Discovery in Cuzco. An underground labyrinth created by the Incas

An extraordinary discovery in Cuzco. The Incas created an underground labyrinth here

Cuzco, a city founded centuries ago by the first Inca ruler Manco Capac, was the administrative, political and military capital of the Inca Empire. Despite its conquest, burning, new buildings and other events, this area has brought and still brings to researchers many discoveries and information about the way of life and achievements of this people.

Now scientists have discovered a network of tunnels under the city, the so-called chinkana, which means labyrinth in Quechua. During a press conference titled “Chinkana: Unveiling the Mystery” held at the Cusco provincial government office, archaeologists Jorge Calero Flores and Mildred Fernández Palomino announced what they had discovered.

Inca labyrinths. Why were these underground tunnels built?

The discovery concerns a tunnel system that stretches over 1,750 meters from the Temple of the Sun Coricancha (Golden Courtyard), the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Coricancha is a place dedicated to the gods whom the Incas considered the most important in their pantheon and the coronation and burial point of many Inca rulers.

The labyrinth runs towards Sacsayhuamán – a complex of Inca stone walls that were built on the outskirts of the city of Cuzco. Interestingly, the purpose of this building is not fully known – however, it is suspected that it may have been associated with religious purposes. It is also believed that Sacsayhuamán is the head of a puma – Cuzco was built in the image of this animal.

Additionally, there are also three branches of the tunnel: one leading towards Callispuquio, the other to Muyuqmarka in Sacsahuamán, which is the base of the former Inca circular tower, and another which runs near the temple of San Cristóbal. This arrangement of tunnels adds to their mystery. These forks suggest that the network may have connected not only ceremonial points but also key logistical spaces in Inca administration.

Archaeological research in Cuzco will continue

Archaeological investigations of the new tunnels will continue in 2025, with specific excavations at key points in the tunnels. These analyzes will aim to determine not only the precise functionality of the khinkan, but also the materials, construction techniques, and possible ceremonial or defensive uses.

The discovery not only expands knowledge of the Inca’s knowledge and capabilities, but also raises key questions about the role these structures played in integrating and controlling the vast empire. The tunnels could also be used for transporting goods, strategic communications or high-level rituals, researchers suggest.