saylla (Los Leones, Saylla, Pachetusan) and get out at the town of Tipón. You’ll have to take a taxi from town up to the archeological site. There is no cell service up at the ruins, so be sure you arrange a time for the taxi driver to come back, or ask them to wait.

Practical Info

You need the Boleto Turistico del Cusco to visit Tipón.