Location

The archaeological complex of Pikillacta is located northeast of the Lucre basin, in the district of the same name, Quispicanchi province, Cusco department, on the tributaries of the Huatanay and Vilcanota rivers at an altitude of 3,250 meters above sea level, about 30 km south of the city of Cusco.

Weather

The climate at the archaeological complex of Pikillacta is temperate; during the day, the temperature can reach 23ºC (73.4ºF) and at night it drops to about 3ºC (37.4ºF). The average annual temperature is 14.1°C and the average annual precipitation is 656 mm.

Flora

In Pikillacta, there is a great biodiversity of plants, the most representative species found in the scrub are: Molle (Schinus molle), Maguey (Agave americana), Gigantón (Echinopsis cuscoensis), R´ocke (Colletia spinosissima), Achupalla (Puya sp), Q´euña (Polylepis racemosa), Quisuar (Buddleja incana), K´antu (Cantua buxifolia) among others.

Fauna

In the Pikillacta area, there is a great variety of species of birds, mammals, amphibians, fish, reptiles, arachnids, and insects, which are: Wallata or Andean Goose (Chloephaga melanoptera), Pimpollo Grebe (Rollandia rolland), Cinereous Harrier (Circus cinereus), Splendent Lapwing (Vanellus resplendens), Fox (Ducycion Culpaeus), Osqollo or Grassland Cat (Felis Colocolo pajarero), Vizcacha or Andean Squirrel (Lagidium peruanum inca), among others.

Only Route to the Site

Pikillacta can be accessed via the paved road route Cusco-Puno, Cusco-Arequipa, approximately 28 km from the city of Cusco, then entering through a branch road that crosses through the archaeological sites of Onocochayoq and Tantaestancia with an approximate journey of 500 m from the track to the Park.

Best Time to Visit Pikillacta

This tourist attraction can be visited all year round, but the best time is during the dry season, i.e., in winter, from May to October, when there is no rain and the sun is out during clear skies, which will allow for a good view of the site and better observation.

History of Pikillacta

Pikillacta developed from the Preceramic Period, through the Early Horizon, being more prominent during the Middle Horizon period (600 AD-1000 AD), a time when the Wari empire expanded and established a major administrative, residential, and ceremonial center in the area. Its architectural constructions represent the level of development of pre-Hispanic societies, being the pinnacle and apogee of the Wari culture in the southern valley of Cusco, showing a highly developed and organized urban planning with an orthogonal layout, with narrow and long streets. Subsequently, during the Late Intermediate period, it was the epicenter of the Pinagua (Lucre) ethnicity and in the Late Horizon, it was completely occupied by the Incas. During the colonial and republican periods, some haciendas were established. This demonstrates a continuous occupation, which contributes to changes in its architectural structure and the geographical environment in which it developed.

Pikillacta Today

Pikillacta is the best-preserved pre-Inca city in the southern valley of Cusco, it was an administrative center built by the Wari culture, it is currently the most visited archaeological site and known for possessing high urbanistic value in the architecture of the Middle Horizon, also for its immense walls and its impressive two-story adobe structures.

The Meaning of Pikillacta

Pikillacta comes from two Quechua words, piki which means flea and llaqta is town; translated into Spanish it is “town of fleas”, since its ancient inhabitants suffered from large skin eruptions caused by fleas. However, Piki also means light, fast, agile, and quick which is believed that the inhabitants of this area were athletic and agile in the fulfillment of their functions "...in a jump like a flea...". Pikillacta is not registered in the documents of the chroniclers, so its name is given after the arrival of the Spaniards, this place is identified as Mohina, Muyna, or Muyuna.

Archaeological Site of Pikillacta

The archaeological site of Pikillacta was an administrative and residential center covering an area of 50 hectares. It features an urban grid and reticular design, consisting of various architectural structures such as enclosures, kanchas, storage areas, canchones, terraces, platforms, hydraulic systems, and walls. There are more than 700 architectural units built with local stones bound with clay as mortar and covered with white plaster. The plaster used for the structures is currently found in the locality.
Some of its structures measure up to 50 meters on one side, but most reach up to 12 meters. The monument is surrounded by a wall, and the interior space is divided by streets.

Wari Occupation in Pikillacta

According to research, Pikillacta had highland influences, meaning there were earlier interactions between the Cusqueño Wari and other ethnic groups. The Waris first established themselves in Huaro, under the direction of their administrators, and years later built Pikillacta to replace Huaro as the main administrative center.
Pikillacta was occupied for about 200 to 400 years and was built in 530 AD during the Middle Horizon, despite the length of occupation, its constructions were never completed, only sector 2, which is the central part of Pikillacta, demonstrates the site's potential as a main administrative axis. However, the structures and streets are well defined and organized, adding to the importance of its sectors.

Decline and Abandonment of Pikillacta

The site of Pikillacta declined and was abandoned around the year 1115 AD, Pikillacta and Huaro, according to Glowacki and Zapata, demonstrate that the abandonment of these places was planned and that both sites were burned. This probably happened in the Late Intermediate period, meaning that Pikillacta continued to be used by the Waris until that time.
The reasons why are still not clear, and thus remain controversial; possibly it was due to water scarcity, climate changes, or local conflicts, which led the Incas to subjugate these peoples.

Important Facts or Legends

The Legend of Sumaq T´ika

During the reign of the Inca Huayna Qhapac, the kuraka Rumichaca resided as the chief of the village of Moyna, today known as Pikillacta. He had a beautiful daughter, Sumac T'ika, who was of marrying age. Her father took advantage of the situation to bring water to Pikillacta, stipulating that only the man who could deliver water and place the canal at the door of his palace would marry his daughter. Two suitors presented themselves, Auqui T’ito from the Jaquijahuana or Anta region to the north and another son of the collao called Atoq Rimachi from the highlands. Both began constructing the canals. Auqui T’ito was successful while Atoq Rimachi failed to complete the work. Despite not sympathizing with the man from Anta, Kuraka Rumichaca had to keep his word; he arranged a central ceremony and for the first night of the honeymoon, he prepared a very large room. The couple was locked inside the room and devoured by fleas. It is said that from that wedding night, Rumichaca decided to change the name of Moyna to Pikillacta.

Places to Visit in Pikillacta

The Main Square of Pikillacta

Located in sector 3, it is characterized by being a large open space, surrounded on its extreme sides by 11 rectangular structures called Kanchas. Eight of these structures are located on the western extreme and four on the eastern extreme, within which there are three large halls with niches. The large square was intended for activities accommodating a large crowd.

The Qolqas or Rooms of Pikillacta

The qolqas or rooms are located in sector 4, on the western side. They consist of 501 small semi-circular structures, arranged in an orderly manner, resembling a chain link. This area served as the storage center for the Wari empire. According to Gordon MacEwan, these rooms also functioned as living quarters.

The Kanchas of Pikillacta

In Pikillacta, there is a large number of kanchas throughout all sectors. Observers can see these structures of walled spaces with architectural features inside, which functioned as living quarters.

The Great Wall of Pikillacta

Pikillacta is surrounded by a wall that is 1.50 meters wide and 8 to 10 meters high. The walls were constructed first, before the other structures, and served as borders to separate between structures and avenues, as well as functioning as perimeter walls. Their purpose was to ensure the protection and defense of the monument.

The Canchones of Pikillacta

In Pikillacta, there are a total of 12 blocks of canchones. The constructions were made in a common manner and do not form perfect rectangles; these groups are large areas measuring approximately 400 to 600 meters. According to researchers, these blocks of canchones may have served or functioned as corrals, although their exact use is not entirely certain.

The Site Museum of Pikillacta

The site museum of Pikillacta is located at the entrance to the park. This museum has a paleontological and archaeological collection, presenting information about the monumental archaeological zone, maps, photographs, and cultural goods recovered in the area. The museum features the exhibition of a prehistoric animal, the glyptodon, and its shell, which dates back 300 million years, measuring 2.35 meters from head to tail and 1.10 meters in height.

Comparison

The archaeological site of Pikillacta has an architectural construction similar to the site of Viracochapampa located in the north of Peru. Both sites belong to the Wari culture and feature a well-defined and organized urban layout, with large, open rectangular courtyards located in the central part of the site. Most of the structures are established around these courtyards. The architectural blocks have an almost perfect square shape and are of large dimensions; there is a large amount of empty space within the architectural unit, which indicates that the construction of these sites was never completed.

Local Cultural Experience

• Food and Drink Typical of the Region
• Trigo Phata
• Spicy Lucreña-style
• Jaucha de nabo (turnip cake)
• Soltero de Pisccochaqui (wild plant salad)
• Tarwi uchu (spicy lupin dish)
• Qhapchi de zetas (mushroom dish)
• Planting snack
• Drinks based on quinoa, corn
• Pumpkin and elderberry sweets

Cultural Events or Festivals

Sumaq T´ika Raymi Reenactment: This is a water worship ceremony that was performed in the Inca era. This event is staged by the 27 de noviembre educational institution in conjunction with the municipality of Lucre, reenacting the legend of Sumaq T´ika.

Practical Tips

Recommended Tours and Key Points Within the Site: 

• It is advisable to visit the entire site of Pikillacta, which has four interesting sectors with their two-story adobe constructions; its main square shows open spaces, immense walls, its kanchas, and the number of qolqas located on the west side.

Tips for Avoiding Crowds or Having the Best Experience

• During the tour, use the marked paths and accesses. Once at the site, avoid touching, climbing, or leaning on the walls, as this causes deterioration and it is our duty to preserve the heritage, besides the risk of accidents. Preserving heritage is the sense of identity of a people, part of its history, and the pride of new generations, and its conservation depends on you.

Archaeological Sites That Can Be Visited in Pikillacta

• Choquepujio: Located on the left bank of the Huatanay River in the district of Lucre, composed of two-story structures associated with terraces, platforms, hydraulic systems, and funerary structures. It is one of the most important settlements after Pikillacta, showing a sequence of occupation.

• Portada de Rumiqolqa: Located in the eastern sector of Pikillacta, its name comes from Quechua and means “stone staircase.” The buildings were constructed by the Incas with huge, finely worked stone pieces in a pyramidal shape with rectangular bases, associated with water channels, staircases, and the road network to Qollasuyo. It served as a control and entry point to Pikillacta.

• Andenes de Amarupata: Located at the southern end of Lucre, about a kilometer from the town, on the slopes of Cerro Qosqoqhahuarina. It corresponds to a set of agricultural terracing systems, which are currently used by the community members.

• Urpikancha: Positioned on the eastern side of the Huacarpay lagoon, it consists of rectangular enclosures, high-quality terracing systems, security walls, and hydraulic systems. The constructions are located in rugged areas.

• Kuntuqaqa: Situated on the cliff of Cerro Raqchi on the left bank of the Huatanay River, where funerary structures attached to the rock are evident. These structures are built with small stones and pebbles bonded with mud mortar.
  Tanta Estancia: Located on the southern side of Pikillacta, at the foot of Cerro Uchuy Balcón. It consists of rectangular and circular enclosures with entrance ways and niches. Due to the morphological and structural features, they correspond to an architectural pattern from the Inca era.

No longer be afraid; have the love to explore the world and travel to its corners. Let us start together to know Pikillacta, the administrative center of the Waris. You will discover an impressive archaeological monument and a great history to learn. The magnitude of its walls and architectural structures will leave you amazed and in love, and you will take the best memory of your life and the best experience. Join and enjoy the mysteries of Pikillacta.

Additional Reads

Pikillacta. The Wari Empire in Cuzco. University of Lowa Press, Iowa City, Gordon MacEwan y P. Wiliams.
Excavaciones en Pikillacta : un sitio Wari, Gordon MacEwan.
Pikillacta y su tipología y Arquitectura, Gordon MacEwan y Nicole Costura.
Pikillacta, Huaro y la gran región del Cuzco: Nuevas interpretaciones de la ocupación Wari de la sierra sur. En: Boletín de Arqueología PUCP.
El Horizonte Medio en el Cuzco y la Sierra del Sur Peruano. En: Estudios de Arqueología Peruana. Duccio Bonavía.

References

MacEwan G.,(1985). Excavaciones en Pikillacta : un sitio Wari.
MacEwan G.,Costura N. Pikillacta y su tipología y arquitectura.
Oroz I., Vargas M.,(2022) Descripción de la trama urbana de la arquitectura Wari del sector de Pikillacta, Lucre-Cusco, Tomo I.
Sulca Nils R.,(20190) Representando el imperio: Una visión desde los enclaves Wari de Wiracochapampa (La Libertad) y Pikillacta(Cusco). PUCP.