Pikillacta | Cusco

Pikillacta is an ancient archaeological site located in the Cusco region of southern Peru. It is one of the most significant examples of pre-Inca urban planning and culture, specifically associated with the Wari Empire (also spelled Huari), which flourished from approximately 600 to 1100 AD. Pikillacta stands as a testament to the impressive urban development and architectural achievements of the Wari civilization, and it provides crucial insights into the history and culture of the Andean region prior to the rise of the Inca Empire.

1. Overview of Pikillacta

• Location: Pikillacta is situated about 30 kilometers (19 miles) southeast of Cusco, near the town of Saylla, in the Valley of Huatanay. It sits at an altitude of approximately 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) above sea level.
• Historical Period: The site was established by the Wari people around 600 AD and remained in use until the arrival of the Incas in the 15th century.
• Significance: Pikillacta is one of the largest and best-preserved Wari archaeological sites in Peru and is crucial for understanding the Wari civilization, which preceded the Incas and influenced the Inca Empire’s development.

2. Archaeological Features

Pikillacta is a large urban complex, spread out over about 50 hectares (about 123 acres), and it includes a variety of architectural and urban planning features that demonstrate the advanced knowledge of the Wari people.

Urban Layout and Architecture:

• The site is characterized by highly organized urban planning, with streets, plazas, residential areas, and monumental buildings arranged in a grid pattern.
• The main structures in Pikillacta are constructed from adobe bricks and stone, with many buildings showing clear evidence of Wari architectural techniques, such as rectangular rooms, courtyards, and multi-story buildings.
• The city appears to have been designed to accommodate a large population, with residential compounds and administrative or ceremonial buildings scattered throughout the site.

Walled Enclosures and Temples:

• The site contains a number of walled enclosures that were likely used for rituals or as spaces for elite residences. These enclosures are typically built with carefully arranged stone walls.
• The most prominent structure in Pikillacta is a large ceremonial plaza surrounded by monumental walls and buildings, which may have had political, religious, or ceremonial significance.

Water Management:

• Like many ancient Andean civilizations, the Wari people demonstrated advanced knowledge of water management. There are several canals and drainage systems at Pikillacta, suggesting that the Wari had effective methods of managing water, possibly for agriculture or public baths.

3. Function and Purpose of Pikillacta

While much of Pikillacta's specific functions remain speculative, several theories have been proposed regarding its purpose:

Urban Center:

• Pikillacta is believed to have been a major urban center for the Wari civilization. It likely served as a hub for administration, trade, and ritual activities. The layout of the site, with its large ceremonial areas and well-planned streets, suggests it was a center of considerable importance in the Wari Empire.

Ceremonial and Religious Center:

• Some researchers believe that Pikillacta was used as a religious center for the Wari people. Its large ceremonial plaza and extensive architectural features suggest that religious rituals may have played a key role in the site’s function. The strategic location of the site along key trade routes further reinforces the possibility that it had significant spiritual importance.

Military Outpost:

• Pikillacta’s location, away from other major Wari sites, has led some to suggest that it could have been a military outpost used to defend the Wari Empire’s territorial borders. The large and imposing walls of the city, along with its elevated position, could have served a defensive purpose.

4. Wari Civilization:

The Wari civilization, which flourished before the rise of the Inca Empire, was one of the most influential and powerful cultures in ancient Peru. Pikillacta provides a glimpse into the scale and complexity of the Wari civilization, which left a lasting impact on the Andean region.

Expansion and Influence:

• The Wari Empire expanded its influence over a vast area, covering much of the southern Andean highlands and the central coast of Peru. The Wari established several large cities, and Pikillacta was one of their key urban centers.
• The Wari were skilled in a variety of disciplines, including agriculture, pottery, textiles, and metalworking, and their civilization helped lay the foundation for the rise of the Inca Empire centuries later.

Decline of the Wari:

• The Wari Empire began to decline around the 11th century, likely due to a combination of internal conflict, climate changes, and invasions from outside groups. After the fall of the Wari, Pikillacta continued to be occupied for a time by other cultures, including the Incas, although they did not make the site a major center of their empire.

5. Pikillacta and the Incas

The Inca Empire, which emerged in the 15th century, eventually took control of much of the Wari territory, including the area around Pikillacta. However, the Inca treatment of the site is still a matter of debate.

Inca Occupation:

• While the Inca did not establish Pikillacta as a major administrative or ceremonial center, evidence suggests that they may have used it for certain purposes, such as rituals or storage. It is believed that the Inca did not significantly alter the existing structures but instead adapted them to suit their needs.

Inca Influence:

• The Inca were known for incorporating the architectural and cultural elements of previous civilizations into their own empire. Pikillacta’s urban layout, religious structures, and water management systems may have influenced Inca city planning and architecture.

6. Visiting Pikillacta Today

Pikillacta is now an archaeological park and a popular tourist destination for those interested in pre-Inca history and Andean cultures. It is often visited as part of a larger tour of the Cusco region and is relatively close to other important archaeological sites like Tipón and Sacsayhuamán.

Accessibility:

• Visitors can reach Pikillacta from Cusco by car or bus, and the site is open to tourists year-round. Guided tours are available, providing insight into the history and significance of the site.

Site Preservation:

• Pikillacta is part of Peru’s national heritage, and efforts have been made to preserve the site’s archaeological and architectural features. However, some structures have been eroded by time and weather, and conservation continues to be a challenge.

Activities:

• In addition to exploring the site itself, visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding Andean landscape. There are also opportunities to visit nearby villages to learn about the traditional way of life in the region.

7. Best Time to Visit

• The dry season (from May to September) is the best time to visit Pikillacta, as the weather is more predictable, and the site is less likely to be affected by rain.
• The rainy season (from November to April) can make travel more difficult and cause muddy conditions, but the lush environment during this time offers a different perspective of the site and its surroundings.

Conclusion

Pikillacta is a fascinating archaeological site that offers a rare glimpse into the advanced urban planning, architecture, and cultural practices of the Wari Empire. It is an important site for understanding pre-Inca civilization in the Andes and provides insight into the cultural development that preceded the rise of the Inca Empire. Its historical and cultural significance makes it a must-see for anyone interested in the ancient history of Peru.