Pikillacta, monumental city of the Wari culture

Pikillacta, whose Quechua name means "flea city" or "small town", is an archaeological site of the Wari civilization, which preceded the Incas. Located at 3,250 m altitude in the southern valley of Cusco, this city extends over more than 50 hectares and was home to a population of about 10,000 inhabitants at its peak. Unlike Inca constructions in carved stone, Pikillacta is mainly built of adobe and uncut stones, which testifies to the distinct engineering of the Wari culture (7th to 13th century AD).

Discovered in 1927, the site was first mistaken for an Inca site before research by John Rowe and Gordon McEwan confirmed its Wari affiliation. Today, there are remains of 700 buildings, 200 enclosures, and numerous warehouses, revealing a city that was administrative, ceremonial, and military all at once.

Architecture and functions of the Wari city of Pikillacta

The layout of Pikillacta is a model of Wari urban planning, with a geometric arrangement of quadrangular buildings separated by straight streets. The walls, some reaching 12 m high, give the whole a fortress-like appearance. The buildings, sometimes with two or three floors, were covered with plaster, some even decorated with anthropomorphic motifs.

Main functions of the Wari city

• Administrative and ceremonial center: The city served as a power center for the Wari culture in the region. A large central patio was probably the site of important rituals and feasts.
• Garrison and warehouses: A fortified sector housed a garrison to monitor the Cusco valley. There are also 508 small enclosures that likely served as granaries (colcas) or temporary housing.
• Hydraulic system: Pikillacta economically controlled the area through a highly developed irrigation system, consisting of more than 48 km of canals, reservoirs, and aqueducts, such as the famous Rumicolca gateway.

Access to Pikillacta from Cusco

Located about 30 km from the city of Cusco, Pikillacta is part of the southern valley. It can be easily reached:

Means of transport to visit Pikillacta

• Public transport: Take a bus or "collectivo" from Cusco towards Urcos or Andahuaylillas. Ask the driver to drop you off at the site entrance.
• Taxi or private car: The journey takes about 45 minutes and allows you to manage your own time.
• Organized tour: Many agencies offer a day trip to the southern valley that typically includes Pikillacta, Tipón, and Andahuaylillas.

Artifacts and burials discovered at Pikillacta

Archaeological excavations have uncovered precious artifacts that testify to Wari life and rituals.

Main archaeological discoveries at Pikillacta

• Votive figurines: Several turquoise votive figurines have been discovered in tombs, suggesting specialized craft activity and extensive trade networks.
• Ceramics: Local pottery, of "Okros" and "Wamanga" styles, was also traded.
• Burials: Wall tombs and pits have been found, containing remains and offerings. Unfortunately, looting of sites by "huaqueros" has made many valuable objects disappear.