Terraces at Tipon

Tipon is located south of Cusco and is an archeological complex where water runs by carved stone canals of Inca origin. It is not only and example of the knowledge in hydraulic engineering developed by the Incas, but it is also a lovely place with a fantastic system of terraces.

At Tipon, the valley has been made into terraces on three sides At Tipon, the valley has been made into terraces on three sides	This area, recently restored, is high above the plains and is over 13,000 feet in elevation This area, recently restored, is high above the plains and is over 13,000 feet in elevation	Our guide today, Juan Senior, explains to Carole about the importance of the terraces Our guide today, Juan Senior, explains to Carole about the importance of the terraces	On the right side of the terraces you can see a finely carved canal that is able to be blocked off at any point for irrigation On the right side of the terraces you can see a finely carved canal that is able to be blocked off at any point for irrigation
On the far side of the terraces near the top are restored storehouses On the far side of the terraces near the top are restored storehouses	Because of the walls on three sides, each level created a microclimate that preserved humidity and temperature Because of the walls on three sides, each level created a microclimate that preserved humidity and temperature	The obligatory couple by the native tree and terraces picture The obligatory couple by the native tree and terraces picture	Carole stands by the national tree of Peru Carole stands by the national tree of Peru
Near the top of the site the water comes out of a continuous spring in four channels Near the top of the site the water comes out of a continuous spring in four channels	Just above the water is in two channels and from there there is a single channel coming right out of the mountain Just above the water is in two channels and from there there is a single channel coming right out of the mountain	The waterfalls and general site was one of the most beautiful areas we visited The waterfalls and general site was one of the most beautiful areas we visited	Carole stands in front of one of the restored storehouses Carole stands in front of one of the restored storehouses
Incas had storehouses all over the Empire and each contained food, clothing and weapons Incas had storehouses all over the Empire and each contained food, clothing and weapons	There were enough supplies in these storehouses to feed and clothe all the Incas for years There were enough supplies in these storehouses to feed and clothe all the Incas for years	Juan Sr and I enjoy the view Juan Sr and I enjoy the view	This site fullfilled the Inca tradition of simplicity, symmetry and solidity This site fullfilled the Inca tradition of simplicity, symmetry and solidity
At the bottom of the terraces the water was a raging torrent At the bottom of the terraces the water was a raging torrent	The road to and from this site was very narrow, bumpy and scary The road to and from this site was very narrow, bumpy and scary	A shepherd tends his flock below A shepherd tends his flock below