If we ascend to the highest point of Saqsaywaman, we can observe from there the Convent of Santo Domingo (Temple of the Sun of the Incas - Koricancha). We will notice that the two geographic points in question are connected by a straight line that aligns several colonial-era religious buildings, which were built atop the most important palaces and sacred structures of the Inca Empire (see attached aerial photograph, points 1 and 11, respectively).

According to many chroniclers, these buildings were all connected by underground passages, including the famous Chinkana (tunnel) that linked the Koricancha (Solar Temple) with Saqsaywaman (Solar Citadel). The alignment of these buildings corresponds to the path of the tunnel described by the chroniclers.

1. SAQSAYWAMAN: Solar Citadel. Andean Axis Mundi. Center of the Tawantinsuyu. Beneath its foundations lies a labyrinth of tunnels mentioned by Garcilaso de la Vega and other prominent chroniclers.

2. COLCAMPATA: A residence attributed to the first Inca, Manco Capac. The Church of San Cristóbal was built among its remains. The foundation of the chapel and the choice of its patron saint, Saint Christopher, dates back to 1545. It was commissioned by Inca Cristóbal Paullu (1518–1549) in honor of his son, Carlos Inca, one of the most evident connoisseurs of the tunnel.

3. PALACE OF HUASCAR: The ancient palace of Inca Huascar.

4. CORA CORA: The ancient palace of Inca Sinchi Roca, the sixth Inca of the Tawantinsuyu. Later, it became the palace of Topa Inca Yupanqui.

5. QASANA: The palace of Pachacutec, located in the building of Qasana, with its façade facing the Huacaypata (Plaza de Armas).

6. QUISHUARCANCHA: Built in the center of the city of Cusco, this structure included a temple dedicated to the god Wiracocha and a palace belonging to Inca Wiracocha, father of Pachacutec. It was the most lavish palace in Cusco. When the Spaniards arrived, this building was donated to the church. Tragically, it was completely demolished to construct the Cusco Cathedral. Today, no remains of this Inca structure survive. However, in its underground foundations, there are two covered wells connected to underground water streams.

7. HATUNCANCHA - ACLLAHUASI: The building where the Acllas (Virgins of the Sun) were secluded. These young, beautiful, and virgin women were offered by subjected peoples to the Inca as a form of tribute. The Acllas were cloistered from a very young age, destined to serve the Inca and his nobles, participate in rituals dedicated to the Sun, and maintain the sacred fire.

8. AMARU CANCHA: According to Garcilaso de la Vega, this immense structure belonged to Inca Huayna Capac. When the Inca capital was taken by the Spaniards, the buildings were divided among them. The main part of Amarucancha was assigned to Hernando Pizarro, who later handed it over to the Jesuits, who constructed the Church of the Society of Jesus on the site.

9. PUCA MARCA: Palace of the tenth Inca, Amaru Tupac Yupanqui, located between Maruri and Arequipa streets.

10. KUSICANCHA: According to Spanish priest and chronicler Bernabé Cobo y Peralta, the Kusicancha was the birthplace of Inca Yupanqui, later known as Pachacutec.

11. KORICANCHA: Church and Convent of Santo Domingo. Built atop the ancient Koricancha, or Temple of the Sun of the Incas, the most important temple of the Inca Empire. Beneath its foundations lies the main entrance to the tunnel-Chinkana.