Tambo Viejo

Tambo Viejo is an archaeological site in the Arequipa region consisting of two rectangular plazas surrounded by pre-Columbian structures and walls. The layout reveals a planned arrangement of buildings that once housed administrative functions and residential areas.

The site was established after the Inca Empire incorporated the Acari Valley and functioned as an administrative hub for managing local populations. Its construction and layout reflect the organizational strategies the Incas employed to control and integrate regional territories.

The site served as an administrative and religious center where ceremonies were conducted, as evidenced by findings from archaeological work at the location. These rituals connected the local population to broader regional networks and practices.

The site is located south of modern Acari town and can be accessed via local routes that connect to other pre-Columbian centers in the region. Plan to spend adequate time exploring the different areas on foot, as the terrain is uneven and sturdy footwear is recommended.

The structures at this location combine cobblestones set in mud mortar with large mudbricks, a construction method that differs from typical Inca patterns. This mixed approach reveals how local building traditions were adapted during the period of Inca control.