Graves Discovered at Salapunku May be Part of Inca Cemetery
It was announced today that various artifacts were discovered at Salapunku, which is located along the Inca Trail, in the "buffer zone" for Machu Picchu Sanctuary. A variety of bones, ceramics, and textiles which appear upon preliminary examination to date back to the Inca culture suggest that the area may be part of an Incan cemetery, although excavation and examination must continue in order to be certain.
Published on 21-11-2012, por Inca World
Archeologist Elba Torre Espino from Cusco's Regional Cultural Committee (DIRECTUR) announced today vía Peruvian news organ RPP that various artifacts were discovered at Salapunku, a section of the Inca Trail located between Kilometers 83 and 83, in the "buffer zone" for Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The finding is of two graves with human remains as well as ceramics and textiles.
One of the individuals was found with a soft textile which according to cursory preliminary observations dates the bodies to the Inca Culture. Throughout the zone there appears to be a great quantity of bones, as well as more Incan ceramics and textiles, although the exact number will not be known for a some days due to the painstaking excavation process. All the artifacts unearthed will be transported to a laboratory for further examination. There is the possibility that the area may be part of an Incan cemetery.
This recent finding comes on the heels of the finding of a pre-Inca ceremonial offering in the very heart of Machu Picchu last month, a possible royal tomb uncovered within the sanctuary, and other findings in the surrounding area. In the Salapunku area, a variety of skeletons and artifacts have been found in recent years, and more are expected as the site has been under an ongoing archeological excavation since the middle of this year. Other segments of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Sanctuary under current excavation include the Kanabamba, Wayna Q'ente, Torontoy, Qantupata, and Intiwatana sectors.
Salapunku is the first of a series of Incan and pre-Incan archeological sites found along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru's most popular trek thanks to its natural beauty and rich history. It was once part of the vast road system known as the Qapac Ñan, or royal road. The trail takes hikers from the traditional communities of the Sacred Valley up through the cloud forest and into the high-altitude jungle, passing along the way waterfalls and Incan ruins long since settled in to the surrounding vegetation. Those who don't have four days to get to Machu Picchu but still wish to arrive on foot, through the Sun Gate, can opt for a shortened version known as the 2-day Inca Trail.
It was announced today that various artifacts were discovered at Salapunku, which is located along the Inca Trail, in the "buffer zone" for Machu Picchu Sanctuary. A variety of bones, ceramics, and textiles which appear upon preliminary examination to date back to the Inca culture suggest that the area may be part of an Incan cemetery, although excavation and examination must continue in order to be certain.
Published on 21-11-2012, por Inca World
Archeologist Elba Torre Espino from Cusco's Regional Cultural Committee (DIRECTUR) announced today vía Peruvian news organ RPP that various artifacts were discovered at Salapunku, a section of the Inca Trail located between Kilometers 83 and 83, in the "buffer zone" for Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The finding is of two graves with human remains as well as ceramics and textiles.
One of the individuals was found with a soft textile which according to cursory preliminary observations dates the bodies to the Inca Culture. Throughout the zone there appears to be a great quantity of bones, as well as more Incan ceramics and textiles, although the exact number will not be known for a some days due to the painstaking excavation process. All the artifacts unearthed will be transported to a laboratory for further examination. There is the possibility that the area may be part of an Incan cemetery.
This recent finding comes on the heels of the finding of a pre-Inca ceremonial offering in the very heart of Machu Picchu last month, a possible royal tomb uncovered within the sanctuary, and other findings in the surrounding area. In the Salapunku area, a variety of skeletons and artifacts have been found in recent years, and more are expected as the site has been under an ongoing archeological excavation since the middle of this year. Other segments of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Sanctuary under current excavation include the Kanabamba, Wayna Q'ente, Torontoy, Qantupata, and Intiwatana sectors.
Salapunku is the first of a series of Incan and pre-Incan archeological sites found along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru's most popular trek thanks to its natural beauty and rich history. It was once part of the vast road system known as the Qapac Ñan, or royal road. The trail takes hikers from the traditional communities of the Sacred Valley up through the cloud forest and into the high-altitude jungle, passing along the way waterfalls and Incan ruins long since settled in to the surrounding vegetation. Those who don't have four days to get to Machu Picchu but still wish to arrive on foot, through the Sun Gate, can opt for a shortened version known as the 2-day Inca Trail.
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Lima's greatest devotion also walks through Cusco, departing from San Francisco Square. October dyes Peruvian streets purple with robes, incense, and fervor. We tell you how to follow the official 2026 processions in Lima and experience the Cusco replica from the Andes with practical details.
tags: lord of miracles, cusco, lima, peru processions, religious tourism, purple month
Just 11 kilometers from the Plaza de Armas, the historic district of San Jerónimo celebrates its patron saint every late September: 5 days of processions, 26+ dance troupes, a food fair, and a 16th-century church built on an Inca huaca. In 2016, it was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation. Most tourists don't know it exists; many young locals don't either. This year it starts on Monday, September 28, with the main day on Wednesday 30.
Third Sunday of September. 9 a.m. The pututos sound and 1,500 students from the National School of Sciences of Cusco set off in procession from their school to the Sacsayhuamán esplanade. They are going to compete — for real — in speed, strength, and endurance tests that replicate those the Tahuantinsuyo used to determine who was ready for adulthood. It is not a choreography. It is the Warachicuy, and in 2025 it was declared a Cultural Interest.
Are you planning to visit
Machu Picchu in 2026?
We would like to inform our travelers that availability for Circuit 1 and 2 for the months of November, December and January is at 85% of capacity. We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance.
New Circuits and Routes
The Ministry of Culture has consolidated the three main tours. As of 2026, Tour 2 (The Royal Route) remains the only one that allows visitors to take the classic photo from the Guardian’s House. We have adapted all our packages to ensure this access.
Digital Check-In and Biometric Verification
Say goodbye to long check-in lines! Starting this season, entry is faster thanks to the new digital check-in system. Our packages include full management of your personalized tickets to prevent errors on the state platform.
| Circuit | Ideal for... | Clasic photo | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit 1 (Panoramic) | High views and photo posts | Yes | Low |
| Circuit 2 (Andean) | Complete circuit through the ruins | Yes | Medium |
| Circuit 3 (Reality) | Persons or reduced movement | No | Very low |
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Explore the best of our land
Explore the breathtaking diversity of the Central Andes. From ancient archaeological wonders and surreal high-altitude landscapes to world-class gastronomy and Amazonian adventures, our updated 2026 guides showcase the very best of this premier global destination.
