Perou Decouverte
Perou Decouverte
The Vilcashuamán Archaeological Complex is located in the Cangallo province, Ayacucho department, in southern Peru.
It is situated 80 kilometers southeast of the city of Ayacucho, on the left bank of the Pampas River, at an altitude of 3,482 meters.
Vilcashuamán is an important Inca llacta (city), built on the capital of its mythical rivals, the Chanca Confederation.
Built during the time of the Incas Tupac Yupanqui and Huayna Capac (1400-1500 AD), it was one of the most important administrative centers of the Tawantinsuyu.
The archaeological complex includes several Inca constructions, including the Trapezoidal Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, and the Ushnu.
The site has been declared a Cultural Heritage of the Nation due to its historical and cultural importance.
The Vilcashuamán archaeological complex can be visited all year round.
The dry season runs from May to August, while the rainy season runs from December to April.
The founding of Vilcashuamán dates back to the early 15th century, after the victory of Inca Pachacutec over the Chancas.
Pachacutec decided to build a city that would serve as an administrative and cultural center, and would spread the cult of the sun, the Quechua language, and the history of the Inca nobility.
The Trapezoidal Plaza is a central square of the Vilcashuamán archaeological complex, characterized by its trapezoidal shape typical of Inca architecture.
It was used for various purposes, including ceremonies and public gatherings.
The walls of the square are made of precisely carved stones, which testifies to the great skill of the Inca builders.
The Temple of the Sun is a temple dedicated to the god Inti, the sun god of the Incas.
It is located on the southern part of the Trapezoidal Plaza.
The temple is built with carved stones and thick walls, giving it great solidity.
The Temple of the Sun was a sacred place for the Incas, where they performed ceremonies and sacrifices to honor the sun god.
Next to it is another place of interest, the Temple of the Moon.
The Ushnu is a pyramid of five platforms that served as a throne for the Inca.
It is located near the Trapezoidal Plaza and offers a breathtaking view of the archaeological complex.
The Ushnu was used for ceremonies and public gatherings, and was also a symbol of power and authority for the Inca.
The pyramid is built with carved stones and thick walls, giving it great solidity.
Behind the Ushnu is a building that, according to experts, would be the palace of Pachacútec.
The Vilcashuamán archaeological complex also includes other sites to visit, such as the Palace of Pachacútec, which would be the palace of Inca Pachacútec.
There are also ruins of houses and buildings that testify to the daily life of the Incas in the city of Vilcashuamán.
You can take a taxi from Ayacucho's Plaza de Armas for about 40 soles one way and 40 soles return.
You can also take an organized tour from a travel agency for about 40 soles, guide included.
The Vilcashuamán Archaeological Complex is a must-visit site for history and Inca culture enthusiasts.
With its imposing constructions, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history, Vilcashuamán is a place that transports you to the past and allows you to discover the grandeur of the Inca Empire.
Whether you are a historian, an archaeologist, or simply a curious traveler, Vilcashuamán is a site that will leave you with a lasting impression and let you discover the cultural richness of Peru.