El Templo de los Monos
Where headless animal carvings testify to both devotion and its suppression — and a heart-shaped stone still receives offerings
Cusco, Cusco, Peru
Plan this visit
Practical context before you go
30-45 min.
Walk from Q'enqo Grande.
Respect carvings and offerings.
At a glance
- Coordinates
- -13.5060, -71.9592
- Type
- Temple
- Suggested duration
- 30-45 min.
- Access
- Walk from Q'enqo Grande.
Pilgrim tips
- Walking shoes.
- Permitted.
- Do not further damage carvings.
Overview
Cusilluchayoc (Temple of the Monkeys) is a ceremonial centre carved from living rock 500 metres from Q'enqo Grande.
Cusilluchayoc honoured sacred animals — monkeys, pumas, snakes. Spanish extirpators removed their heads. Below, a heart-shaped stone still receives flowers and seeds.
The colonial project of erasure failed precisely where it could not reach — into the stone itself, and into the practice of quiet offering.
Part of Complejo Arqueológico Q'enqo.
Context and lineage
Animals as spiritual mediators between worlds.
Inca to colonial violence to continued offerings.
Why this place is sacred
The heads were removed but the devotion was not. Spanish extirpators decapitated every figure. Yet the bodies remain in living rock. And the heart stone still receives flowers. The colonial erasure failed where it could not reach.
Sacred animal worship.
Inca construction. Colonial defacement. Continued offerings.
Traditions and practice
Animal spirit ceremonies.
Flowers and seeds on heart stone.
Observe. Leave a small offering if moved to.
Inca state religion
HistoricalSacred animal worship.
Ceremonies.
Andean spirituality
ActiveHeart stone offerings.
Flowers, seeds, coca.
Experience and perspectives
Headless animal bodies in carved stone. Below, a cave with a heart-shaped stone bearing fresh offerings.
Look at the headless carvings. Then descend to the heart. Suppression above, continuation below.
Destruction and devotion in stone.
Extirpation documented.
Animal spirits remain significant. Heart stone offerings continue.
N/A.
Original appearance. Pre-Inca origins.
Visit planning
Walk from Q'enqo Grande.
Cusco.
Respect carvings and offerings.
Walking shoes.
Permitted.
Flowers or coca leaves on heart stone.
Do not damage | Do not remove offerings
Plan your visit
Address
F2RM+JPR, Cusco 08003, Peru
Hours, fees, and access can change — verify on the official source before you travel. Practical details last checked Jun 2026.
Nearby sacred places
Sacred places within a half-day’s reach. Pilgrims often visit them together: walk one, stay for the other.
References
Sources consulted when researching this page. Independent verification by readers is welcome.
- 01Temple of the Monkeys - Terandes — Terandes
- 02Cusilluchayoc - Illa Kuntur Travel — Illa Kuntur Travel
- 03Temple of the Monkeys - Peru En Route — Peru En Route
Key questions
What pilgrims usually ask
- Why is El Templo de los Monos considered sacred?
- Cusilluchayoc — defaced Inca carvings and a heart stone with offerings.
- What should I wear at El Templo de los Monos?
- Walking shoes.
- Can I take photos at El Templo de los Monos?
- Permitted.
- How long should I spend at El Templo de los Monos?
- 30-45 min.
- How do you visit El Templo de los Monos?
- Walk from Q'enqo Grande.
- What offerings are appropriate at El Templo de los Monos?
- Flowers or coca leaves on heart stone.
- What etiquette should visitors follow at El Templo de los Monos?
- Respect carvings and offerings.
- What is the history of El Templo de los Monos?
- Animals as spiritual mediators between worlds.