Hidden underground tunnel system built by Incas found beneath Cusco
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Tunnels mentioned historical accounts in in the sixteenth century. After centuries of speculation, archaeologists in Peru have confirmed the existence of an underground tunnel network, thought to have been built by the Incas. The groundbreaking discovery found over a mile of the network of streets, underneath the historic city of Cusco near Machu Picchu.
![[The tunnels connect the city’s Temple of the Sun (pictured) to the ancient Sacsayhuaman fortress.]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/20/15/iStock-2136605638.jpg)
According to the Association of Archaeologists of Peru, the “chincana” - meaning labyrinth in Quechua- connect the city’s Temple of the Sun to the ancient Sacsayhuaman fortress. Archaeologists Jorge Calero and Mildred Fernandez told a press conference that three further branches of the tunnels were detected, with each leading to different areas across the city. At its deepest point, the Chincana tunnel is said to be around 8.2 feet in depth.
![[Millions of tourists visit Cusco each year, with many basing themselves in the city before beginning their journey to one of the seven wonders of the world - Machu Picchu.]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/20/15/AFP_8UD4RZ.jpg)
The search for the tunnels began after historical accounts written in the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries mentioned them. One account written by a Spanish priest in 1594 stated that a main tunnel began at the temple and travelled under the bishop’s house behind Cusco Cathedral, and ended at the citadel of Sacsahuaman.
Researchers used sound testing and a radar to identify the tunnels’ location and reveal that the walls, likely constructed with stone and roofed with carved beams, 1.4 to 2.5 metres beneath the streets. Mr Palomino said: “Now we have to excavate at key points to be able to enter the Chincana—perhaps in March or April.”.
Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Millions of tourists visit each year, with many basing themselves in the city before beginning their journey to one of the seven wonders of the world - Machu Picchu.
