Archaeological Complex of Atash | Huanuco
Location
Archaeological Complex of Atash | Huanuco is a pre-Inca citadel located in the district of Huacar, province of Ambo, department of Huanuco, Peru. It is located at an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level and has a housing nucleus that covers approximately 15 hectares, in addition to an extensive agricultural area with terraces and terraces.
History
This Atash Archaeological Complex was built by the Chupacho people, a pre-Inca culture that developed in the Huanuco region between the ninth and fifteenth centuries AD. The citadel is located in a strategic area, from where the Huallaga River valley is dominated.
The different stages of construction of the complex:
- Middle Horizon (600 A.D. – 900 A.D.): The first stone and mud structures are built.
- Late Intermediate (A.D. 900 – A.D. 1440): The complex expands and new structures are built, such as plazas, colcas and chullpas.
- Inca Period (1440 A.D. – 1532 A.D.): The Incas conquer the complex and incorporate it into their road network.
The Atash Archaeological Complex was an important political, economic and religious center for the Chupacho people. The citadel was divided into different zones, each with a specific function: - Residential Zone: Where the Chupacho families lived.
- Ceremonial zone: Where religious rituals were performed.
- Administrative zone: Where political power was concentrated.
- Storage zone: Where agricultural products were stored.
- Agricultural zone: Where food was grown.
Was abandoned after the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century. However, the ruins of the complex were well preserved and today are an important tourist attraction.
Some of the most important finds that have been made in the complex are:
- Ceramics: Chupacho pottery is known for its geometric and polychrome designs.
- Textiles: Chupacho textiles were made of cotton and wool, and were decorated with natural dyes.
- Metals: The Chupacho people worked gold, silver and copper.
- Bone remains: Bone remains have allowed archaeologists to learn about the diet and health of the Chupacho people.
How to get to the Atash Archaeological Complex?
The Atash Archaeological Complex is located 15 km from the city of Huacar. You can get there by car or bus. If you go by car, take the Huanuco – Ambo highway and then the turnoff to Huacar. If you go by bus, you can take a bus from Huanuco to Huacar and then a cab or colectivo to the complex.
What to do in the Atash Archaeological Complex?
In the Atash Archaeological Complex you can do several activities, such as:
- Touring the different areas of the complex, such as the housing nucleus and the agricultural area.
- To observe the stone and mud constructions that date from the middle horizon until the arrival of the Spaniards.
- Learn about the history and culture of the Chupacho people, who inhabited the complex.
- Take pictures of the natural landscape surrounding the complex.
How much does the entrance fee to the Atash Archaeological Complex cost?
The entrance fee to the Atash Archaeological Complex is S/5.00 for adults and S/2.50 for children and students.
Recommendations for visiting the Atash Archaeological Complex:
- Wear comfortable clothes and appropriate walking shoes. The terrain of the complex is uneven and you have to go up and down some slopes.
- Bring water, hat and sunscreen. The climate in the area is hot and dry, so it is important to protect yourself from the sun.
- Carry cash. There are no ATMs in the area.
- Visit the resort during the months of April through October. The resort is closed during the rainy season from November to March.
- Hire a tour guide. A tour guide can provide more detailed information about the resort and its history.
- Respect the environment. Do not leave garbage in the complex and do not damage the flora and fauna.
