Archaeologists have discovered the existence of an extensive network of underground streets in Cusco (Image: Getty)
A groundbreaking archaeological discovery has confirmed the existence of an extensive network of underground streets, or “chincana,” constructed by the beneath the historic city of .
The revelation shows the level sophisticated engineering and urban planning of the .
Archaeologists Jorge Calero and Mildred Fernandez, alongside a multidisciplinary research team, presented their findings on January 6 at a press conference held in the Provincial Municipality of Cusco.
The chincana, meaning labyrinth in Quechua, spans 1,750 meters, connecting the iconic (Temple of the Sun, now the Convent of Santo Domingo) to the Sacsayhuaman fortress.
Additional branches lead to Muyumarca, a sector of Sacsayhuaman, and the archaeological site of Calispuquio.
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The networks connect the iconic Coricancha to the Sacsayhuaman fort (Image: Getty)
The researchers relied on historical documents and advanced technology to locate and map the chincana.
Historical accounts, including a 1600 Jesuit chronicle and Garcilaso de la Vega’s Royal Commentaries of the Incas, referenced a vast underground network in Cusco.
Using sound testing and ground-penetrating radar, the team identified the tunnels’ locations. The radar revealed trapezoidal walls running 1.4 to 2.5 meters beneath Cusco’s streets, a testament to Inca craftsmanship.
The chincana was likely constructed using a trench lined with stone walls, roofed with carved beams, and concealed beneath roads and terraces.
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The Temple of the Sun of the Incas (Image: Getty)
The discovery showcases the advanced engineering capabilities of the Inca civilization. The chincana served as a communication system, connecting key religious and administrative sites in Cusco.
Its construction showcases the Incas’ ability to integrate functionality with their spiritual and urban landscapes.
Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its architectural and cultural heritage. Its unique layout, inspired by the silhouette of a puma, underscores the Incas’ deep connection to their environment.
The chincana network adds another layer to this rich history, offering insights into the city’s hidden infrastructure.
The Chincana Archaeological Research Project aims to excavate sections of the underground network in March and April 2025.
With funding from local associations and descendants of the Inca nobility, the researchers plan to collaborate with the Decentralised Directorate for Culture in Cusco to secure additional support.