How long does it take to walk the Secret Waterways route?

The full route takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes depending on your pace. The distance is about 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles), but it includes some uphill sections in the San Blas neighborhood.

Is the Sapantiana Aqueduct worth visiting?

Yes, it is one of Cusco's best-hidden gems. It offers a unique photographic opportunity with its stone arches and waterfall, and it is significantly less crowded than the main tourist sites.

Can I see the Inca rivers today?

Most of the rivers, like the Saphy and Tullumayo, were covered over by the Spanish and now flow through underground tunnels. However, you can see the stone channels at Kusicancha and the waterfall at Sapantiana.

Is this walking route difficult?

The difficulty is moderate. While the first half is relatively flat, the second half involves a steady climb into the San Blas district, which can be tiring due to Cusco's high altitude.

What is the best time of day to do this walk?

The best time is mid-to-late afternoon. This allows you to reach the Sapantiana Aqueduct just as the sun begins to hit the stone arches, providing excellent light for photography.

Do I need tickets for any of the stops?

No, this is a budget-friendly route. All the stops, including the Sapantiana Aqueduct and the Kusicancha ruins, can be viewed for free from public areas.

What should I bring on this Cusco walking route?

Bring bottled water, sun protection (the Andean sun is strong), and wear comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestones. A light jacket is also recommended as temperatures drop quickly in the shade.

The Secret Waterways of the Incas | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Cusco was once a city defined by the sacred flow of water. To the Incas, water, or 'Yaku', was a living deity, a source of life that required sophisticated engineering and deep spiritual reverence. This self-guided walk invites you to look beneath the modern pavement and colonial stones to discover the hidden hydraulic heart of the Imperial City. Long before the Spanish arrival, Cusco was designed in the shape of a puma, positioned strategically between two rivers: the Saphy and the Tullumayo. Today, these rivers flow mostly underground, but their influence remains etched into the city's layout and architecture. On this neighborhood stroll, you will begin at the monumental fountain of La Paccha, where modern art pays homage to ancient traditions. From there, your walking route traces the path of the Tullumayo River, leading you to the remarkable archaeological site of Kusicancha. Here, you can observe the precise Inca masonry designed to channel water through urban living spaces. As you continue toward the Plaza de Armas, you’ll learn how the city's main square was built over a river confluence, requiring incredible drainage systems that still function today. The final leg of this adventure takes you into the charming San Blas neighborhood and the street of Choqechaka, where the sound of rushing water is never far away. The journey concludes at the stunning Sapantiana Aqueduct, a colonial-era marvel built atop Inca foundations. This hidden gem, often missed by travelers on a standard walking tour Cusco, offers a peaceful retreat and a visual testament to the layers of history that define this Andean capital. Explore independently and at your own pace, uncovering the engineering secrets that allowed the Incas to turn a high-altitude valley into a flourishing empire.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

The monumental fountain of La Paccha at the Pumaqchupan entrance
The hidden canals and urban planning of Kusicancha
The history of the underground Saphy and Tullumayo rivers
The ancient 'Bridge of Gold' at Choqechaka
The breathtaking multi-tiered Sapantiana Aqueduct

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

La Paccha

Start your self-guided adventure at La Paccha, the impressive fountain located at the intersection of Avenida El Sol and Avenida Tullumayo. While the structure itself is modern, it serves as a powerful symbol of the 'Pumaqchupan'—the 'Tail of the Puma.' In Inca times, this was the precise point where the Saphy and Tullumayo rivers met, forming the tail of the city's puma-shaped layout. The cascading water honors the Inca goddess Mama Cocha and reminds us that water was the lifeblood of the empire. Take a moment to observe the bronze reliefs depicting Inca cosmology before we follow the path of the ancient riverbed uphill.

2

Avenida Tullumayo

As you walk along this street, you are literally walking on top of history. Beneath the asphalt flows the Tullumayo River. Before the Spanish conquest, this river ran openly and was meticulously canalized with high-quality stonework to prevent flooding. The Incas used these channels not just for drainage, but for ritual purification. If you look at the foundations of the buildings on your left, you can still see original Inca walls that once lined the riverbank. This street represents the eastern boundary of the sacred center of Cusco, a boundary defined by the flow of water.

3

Kusicancha

Step into Kusicancha, which translates to 'The House of Joy.' This archaeological complex was an Inca palace and later a center for administrative and religious activity. What makes this stop vital to our water theme is the visible drainage system. Notice the small stone channels carved into the ground that run between the rectangular enclosures. These canals were designed to carry water from the mountains throughout the palace complex with surgical precision. It is a prime example of how the Incas integrated hydraulic engineering into their daily architecture, ensuring that even in the heart of the city, the sound of water was ever-present.

4

Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas, or Huacaypata, is the heart of Cusco. While it is famous for its colonial cathedrals, its secret lies beneath your feet. To build this massive square, the Incas had to bridge the Saphy River, which flows directly under the western side of the plaza. They used massive stone slabs and logs to create a subterranean channel, effectively 'taming' the river to create a dry, ceremonial space. During the rainy season, you can sometimes hear the muffled roar of the water beneath the stones near the fountain. The plaza wasn't just a meeting place; it was an engineering triumph over the natural landscape.

5

Choqechaka

Climb slightly toward the San Blas district to reach Choqechaka. The name translates to 'Bridge of Gold.' Historically, this was one of the primary bridges crossing the Tullumayo River. Legend says the bridge was once so important it was decorated with gold, though it's more likely it was named for the value of the water it crossed. Today, the street follows the curve of the old riverbed. Look for the 'hidden' canal that still runs alongside some of the houses here. This area retains a bohemian, old-world feel where the ancient Inca masonry still supports the colonial and modern homes of the local artisans.

6

Sapantiana Aqueduct

The final stop on our walking route is the magnificent Sapantiana Aqueduct. This multi-tiered stone structure was built in the colonial era, but look closely at the base: it utilizes the same sophisticated Inca foundations and water-channeling techniques we've seen throughout the city. The aqueduct was designed to bring water from the hills of Sacsayhuaman down into the San Blas neighborhood. It is one of Cusco's most photogenic and peaceful spots, featuring a small waterfall that flows through the stone arches. It serves as a perfect final monument to the enduring legacy of Cusco’s secret waterways.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Secret Waterways' walk is highly recommended for history enthusiasts as it focuses on Inca engineering and urban planning that is often overlooked. You will explore sites like Kusicancha and Sapantiana which reveal the sophisticated hydraulic systems of the empire.