{"id":29223,"date":"2026-01-28T11:27:23","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T16:27:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wamanadventures.com\/blog\/?p=29223"},"modified":"2026-01-28T11:27:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T16:27:23","slug":"chinkanas-sacsayhuaman-cusco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wamanadventures.com\/blog\/en\/chinkanas-sacsayhuaman-cusco\/","title":{"rendered":"The Mysterious Chinkanas of Sacsayhuaman: Underground Tunnels in Cusco"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Quick answer<\/h3>\n

The Chinkanas of Sacsayhuaman, sometimes referred to as labyrinths, are underground passages carved into limestone.<\/strong> These chinkanas, or cave like passages, are located within the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, specifically in the sector called Zone X, a nickname inspired by the X shaped junction where cavities intersect.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

If you have walked through the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park<\/a>, you have probably stopped in front of those limestone rock formations in the Rodadero area<\/strong> (smooth, sloped rocks that locals use as natural slides). Those are the famous chinkanas.<\/strong><\/p>\n

For the casual traveler, they are curious caves worth a photo. For locals, they are the source of countless stories about secret tunnels, lost treasures, and connections to the underworld. But how much of this is true? Here, we separate myth from reality using the most current research available.<\/p>\n

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The Chinkana Grande at Sacsayhuaman is a large subterranean passage carved into solid rock, thought to have served ceremonial or practical purposes during Inca times<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

What is the origin of the Chinkanas?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Their name comes from the Quechua word <\/strong>chinkay, meaning \u201cto get lost.\u201d<\/strong><\/em> Geologically speaking, they are natural caverns that the Incas carved and adapted in limestone rock. One leading interpretation suggests they were not military hideouts, but rather ritual spaces dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth), places meant to connect with the earth\u2019s depths.<\/p>\n

Which Chinkanas are found in Sacsayhuaman?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Small Chinkana<\/h3>\n

This is the chinkana that appears in nearly every photo.<\/strong> It is located about 150 meters (492 ft; 0.09 miles) from the famous stone slide known as the Rodadero, also called Suchuna.<\/p>\n

Can you enter? Yes. It is a short, narrow, and atmospheric passage.<\/strong> Crossing it takes just a few minutes and offers a manageable way to experience the site up close. Inside, there is no natural light at all, so bring a flashlight and go in with a specialist, such as a guide.<\/p>\n

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The Chinkana Chica is a small subterranean tunnel at Sacsayhuam\u00e1n, believed to have been used for ritual, symbolic, or restricted access purposes during Inca times<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

The Large Chinkana<\/h3>\n

Also known as Piedra Cansada, this chinkana is located 200 meters (656 ft; 0.12 miles) from the small chinkana.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Can you enter? No.<\/strong> This chinkana is closed to the public<\/strong> by local authorities responsible for protecting Sacsayhuaman. Unlike the small chinkana, this one is a deep and complex network. It remains closed due to safety and conservation concerns, reinforced by longstanding reports of people becoming disoriented inside.<\/p>\n