Archaeological Park of Pikillacta | Cusco
Pikillacta is an archaeological site located in the southern valley of Peru, near the city of Cusco. More specifically, it is located about 30 kilometers southeast of Cusco, in the province of Quispicanchi. It is known for being an ancient pre-Inca city built by the Wari culture around 550 AD.
The term “Pikillacta” comes from the Quechua language, which was the language spoken by many of the indigenous cultures of the Andes, including the Wari and the Incas. In Quechua, “Piki” means “flea” and “llacta” means “town” or “city”. Therefore, “Pikillacta” roughly translates as “city of fleas”.
The exact reason behind this name is not completely clear and has given rise to various interpretations. Some theories suggest that the name could refer to the proliferation of small buildings at the site, similar to the way fleas gather in large numbers. Another theory is that the name could have been a derogatory way of referring to the original inhabitants or builders of the site by the Incas or other later groups.
Regardless of its exact origin, the name “Pikillacta” has endured as the name of the archaeological site and is known throughout the world for its historical and cultural importance.
History of Pikillacta
Pikillacta is a fascinating archaeological site that has a rich and complex history. Here is a summary of its history:
- Founded by the Wari: Pikillacta was founded around 550 AD by the Wari culture, a pre-Incan civilization that developed in the Central Andes region of Peru. The Wari were known for their expansion and control over large areas of Andean territory.
- Importance as an urban center: Pikillacta became an important urban and administrative center for the Wari in the region. Archaeological evidence suggests that it was a planned city with straight streets, squares and a well-defined urban organization.
- Decline of the Wari: Although the Wari were a powerful civilization at their peak, their dominance eventually declined, possibly due to factors such as internal conflicts, climatic changes or external pressures. This decline led to the gradual abandonment of sites such as Pikillacta around the 10th century AD.
- Later occupation: After the abandonment of the Wari, Pikillacta was occupied by other groups, including local peoples and, later, the Incas. The Incas built their own structures and modified the urban landscape of Pikillacta, although they never managed to turn it into a major urban center.
- Rediscovery and excavations: Although local inhabitants always knew of the existence of Pikillacta, the site was not officially recognized by archaeologists until the 20th century. Since then, several excavations and archaeological studies have been carried out that have revealed the historical and cultural importance of the site.
Today, Pikillacta is an important archaeological site that attracts visitors interested in pre-Inca history and the urban architecture of the ancient Andeans. Its location near Cusco makes it a popular stop for tourists exploring the region.
How to get to Pikillacta Archaeological Park – Cusco?
To get to Pikillacta from the city of Cusco, you can follow these instructions:
- By public transport: From the center of Cusco, you can take a bus heading south, in the direction of Urcos or Sicuani. Be sure to ask the driver or locals if the bus passes through Pikillacta. You may have to get off at a nearby point and walk a short distance to the archaeological site.
- By cab: Another option is to take a cab from the center of Cusco. You can negotiate the price with the driver to take you to Pikillacta and wait for you there to take you back to Cusco. Be sure to agree on a fair price before getting into the cab.
- Organized tour: Many travel agencies in Cusco offer tours that include Pikillacta as part of the itinerary. You can book a tour that takes you to the archaeological site and also includes other nearby attractions, such as Tipon or the Sacred Valley.
Regardless of the means of transportation you choose, it is important to keep in mind that Pikillacta is located about 30 kilometers southeast of Cusco, so the trip can take about an hour by car or bus, depending on traffic and road conditions. Also, be sure to bring water, sunscreen and comfortable clothing, as the weather in the region can vary and the sun can be quite strong.
Recommendations for visiting Pikillacta
If you are planning to visit Pikillacta, here are some recommendations to make your experience more pleasant and enriching:
- Background information: Before visiting Pikillacta, it is useful to learn a little about its history and cultural significance. This will allow you to better appreciate what you are seeing and understand the importance of the site.
- Guided tour: Consider taking a guided tour. Many tour agencies in Cusco offer tours that include Pikillacta, and having a guide can give you a deeper understanding of the site and its historical context.
- Sunscreen and water: Pikillacta is located in a region with strong sun, especially during the day. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat and enough water to keep you hydrated while exploring the site.
- Comfortable footwear and clothing: The roads and trails in Pikillacta can be uneven and steep in places. Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing to walk and explore without problems.
- Camera: Don’t forget to bring a camera or your cell phone to capture the impressive views and ancient structures you will find at Pikillacta.
- Respect for the site: Remember that Pikillacta is an important archaeological site and should be treated with respect. Avoid touching ancient structures and follow the directions and restrictions set by site authorities.
- Sufficient time: Dedicate enough time to explore Pikillacta at your own pace. Do not rush and take the necessary time to absorb the atmosphere and history of the site.
By following these recommendations, you will have a memorable experience when visiting Pikillacta and will be able to better appreciate the cultural and archaeological richness of this ancient site.
