Tambo Colorado, Archaeological site in Humay District, Peru.

Tambo Colorado is an Inca adobe complex of about 1.2 hectares in the Pisco River valley, divided into north, central and south sectors around a trapezoidal plaza whose longest side measures 150 m. Its tan earthen walls, built on flat dusty ground against a barren rocky mountain, have rectangular niches and a dark metal gate at the center of the visible facade. The best-preserved enclosure is known as La Fortaleza.

Tambo Colorado was most likely built at the end of the 15th century, during the reign of the Inca Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, after the annexation of the merchant kingdom of Chincha. It served as an administrative and military centre controlling the main road from the coast to the highlands between about 1440 and 1532. Its adobe walls combine Chincha and Inca building techniques.

The name Colorado comes from the red, white, black and yellow ochre paint applied in horizontal strips over stucco, still partly preserved on interior and exterior walls thanks to the very dry climate. Colour variation marked architectural features such as the trapezoidal niches, each with one or two recesses, probably for placing important objects.

The site sits on a high plateau with very little shade, so bringing water and wearing light clothing is a good idea. You can visit on any day, but early morning or late afternoon offers more comfortable conditions for exploring.

The site covers 1.2 hectares and is divided into three sectors, North, Centre and South, split by the road descending from the mountains to the coast. Its best-preserved enclosure is called La Fortaleza. The trapezoidal plaza's longest side measures 150 m.