The main square of Arequipa city proper in Peru

Newly Discovered Inca Road in Arequipa, Peru

Newly discovered Inca Trail in the province of Arequipa
Part of the Inca trail connecting Cusco to the sea
Before climbing Arequipa's iconic El Misti Volcano
Mini. Newly discovered Inca Trail in Arequipa
Cover. Newly discovered Inca Trail in Arequipa

Archaeologists investigating the Inca road network, in the Arequipa province of Caraveli have announced the discovery of an overlooked segment along the coast...

Archaeologists investigating the Inca road network, in the Arequipa province of Caraveli have announced the discovery of an overlooked segment along the coast. The researchers who made the discovery are working together on the Qhapaq Ñan project, which combines cultural and archaeological studies to investigate the network of Inca roads. (Qhapaq Ñan was the name of the road network during Inca times; it's Quechua for Royal Road.) They were searching for the missing link explaining how it was possible that the Inca elite in Cusco ate fresh saltwater fish regularly, as the early chronicles relate. As the former imperial capital of Cusco is nestled in the high Andes, with no nearby sea, the question was: along what route was the fish delivered?

The entirety of the Inca empire was known as Tahuantinsuyo, wherein each region was a suyo. Arequipa falls into the Konsituyo region. According to project member Guido Casaverde, the road is believed to have connected the Acari district's Tambo Viejo administrative center to the Atico's district El Tambo Inca site.

Archaeologists investigating the Inca road network, in the Arequipa province of Caraveli have announced the discovery of an overlooked segment along the coast. The researchers who made the discovery are working together on the Qhapaq Ñan project, which combines cultural and archaeological studies to investigate the network of Inca roads. (Qhapaq Ñan was the name of the road network during Inca times; it's Quechua for Royal Road.) They were searching for the missing link explaining how it was possible that the Inca elite in Cusco ate fresh saltwater fish regularly, as the early chronicles relate. As the former imperial capital of Cusco is nestled in the high Andes, with no nearby sea, the question was: along what route was the fish delivered?

The entirety of the Inca empire was known as Tahuantinsuyo, wherein each region was a suyo. Arequipa falls into the Konsituyo region. According to project member Guido Casaverde, the road is believed to have connected the Acari district's Tambo Viejo administrative center to the Atico's district El Tambo Inca site.

Archaeologists investigating the Inca road network, in the Arequipa province of Caraveli have announced the discovery of an overlooked segment along the coast...

Archaeologists investigating the Inca road network, in the Arequipa province of Caraveli have announced the discovery of an overlooked segment along the coast. The researchers who made the discovery are working together on the Qhapaq Ñan project, which combines cultural and archaeological studies to investigate the network of Inca roads. (Qhapaq Ñan was the name of the road network during Inca times; it's Quechua for Royal Road.) They were searching for the missing link explaining how it was possible that the Inca elite in Cusco ate fresh saltwater fish regularly, as the early chronicles relate. As the former imperial capital of Cusco is nestled in the high Andes, with no nearby sea, the question was: along what route was the fish delivered?

The entirety of the Inca empire was known as Tahuantinsuyo, wherein each region was a suyo. Arequipa falls into the Konsituyo region. According to project member Guido Casaverde, the road is believed to have connected the Acari district's Tambo Viejo administrative center to the Atico's district El Tambo Inca site.

Archaeologists investigating the Inca road network, in the Arequipa province of Caraveli have announced the discovery of an overlooked segment along the coast. The researchers who made the discovery are working together on the Qhapaq Ñan project, which combines cultural and archaeological studies to investigate the network of Inca roads. (Qhapaq Ñan was the name of the road network during Inca times; it's Quechua for Royal Road.) They were searching for the missing link explaining how it was possible that the Inca elite in Cusco ate fresh saltwater fish regularly, as the early chronicles relate. As the former imperial capital of Cusco is nestled in the high Andes, with no nearby sea, the question was: along what route was the fish delivered?

The entirety of the Inca empire was known as Tahuantinsuyo, wherein each region was a suyo. Arequipa falls into the Konsituyo region. According to project member Guido Casaverde, the road is believed to have connected the Acari district's Tambo Viejo administrative center to the Atico's district El Tambo Inca site.

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Explore the latest from our Cusco travel blog. Get practical guides, Machu Picchu updates, and fresh trekking and culture recommendations. Everything you need to travel Cusco safely and stylishly in 2026. Your next Andean story starts here!

The festival starting Monday 28th that isn't touristy: San Jerónimo, 5 days

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.

1,500 young people in Sacsayhuamán competing as they did 500 years ago

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.

48 km on foot: How to reach the Señor de Huanca in Cusco

Every September 14, thousands of people walk 48 kilometers from the city of Cusco to the sanctuary of the Señor de Huanca, in the district of San Salvador, province of Calca, at 3,100 m.a.s.l. It is neither a tourist trekking trip nor an organized tour: it is a genuine pilgrimage that sets off at night from San Jerónimo and arrives at dawn on the main day. Here we explain the route, what it physical demands, and why this tradition continues to draw devotees from all over Peru and neighboring countries.

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 September, October and November 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.