CUSCO - Koricancha - Tambomachay - Qenko
Day 7---OCT. 11 --- Saturday
Morning city tour of the Koricancha, House of Light. The Temple of the Sun was the holiest of holy to the Incas as it housed the great Sun Disk, brought to Cusco, “The Navel of the World”, from MU. The rooms were adorned with elaborate gold ceremonial objects including the huge Sun Disk reflecting the sun light to illuminate all. The walls were covered in gold, and windows were constructed, so the sun would cast a near-blinding reflection of golden light off the precious metals. This site was a ceremonial center featuring a number of stone rectangular buildings laid out as to be the convergence point of ley lines connected to numerous "huacas" or power spots. The carved stone walls fit so perfectly that a sheet of paper can not slide between them. There is no mortar. These walls of the Temple of the Sun are the finest example of Inca stonework in existence.
The Cathedral.- The church is located in the northeast side of the Plaza de Armas, built in 1550 and built with many of the stones from the Temple of the Sun. It contains over four hundred XII century paintings done by the members of the renowned Cuzco School. The Lord of the Earthquakes altar weights over 52 pounds and is made of solid gold and studded with precious stones. The main altar is covered with sheets of silver. We then ride 7 miles into the country side above Cusco to Tambomachay and Qenko. Tambomachay, Unu, (Water Spirit) Temple was popularly known as the "Inca's Baths", where four underground rivers come together. It was here that those wishing to enter the capitol of the Incan empire cleansed themselves. It is an archaeological complex made up of well-crafted canals, walls and windows which show the Incas' extraordinary architectural talents and their in-depth knowledge of hydraulics. Tambomachay was an important religious center for the Spirit of water. The canals channel the water, ending at a slope from which crystal clear water flows in three levels, representing the 3 worlds. We will honor the Spirit of water with an offering and ask the sacred waters for purification and clarity. Qenko, Labyrinth, has many aspects; astronomical and ceremonial. It possesses an amphitheater with 19 niches, and there is an entrance in the form of a labyrinth which leads to the underground temples. There are statues in the upper part where rituals took place, although many of the carved sacred stones were distorted by the Spanish, the magic and energies were untouched. We will align with the sacred ley lines of the sites by honoring the ancient ones who came before us as we walk through this powerful healing, initiation, and astronomical complex. Late afternoon return to our hotel, and evening free.
(BB & BL) Overnight Don Carlos, Cusco |
