SAPANTIANA COLONIAL AQUEDUCT    

In the traditional San Blas neighborhood sits a colonial aqueduct that has remained for many years. It is known as Aqueducto colonial Sapantiana or Sapantiana Colonial aqueduct. Not long ago, this last surviving colonial arch became more and more noticeable. Surprisingly not even some citizens of Cusco knew about it, but nowadays, it is already being visited in a short walk, touring through the old neighborhoods of San Cristóbal and San Blas in downtown Cusco.

WHAT IS A COLONIAL AQUEDUCT?

It is a colonial hydraulic architecture built on the P’ujru stream whose construction was under the Jesuit order and the Cusco city council between the XVII and XVIII centuries. It is a three-level arch built most likely with once Sapantiana shrine stone material that was very near. Back in the day, this very colonial arch was used to enable the water channel extending on its top to conduct water for provision the viceregal of the city. Before the 1950s, it is said that water still flowed through the canal above, but today it is nothing more than a remnant of the years-long past that survives and resists deterioration.

HOW TO GET TO SAPANTIANA AQUEDUCT?

Getting to this colonial arch is super easy. Just get to the central plaza of Cusco and take Triunfo street, which is the left side of the great cathedral. Afterward, walk straight to Hatun Rumiyoc, a narrow pedestrian street, and by the way, look at the 12 angled stone set in the Inca wall. And, step in Choquechaca street and follow this till the end, then walk up the stairs and follow the little stream because this is the one passing underneath the colonial arch. That is it. 

LOCATION

It is located over P’ujru stream in the traditional neighborhood of San Blas, below Sacsayhuaman park in downtown Cusco.

BEST TIME TO VISIT SAPANTIANA COLONIAL AQUEDUCT

The best time for visiting it is in the Summer when there is water passing through the underneath of the arch. And when the surrounding vegetation comes into blossom and turns greener. Anyways, throughout the year, it is opened.

FLORA AND FAUNA

Towering eucalyptus trees sway in the wind up the hill in the background. Below are small trees of Queuña, Capulíes, myrtles, and others. For those who are lucky, hummingbirds may appear for a moment with their static flight, flapping so repeatedly per second, and sparrows and some Chihuacos birds, are usually around. Upstream behind the Sapantiana aqueduct is some kind of orchard, so that’s why the little angels (birds) come and fly from tree to tree.

PERMITS

It is for free. Tickets to Sapantiana colonial aqueduct are for free by now in 2021.

Whoever staying in the historical city of Cusco, go to Sapantiana arch, it is a recommended place.

• Elevation: 11 400 ft / 3500 m.
• Distance: 900 m from Cusco´s main square.