Limatambo
Limatambo Archaeological Complex · Tarawasi — Limatambo Inca Sanctuary
Late Horizon (Inca)·Inca (Cusco imperial)·🇵🇪 Cusco, Anta (Limatambo District), Peru
About
About Limatambo
Inca road sanctuary (1400–1532 CE) at Limatambo pass on Cusco–Andahuaylas–Apurímac corridor at 2550 m, with Tarawasi polished polygonal gateway-mur retaining 4-m terrace, ushnu platform, and tambos line. Excavated by Bingham 1911 and by Kendall; hexagonal niche. Georeference -13.47°N -72.43°W. Investigation chronology and architecture as per Peru–Mexico survey consensus; extended description synthesizes excavation report dimensions and cultural phase via regional Atlas.
Why it mattersExemplar Inca polygonal ashlar south of Cusco on Apurímac road; complements Sacsayhuamán technique at provincial scale.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Tarawasi polygonal vs Cusco ashlar workshop same masons traveling Qhapaq Ñan
Theories
- 01Tarawasi as Cusco–Chinchaysuyu road state station marking Apurimac river crossing cargo transfer
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.1400–1532 CE (Inca Late Horizon)
- Period
- Late Horizon (Inca)
- Culture
- Inca (Cusco imperial)
- Purpose
- Cusco–Apurimac road-side sanctuary and polygonal fortress-tambo
- Abandoned
- c.900 CE
- Rediscovered
- 20th c. survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
On the ground
Structures & features
13.4700° S · 72.4300° W · 2550 m · 2 mapped features
Limatambo central pyramid/structure
moundTarawasi wall 12 m long polygonal ashlar 4 m high primary mound/structure
13.4690° S · 72.4300° WLimatambo plaza/causeway component
earthworkAssociated plaza and causeway/road segment flanking main architecture
13.4710° S · 72.4290° W