Rumicolca in Cusco: free visit
The Rumicolca is a pyramid-shaped construction made by the Incas, at the entrance to the famous archaeological site of Piquillacta. It is located 32 kilometers by road from the city of Cusco. Due to its location, it is considered the gateway to the South Valley of Cusco. Visiting it is easy. You should only get there by tour or on your own. It should be noted that entry is free for all visitors, whether local or foreign. Take advantage of!
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What is Rumicolca?
The Rumicolca was the sentry box or control gate to the Inca citadel of Piquillacta.
Although its first foundations were built by the waris. The strong stone walls that constitute it were a later work of the Incas.
Rumicolca has a pyramidal shape of up to four rectangular ones superimposed and joined by stairs. It also has water channels and roads that communicated with the citadel of Piquillacta.
The Rumicolca complex is made up of three large pyramidal buildings that exceed ten meters in length.
It is also known as the gateway to the South Valley of Cusco, a set of tourist destinations such as Piquillacta, Tipón or the Andahuaylillas church.
Despite its amazing structure and important history, visiting Rumicolca is currently free for everyone. Take advantage of!
Where is it?
Rumicolca is located 30 kilometers east of the city of Cusco.
It is located on the right side of the main road that connects Cusco with Puno. A few meters away is the archaeological site of Piquillacta in the South Valley of Cusco.
How to get there?
The best way to get to Rumicolca is through a trip by public transportation from the city of Cusco. To do this, you must follow the following steps:
From any part of the city of Cusco you should go to Huayruropata Avenue. There you take the public transport buses that cover the ‘Cusco – Sicuani’ route.
The trip takes 1 hour on average. The cost is approximately 1 dollar. The bus will leave you on the highway, at the height of Rumicolca or the archaeological site of Piquillacta
How much does it cost? Is it free?
Visiting Rumicolca is free for all tourists. You just need to get there and tour the beautiful and amazing Inca constructions of the place.
Another option is to hire the ‘South Valley of Cusco’ tour. This tour includes a visit to Piquillacta and Rumicolca with a professional tour guide. The tour has a cost that varies from 20 to 40 dollars per visitor.
What to see in Rumicolca?
Rumicolca is famous for its tall pyramid-shaped Inca buildings.
There you can also see a beautiful Andean landscape near the Huacarpay lagoon, one of the most beautiful in Cusco.
Finally, for an extra cost, you can visit the archaeological site of Piquillacta, one of the best tourist attractions in the South Valley of Cusco.
Other touristic attractions near Rumicolca
These tourist attractions can be appreciated during your visit to Rumicolca:
- Tipón – Tipón is the first tourist destination to visit on the tour to the South Valley of Cusco. It was a religious site dedicated to the cult of water. It is recognized for its finely carved water fountains. It has common and fine enclosures, dedicated to royalty.
- Huacarpay Lagoon – Very close to Rumicolca is this beautiful lagoon, home to birds, fish and more. The lagoon was also used as a water source for the Incas. These were taken by canals to Rumicolca and even Piquillacta.
- Andahuaylillas Church – The church in the town of Andahuaylillas is also called the ‘Sistine Chapel of America’. The reason is its beautifully decorated murals. This tourist destination is also included in the tour to the South Valley of Cusco.
More information about Rumicolca
Rumicolca was also a checkpoint of the famous Inca road route, the qhapac ñan. This Inca road network reached more than 30 thousand kilometers throughout the Tahuantinsuyo empire, which included part of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina and Chile.
The first walls of Rumicolca belong to the Wari empire, which arrived in Cusco in the thirteenth century. However, the main walls belong to the Inca era, which settled in the southeast of Cusco in approximately the fourteenth century.
Questions and answers about Rumicolca
What is Rumicolca in Cusco?
The Rumicolca is an Inca pyramidal construction that was the control gate to the citadel of Piquillacta in the South Valley of Cusco.
Where is Rumicolca located?
Rumicolca is located 30 kilometers southeast of the city of Cusco, a few steps from the archaeological site of Piquillacta.
How to get there from the city of Cusco?
From the city of Cusco to Rumicolca you can get there by taking public transport ‘Cusco – Sicuani’ for 1 dollar on average (approximately 1 hour trip).
How much does the entrance to Rumicolca cost? It’s free?
Entry to Rumicolca in Cusco is free for all tourists. Take advantage of!
How to get to Rumicolca from Piquillacta?
From the archaeological site of Piquillacta you can reach Rumicolca on foot. The walk takes approximately 15 minutes.
Who built Rumicolca in Cusco?
The foundations of Rumicolca were laid by the Wari culture (approximately 13th century). However, the tallest and most imposing stone buildings were made by the Incas (approximately 14th century).
Can I visit Rumicolca with a professional guide?
To visit Rumicolca with a professional guide, you must hire a half-day ‘South Valley of Cusco’ tour. This tour has a cost that varies from 20 to 40 dollars. It also includes a visit to Tipón, Piquillacta and the Andahuaylillas church.
What other tourist attractions should I see on my visit to Rumicolca?
During the visit to Rumicolca you can also visit Tipón (Inca temple dedicated to water), the Huacarpay lagoon (one of the most beautiful in Cusco) or the Andahuaylillas church (called the Sistine Chapel of America).
When is the best time to visit Rumicolca?
Rumicolca can be visited all year round. Tourists prefer to do it in the dry season (April to October).
Is visiting Rumicolca in Cusco really free?
Yes, visiting Rumicolca is free for all tourists. This despite its imposing buildings. So take advantage and visit it!
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