Qenko

Q'enqo, Qenko, Kenko, or Quenco is an archaeological site in the Sacred Valley of Peru located in the Cusco Region, Cusco Province, Cusco District, located about 6 km north east of Cusco and to the east of Sacsayhuamán [1]. The site was declared a Cultural Heritage of the Cusco Region by the National Institute of Culture [1]. One of the largest huacas in the Cusco Region, it is believed to be a place where sacrifices and mummification took place [1]. A tunnel runs inside the huaca with a large gutter on one side, leading to a room containing a ceremonial table with niches on either side [1]. The discovery of many bones within the gutter leads experts to believe this room was the site of ritual sacrifices [1]. One of the niches was used to hold mummies, while another contained a large silver plate which reflected the sun's rays into the room [1].