The Chinkana Project is excavating tunnels beneath Cusco—reports confirm passages near Sacsayhuamán. Ground penetrating radar has confirmed the existence of tunnels extending from the Corancha (Qorikancha) to Saqsayhuamán, spanning approximately 1,750 meters at depths up to 2.5 meters. Spanish accounts from the conquest period mention these tunnels. The tunnels were said to allow the High Inca to appear to teleport during parades. An excavation near Saqsayhuamán has uncovered the first visible interior passage of the Chinkana Grande with suspected extensions beneath. 🕳️
Chinkana tunnels beneath Titiqaqa, Cusco now being excavated

Key facts
- The Chinkana project is excavating tunnels and passages beneath Titiqaqa, Cusco
- Ground penetrating radar has confirmed the existence of tunnels extending from the Corancha to Saqsaywaman
- Spanish accounts from the conquest period mention these tunnels
- The tunnels were said to allow the High Inca to appear to teleport during parades
- A large carved Hanan Patcha stone near Saqsaywaman is being excavated with a suspected passage beneath it
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