The Inca Cosmos

Join Dr. Nino del Solar, a leading Peruvian archaeologist, for a conversation about Andean cosmology. This session takes place in an atmospheric, intimate café overlooking Cusco as dusk approaches. Cosmology — the story and science a culture tells about where humans fit within the universe — shaped everything the Incas did. It influenced how they built their cities, how they understood landscapes, and how they related to the natural world. Over the course of the evening, Nino brings this worldview to life, connecting ideas to real places across the Andes. From the monumental stones of Saqsaywaman to the meticulous planning of Machu Picchu, the agricultural terraces of Tipón, and the pre-Inca legacy of Pikillaqta, you'll understand how each site reflects a deeper cosmological logic. Hosted in a relaxed café setting, this is not a lecture but a guided dialogue, and an opportunity to engage with an expert. The evening concludes with a stroll under the emerging stars.

This isn't textbook archaeology — you're hearing insights grounded in research, fieldwork, and regional expertise across pre-Inca and Inca civilizations, from the head of the Archaeological Research Department at Machu Picchu. Nino unpacks complex archaeological and cosmological ideas through conversation, storytelling, and real-world examples from his time in the field. Held in a café, the experience is a private salon-style conversation rather than a site tour — ideal for travelers who want context before exploring Cusco and the Sacred Valley. By the end, you'll understand how the Incas saw their world: as a living cosmos, where city, landscape, sky, and people are connected within a single, coherent universe. *Note: The images on this page illustrate the cultural traditions and sites Nino discusses — you will not meet the communities or ritual participants shown during this experience — though the conversation may set the stage for encounters with them elsewhere in your travels.

Born and raised in Cusco, Dr. Nino del Solar is a Peruvian archaeologist passionate about studying and sharing the quieter Andean stories that often go unnoticed. He holds a PhD in Archaeological Sciences and a Masters in Human and Social Sciences, both acquired at Bordeaux Montaigne University, France. Since 2022, Nino has been Head of the Department of Archaeological Research at the National Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu, under Peru's Ministry of Culture. He is an accredited researcher in Peru and delivers academic lectures and presentations on archaeology, cosmology, and other specializations. His primary interests include cultural heritage mediation and archaeomaterials in Andean archaeology. Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, Nino has a knack for connecting with global travelers, sharing his perspective in both academic and conversational settings. When he is not working, he enjoys walking through Cusco with his cocker spaniel, Nena.

Curiosity — no archaeological knowledge required.