Laq'o, Archaeological site near Cusco, Peru

Laq'o is an archaeological site in the Andes near Cusco with stone platforms and channels carved into a hillside. The complex includes chambers, water conduits, and niches that are integrated into natural rock formations.

Laq'o was likely built in the 15th or 16th century by the Inka as a sanctuary for water rituals and ceremonies. Archaeological evidence suggests the site was abandoned after Spanish conquest.

The site is known as the Templo de la Luna, the Moon Temple, and lies beside the old road from Cusco toward Antisuyo. Excavations there uncovered burial areas, agricultural terraces and remains of water channels. It is a different site from the Moon Temple inside the Machupicchu Historic Sanctuary, with which it is often confused.

Laq'o lies about an hour from Cusco and one kilometre from the Kenko archaeological site, beside the old road toward Antisuyo. The rock formation rises some 80 metres, so the climb is steep and there is little shade or shelter. Go with a guide who knows the route, and carry water, a hat and rain protection.

The Inka deliberately deepened a natural hollow in the rock and transformed it into a ritual water basin with precisely cut channels. This method of reshaping the land itself was both a technical and spiritual innovation.