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Discover the magic of Piquillacta, an enigma of the Wari civilization
The **archaeological complex of Piquillacta** is one of the most impressive gems in pre-Inca history, a site that still holds the secrets of the **Wari civilization**, one of the most influential cultures before Inca dominance. This ancestral urban center, located in the **South Valley of Cusco**, dazzles with its meticulous architectural design and strategic distribution.
If you are a traveler passionate about history and archaeology, exploring **Piquillacta** is immersing yourself in a world of ancient walls, symmetrical streets, and buildings with a surprisingly advanced structure for their time. From its **relevance in Andean urban planning** to its mysterious buildings, this site represents an essential stop for those who wish to deeply understand the past of pre-Hispanic Peru.
Piquillacta: An urban center of the Wari culture
The **name Piquillacta** comes from Quechua and translates as **”small town” or “city of fleas”**, although its interpretation is still debated among experts. This **pre-Inca settlement** flourished between the 6th and 9th centuries AD under the rule of the **Wari** culture, which extended across much of the central Andes and left a profound impact on subsequent civilizations.
What is most striking about **Piquillacta** is its **geometrically precise planned architecture**. Unlike other pre-Hispanic cities, this site was organized into rectangular blocks surrounded by high stone and adobe walls, reaching up to three levels in height. The existence of well-laid out roads and ordered plazas suggests that Piquillacta was not only an **administrative center of great relevance** but also a model of urbanism for the Andean region.
In addition to its administrative function, the archaeological remains found indicate that this city played a **commercial, military, and possibly ceremonial** role within the **Wari empire**. With over 700 buildings and an extension of approximately 50 hectares, this site stands as an impressive example of **pre-Hispanic architectural ingenuity**.
Location and access to Piquillacta
This **important archaeological site** is located **30 kilometers southeast of Cusco**, in the district of **Lucre**, within the province of **Quispicanchi**. Its strategic position in the **South Valley** makes access easy and quick for visitors who wish to explore it.
- Altitude: 3,250 meters above sea level.
- Distance from Cusco: 45 minutes by private vehicle or public transport.
- Access route: Cusco-Puno Highway, fully paved.
Thanks to its **easy access**, Piquillacta has become one of the obligatory stops within the tours through the **South Valley of Cusco**, allowing tourists to explore its fascinating structures in a few hours.
Origin and meaning of Piquillacta
The **term “Piquillacta”** comes from the **Quechua** language, where “piki” can refer to “flea” and “llacta” means “town” or “city”. However, some scholars suggest that its name might refer to the **high density of buildings at the site** or the compact size of its constructions compared to other pre-Inca cities.
Despite advances in archaeological research, the main function of **Piquillacta** remains an enigma. It is presumed that this complex served as a **key administrative center for the Wari government**, although it may also have had **military and religious** purposes. Its highly organized and fortified design indicates that the city was planned with **strategic and defensive purposes**, differentiating it from other contemporary cities.
Historical and archaeological importance
The **archaeological value of Piquillacta** lies in its **innovative urban design and meticulous architectural planning**. This site is one of the few pre-Inca cities that evidences such a **precise urban distribution model**, reinforcing the idea that the Wari were **pioneers in territorial planning in the Andes**.