The Sapantiana aqueducts in Cusco: free visit
The Sapantiana aqueduct in Cusco is one of the most recent free tourist attractions in Cusco. It is a colonial construction with high walls and arches, down whose stairs the water of a channeled stream descends. This allows you to get excellent photographs of the place. Entry to this construction is free for all visitors. Getting there is also free since you can go on foot. Learn more!
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What is the Sapantiana aqueduct?
The Sapantiana aqueduct is a colonial construction with high walls through whose stairs the water of the P’ujru River flows. This offers an excellent magical environment to get good photographs.
The aqueduct was built between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries by the Jesuit Order and the Cusco City Council. It has a solid architecture of four levels and arches. The main portal allows water to flow downhill.
A short distance from the aqueduct is the Huaca Sapantiana that dates back to the Inca era. For the construction of the colonial structure, parts of the stones from the Inca building were used.
In the Sapantiana aqueduct, you can also see a diversity of trees, flowers, birds and more. They stand out: eucalyptus trees, queuñas, myrtle trees, hummingbirds, hummingbirds, chihuacos and more.
The best thing is that this tourist attraction is located very close to the city of Cusco. And admission is free for everyone!
Location
The Sapantiana aqueduct is located just 900 meters walk from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco.
It belongs to the San Cristóbal neighborhood, in the upper part of the city center. Geographically it is located 3,500 meters above sea level. It is located in the Sapantiana ravine (at the foot of the Sacsayhuaman hill).
How to get there?
The best way to reach the Sapantiana aqueduct is on foot. For this you must follow the following steps:
The route begins in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. From there you must continue along Triunfo Street (by one of the corners of the Cathedral).
When walking you cross Hatun Rumiyoc Street, famous for the 12 Angle Stone.
At the end of this first walk you arrive at Choquechaca Street. You must follow that entire street until the end.
At the end of the street you come to some stairs that lead to the Sapantiana aqueduct. In total the walk takes 15 minutes on average.
How much does the visit cost? Is it free?
The visit to the Sapantiana aqueduct is free for all tourists.
It is recommended to visit it because perhaps in the future there will be an entrance fee.
What to see in the Sapantiana aqueduct?
In the Sapantiana aqueduct you can see:
- Colonial construction – Colonial construction dates back to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It was abandoned not long ago but the authorities of Cusco once again put its high walls and arches in value. The waters of the P’ujru River continue to flow down its steps.
- Natural landscape – The entire Sapantiana aqueduct complex offers a natural landscape of great beauty. Many tourists come there to get excellent photos on their trip to Cusco. And it’s very close to the city center!
- Flora and fauna of Cusco – The aqueduct is located in the Sapantiana ravine where the abundance of water helped the growth of eucalyptus and queuñales. You can also see various types of flowers and birds such as the hummingbird, the hummingbird and the chihuaco.
What else to see near the Sapantiana aqueduct?
On the route to the Sapantiana aqueduct you can also visit:
- The Stone of the 12 Angles – On the walking route that leads to Sapantiana you can visit the Stone of the 12 Angles, which was part of the palace of Inca Roca. Many tourists take photographs with this enormous stone whose twelve angles fit perfectly with their surroundings thanks to the work of the Incas.
- Sacsayhuaman – In the upper part of Sapantiana you can reach the famous Sacsayhuaman fortress. This Inca archaeological site is famous for its immense stone walls (up to 120 tons). How did the Incas carve them and fit them perfectly? Sacsayhuaman is one of the most visited places in the city of Cusco.
- The White Christ – A few steps from Sacsayhuaman you can also visit the White Christ, a highly visited 8-meter-high statue of Christ. From there you have excellent views of the city of Cusco. The Cristo Blanco is included in the classic ‘Mirabus’ bus routes that depart from the city center.
Visit hours
Being a public place, the Sapantiana aqueduct can be visited every day of the year and at any time.
However, for safety reasons, it is recommended to visit between 8 am and 5 pm. Cheer up!
Questions and answers about the Sapantiana aqueduct
What is the Sapantiana aqueduct?
The Sapantiana aqueduct is a colonial construction of Cusco built between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It consists of high walls, arches and a main portal through which the water of the P’ujru River flows.
Can I visit the Sapantiana aqueduct for free?
Yes, the visit to the Sapantiana aqueduct is free for all tourists, Peruvian or foreign.
What are the visiting hours?
The Sapantiana aqueduct is open every day of the year at all hours. However, it is recommended to visit from 8 am to 5 pm.
Where is the Sapantiana aqueduct in Cusco?
The Sapantiana aqueduct is located just 900 meters walk from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. It is located in the San Cristóbal neighborhood.
How to get to the Sapantiana aqueduct from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco?
To get there you must start from the Plaza de Armas towards the Stone of the 12 Angles. Then you walk through the entire Choquechaca street. At the end is the Sapantiana aqueduct. The walk takes approximately 15 minutes.
Is visiting the Sapantiana aqueduct dangerous?
No, the visit is safe. However, it is recommended to do it during the day (8 am to 5 pm).
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit the Sapantiana aqueduct is during the rainy season (November, December, January, February and March). In those months the stairs fill with water which improves the photographs.
What else to see when visiting the Sapantiana aqueduct?
In the place you can also see a natural landscape full of flora and fauna. On the route you can visit the 12 Angle Stone. Recommended!
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