Pikillacta Archaeological Site, the Wari City in Cusco.

The Wari empire was one of Peru’s most important ancient civilizations from around 600-1000 AD. At its height, the Wari civilization controlled many of the central Andes. The Wari culture is best known for its impressive architecture, including the massive Wari fortress of Pikillacta and its beautiful ceramics and textiles. The Wari civilization ended around 1000 AD, but their legacy can still be seen in the ruins of their cities and in the art and artifacts they left behind.

Rumicolca - Pikillacta.

What is Pikillacta?.

Pikillacta is an archaeological located 30 km southeast of Cusco, with an altitude of 3250 m (10662 ft). Cusco Region of Peru. The site was occupied by the Wari Empire (A culture initially developed in the Ayacucho region), and there is no evidence of Inca Architecture, which means it was abandoned long before the Incas.

Pikillacta is a large pre-Inca site, covering an area of 25 hectares. The site consists of two main sections: an urban center and an agricultural zone. The urban center comprises rectangular buildings arranged in a grid-like pattern. These buildings were used for administrative and religious purposes. The agricultural area consists of terraces and canals to grow crops such as quinoa and potatoes.

The Wari culture founded Pikillacta in the Middle Horizon period (600-1000 AD). The Wari were a powerful empire that dominated much of Peru before the rise of the Inca. Pikillacta was one of their most significant settlements in the Cusco region. The Wari constructed many buildings at Pikillacta, including large rectangular buildings, some even three-store buildings.

The Inca conquered Pikillacta from the Wari in the early 15th century. However, Pikillacta might have been abandoned long before.

Meaning.

Pikillacta is a compound Quechua word, Piki (means “flea”) and Llacta (means “town”). Although, Pikillacta is not the original name as it is not found in any history books. Pikillacta was probably a name put after the Spanish conquest and is probably named that way because the town was infested with fleas.

The original name of the large town is unknown; probably, the name was Muyna; this name is found in many ancient books referring to a site near Pikillacta and probably includes this one.

History

The Wari Empire, one of the most powerful empires in the ancient Andes, originated in the Ayacucho region; they ruled over a vast territory that extended from the coast of the Andes and even conquered the Amazon area.

The Wari built Pikillacta between 600 and 900 AD. It was a large city, with over 10,000 people living in it at its peak. The town was made up of enormous adobe brick buildings, some three stories tall. The city had a complex system of canals and irrigation ditches, supplying water to the many farms surrounding it.

Pikillacta became an important administrative and religious center for the Wari. They built many buildings, temples, and shrines in the city, and it was here that they performed their most important ceremonies. It was also an important trading center.

Pikillacta was abandoned around 1200 AD. It is unclear why they did this, but it is thought that environmental problems and political unrest led to the empire’s decline. After the Wari left, Pikillacta was never inhabited again; it lay abandoned in the mountains until archaeologists rediscovered it in the 20th century.

Architecture.

Pikillacta is notable for its large size and complex layout. The city covers an area of over 2 square kilometers and contains over 1,000 buildings. Pikillacta is also one of the earliest examples of urban planning in the Americas. The city was divided into several distinct sectors, each with its function; some buildings have three stories and are covered with plaster.

The Wari were a militaristic society, and their city was designed to reflect this. The town was built with large defensive walls and fortifications to protect it from attack. The town had separate districts for the nobility, the military, and the ordinary people. The town was also home to many temples and public buildings that served as religious and political power centers. Pikillacta is a well-preserved site and provides insight into the lives of the Wari people.

Rumicolca.

Rumicolca is a pre-Inca site constructed by the Wari culture and later used by the Incas as a ceremonial entrance to the city of Cusco. The Rumicolca is believed to date back to the 13th century.

How to Get to Pikillacta from Cusco?.

The only way to get to Pikillacta from Cusco is by car; you must follow the Cusco-Puno route until the Laguna Huacarpay in the Lucrte district. The journey takes around 2 hours, with a short 30 minutes hike to get to the area.

The best way to visit Pikillacta is with an organized tour; you can book this tour with a tour operator and visit several places, including Tipon, Pikillacta, and Andahuallilas church.

What can you see?.

During the trip to Pikillacta from Cusco, you will see several towns south of Cusco, the Laguna Hucarpay, and the Rumicolca Inca site. Once in Pikillacta, you can visit the Local Museum and explore this magnificent place’s streets, plazas, houses, and farming terraces.

How to visit Pikillacta?.

You can visit this place in 2 ways:

With a group tour: You need to book the tour with a tour company; this is a full-day tour with a professional tour guide, private transportation, entry tickets, and meals included. You can visit several places, including Tipon and Andahuaylillas.

By yourself: You will need to hire private transportation and, if possible, a private tour guide and pay the entry fees at the places you visit; we recommend booking with a travel company.

How much does an entrance ticket cost?.

To enter Pikillacta, you need to buy a Boleto Turistioco that Allows you to visit several places in the south of Cusco. The cost is 70 soles for foreigners and 40 soles for Peruvians.

Best time of the year to visit.

The best time of year to visit this place is from April to October, the dry season in the Andes of Cusco. However, if you travel during the rainy season, from November to March, you will be rewarded with incredible views, fewer people, and everything is green.

Packing list for.

You will be out in nature, hiking and exploring. Below is the recommended packing list.

Comfortable clothes for hiking
Light sweater or jacket for cold weather
Comfortable shoes for hiking
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hut
Bug spray, wet wipes, toilet paper
Rain gear
Extra money in cash and Soles
Water, snacks

Tips for visiting

In Pikillacta, you will not find any stores or facilities to buy. You need to be well prepared; below are some tips.

Hire a guide: While Pikillacta is a popular tourist destination, it is also an archaeological site still excavating. It is important to hire a qualified guide who can offer information about the site and its history.
Bring water and snacks: The hike to Pikillacta can be challenging, so be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and fueled.
Wear sunscreen and a hat: Pikillacta can be pretty sunny and hot due to its high altitude. Be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
Give yourself plenty of time: There is a lot to see at Pikillacta, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore the site.