The Manu Park Reserve Chullpas in Ninamarca

Ninamarca Chullpas: The Pre-Inca Cemetery You Must Visit on the Way to Manu National Park .

Ninamarca Chullpas – Discover the Ancient Pre-Inca Funeral Towers Near Paucartambo .

The Manu Park Reserve Chullpas in Ninamarca:  Discover the Ninamarca Chullpas, remarkable pre-Inca funerary towers located near Paucartambo, Cusco. Learn about their history, location, how to get there, and practical travel tips before continuing your journey to Manu National Park.

 The Manu Park Reserve Chullpas in Ninamarca .

The Ninamarca Chullpas are one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Cusco region and an essential stop for travelers heading to Manu National Park. These ancient funerary towers stand atop a hill at approximately 3,600 meters (11,810 feet) above sea level, overlooking the beautiful Mapacho River Valley and offering a unique combination of history, breathtaking landscapes, and Andean traditions. Manu Jungle Trips

Although they receive fewer visitors than other archaeological sites around Cusco, Ninamarca preserves an important pre-Inca legacy. Its strategic location near Paucartambo makes it an ideal cultural stop before descending into the Peruvian Amazon Macaw  Clay Lick .

What Are the Ninamarca Chullpas?

Chullpas are ancient funerary towers built by different Andean cultures to house the remains of important leaders, nobles, and prestigious families.

Today, around 17 stone towers remain at Ninamarca. They were constructed with irregular stones bonded with mud mortar and are scattered across a hillside overlooking the valley.

Each tower served as a burial chamber where the deceased were placed in the fetal position alongside offerings such as pottery, textiles, food, and everyday objects, reflecting the Andean belief that life continued after death.

History of the Ninamarca Chullpas .

Archaeological research indicates that Ninamarca was built during the Late Intermediate Period, before the expansion of the Inca Empire.

While some researchers associate the site with highland cultures from the Altiplano, others believe it belonged to local communities inhabiting the ancient Cusco region.

Due to the limited archaeological evidence available, its exact cultural origin remains under investigation. However, scholars agree that Ninamarca served as an important funerary and ceremonial center long before the arrival of the Incas- Manu Jungle trips.

Meaning of the Name Ninamarca .

The name comes from the Quechua language:

Nina = Fire
Marka = Town or Place

Therefore, Ninamarca is commonly translated as “Town of Fire” or “Place of Fire.”

This name has inspired numerous local legends describing ancient rituals once performed in the area.

Architecture of the Ninamarca Chullpas .

One of the most striking aspects of Ninamarca is the simplicity of its architecture.

The towers feature:

• Predominantly cylindrical shapes
• Some rectangular structures
• Heights between 2 and 3 meters
• Rough, uncut stones joined with mud mortar
• Conical roofs
• Internal burial chambers
• Entrances mainly facing north

Unlike the monumental funerary towers of southern Peru, Ninamarca lacks elaborate carvings or decorative reliefs, giving the site a modest appearance that blends harmoniously with the surrounding mountains. Manu Jungle Trips .

Ninamarca Compared to The Manu Park Reserve Chullpas in Ninamarca.

Site Approximate                        Height Construction                        Material

Ninamarca                                    2–3 m                                                      Stone and mud
Sillustani                                       Up to 12 m                                              Finely carved stone
Cutimbo                                        6–8 m Stone
Tolerani                                       (Bolivia)                                                     4 m Adobe

While Sillustani is famous for its monumental architecture, Ninamarca stands out for its authenticity, peaceful atmosphere, excellent preservation, and privileged location on the route to Manu National Park.

Where Are the Ninamarca Chullpas Located?

The archaeological site is located in:

• Ninamarca Community
• Colquepata District
• Paucartambo Province
• Cusco Region
• Kilometer 83 of the Cusco–Paucartambo Highway

Altitude: 3,600 meters (11,810 feet) above sea level.

How to Get There from Cusco The Manu Park Reserve Chullpas in Ninamarca .

By Private Vehicle

The drive from Cusco takes approximately three hours along the Cusco–Paucartambo Highway.

By Public Transportation

Buses traveling to Paucartambo stop near the turnoff to Ninamarca. From there, visitors take a short walk uphill to reach the archaeological site.

On a Guided Tour

Most Manu National Park tours include a guided visit to the Ninamarca Chullpas before continuing toward Paucartambo and the Ajanaco Control Point.

The Ninamarca Chullpas on the Route to Manu .

For many travelers, Ninamarca offers their first encounter with Andean history before entering one of the world’s most biodiverse protected areas.

After visiting the funerary towers, the journey continues through:

• Paucartambo
• Ajanaco Pass
• Manu Cloud Forest
• Manu National Park

This combination of archaeology and nature makes the route one of Peru’s most rewarding travel experiences.

The Manu Park Reserve Chullpas in Ninamarca & Mysteries and Legends .

Because no written records exist about Ninamarca, many stories have been passed down through generations.
Local legends describe ancestral ceremonies, spiritual guardians, and fire-related rituals. Although these traditions are an important part of the region’s oral heritage, there is currently no archaeological evidence confirming them. Manu Jungle Trips

Tips for Visiting the Ninamarca Chullpas .

For the best experience:

• Visit between May and October (dry season)
• Spend time acclimatizing in Cusco beforehand
• Wear warm clothing
• Use sunscreen
• Walk slowly due to the high altitude
• Respect the archaeological structures
• Do not climb on the towers
• Bring water and light snacks

Frequently Asked Questions to The Manu Park Reserve Chullpas in Ninamarca  .

How long does the visit take?

Approximately 30–45 minutes.

Do I need a guide?

A guide is not mandatory, but it greatly enhances your understanding of the site’s history and cultural significance.

Can I visit year-round?

Yes. However, the dry season offers better weather and trail conditions.

Were the chullpas built by the Incas?

No. They were constructed before the Inca Empire and belong to the region’s pre-Inca archaeological heritage.

Is It Worth Stopping at Ninamarca?

Absolutely. It is one of the best cultural stops along the route to Manu National Park, adding history and archaeology to an unforgettable nature adventure.

Why Visit the Ninamarca Chullpas.

The Ninamarca Chullpas are among the best-preserved pre-Inca funerary complexes on the road between Cusco and Manu National Park. Their spectacular location, historical importance, and mysterious origins make them an essential destination for travelers interested in Peru’s ancient civilizations.

If you’re planning to explore Manu, stopping at Ninamarca allows you to discover a lesser-known archaeological treasure, learn about ancient Andean burial traditions, and enjoy panoramic views of the Andes before descending into the Amazon rainforest.

Flora and Wildlife Around Ninamarca .

Although the archaeological site is the main attraction, the surrounding Andean landscape is also rich in biodiversity. Manu Jungle Trips

Visitors may spot:

• Andean Caracaras
  American Kestrels
  High-altitude hummingbirds
  Vizcachas
  Ichu grass
  Scattered Polylepis (Queñua) trees
  Wildflowers during the rainy season

This ecological transition marks the beginning of the descent toward the cloud forests of Manu.

Nearby Attractions .

While visiting the Ninamarca Chullpas, you may also explore:

• Manu National Park
• Paucartambo
• Tres Cruces Viewpoint
• Virgen del Carmen of Paucartambo
• Manu Cloud Forest

Recommended Manu Tours .

Manu Nature :  3 Days
 Manu Peruvian Jungle :4 Days
Manu Wildlife Center : 5 Days