The Pre-Inca Walled City of Pikillacta
The ancient walled city of Pikillacta is one of the many historic sites to visit while you are based at Pariwana Hostel Cusco.
This pre-Inca site is around 30 kilometers away on the road to Puno, just past Tipon, and is well worth the trip. It is possible to get there by taking a bus to Urcos and asking to be dropped off – staff at the hostel will be able to give you details. Alternatively, you can book a tour or taxi to take you there.
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The site is about one kilometer from the main road, so be prepared for a short walk. This huge, sprawling set of ruins covers nearly 2 square kilometers. It is believed the site was originally an administrative city of the Wari Empire, which ruled this region of Peru between 550 and 900 AD.
It's thought this large site was once home to as many as 10,000 people. Today it contains the remains of hundreds of buildings, with massive walls all built from small stones. One of the most impressive aspects is that the buildings were originally several stories high.
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There is a museum on the site where you can see artifacts discovered on the Pikillacta site. Also among the exhibits here are giant armadillo fossils that were found in the area. It's quite a trek around the main site, so don't forget to wear good walking shoes and take sun cream and a sun hat with you.
