Tambo Señorchayoq: the heart of an Inca kancha in Cusco
Tambo Señorchayoq, located in the historic district of Cruzpata, was built on the site of an ancient Inca kancha and served as a resting place for travelers from the Tawantinsuyo. It still retains its original structure, with walls and courtyards that reflect life in ancient Cusco. The site preserves the memory of different eras—Inca, colonial, and republican—showing how the city has evolved and endured over time.
Historical background of the site:
Pre-Inca Period
The Cusco Valley was inhabited by societies such as the Killke and the Wari. Archaeological evidence reveals regional occupations that set the stage for the rise of the Inca civilization.
Founding of Cusco
According to mythological tradition, Cusco was founded by Manco Cápac. This symbolic account marks the beginning of Cusco as the political and sacred center of the emerging Inca state.
Inca Empire
The city became the capital of the Tahuantinsuyo. Ceremonial complexes such as Qorikancha and Sacsayhuamán were built, shaping a distinctive urban landscape.
Spanish Arrival
Francisco Pizarro captured the city of Cusco, marking the collapse of the imperial order and the beginning of a colonial reorganization built upon pre-existing Inca structures.
Colonial Period
Cusco was transformed into a viceregal city. Mansions and churches were built on top of Inca walls, giving rise to a mestizo architecture that blended Andean and European techniques.
Republican Period
After Peru’s independence in 1821, the city underwent processes of urban modernization and social changes linked to industrialization and internal migration.
Sacha Hotel: the old dairy farm that now welcomes travelers
Over time, Tambo Señorchayoq evolved from an Inca inn to a Republican-era inn and eventually became the Sacha Hotel, while continuing to serve as a place of welcome for travelers. Today, it combines modern comforts with historical elements, showcasing antique artifacts that reflect the daily life of the area. Staying there is like stepping into a space where history and hospitality come together, illustrating the evolution from the Inca era to the present day.
Sacred Foundations
The property is built upon an ancient kancha from the time of Pachacútec, a residential and ceremonial space used by the nobility near Qorikancha and Kusicancha.
Tambo Señorchayoq
During the colonial period, the structure was repurposed as the “Señorchayoq” tambo, which served as an inn for merchants and pilgrims traveling along the Qhapaq Ñan routes.
A Shelter of Resilience
After the earthquake of May 21, 1950, the tambo provided refuge to those affected from La Convención; the mural of the Señor de la Caída endured thanks to the strength of Inca architecture.
Hotel Sacha Centric
Today, the former ceremonial courtyard functions as a boutique garden, and the tambo operates as an experiential lodging space, preserving its long-standing tradition of welcoming travelers.
Living Collection: Objects That Tell Stories
This section allows visitors to explore historical objects from the dairy farm and the house—such as utensils, radios, and religious artifacts—each accompanied by information about its origin and use. It also offers audio guides in Spanish and English to enhance the visitor experience.
An inclusive experience: seeing, hearing, and touching memory
The collections are designed to be accessible: they include audio recordings in Spanish and English, Braille texts, and tactile elements, allowing everyone—including those with visual impairments—to explore and understand the history of the dairy farm on their own.
