Waullac :
A Pre-Hispanic Funerary Site Near Huaraz

Waullac is a pre-Hispanic archaeological site located in the hamlet of Antaoko, in the district of Independencia, province of Huaraz, Áncash region. It lies about 2 kilometres east of Huaraz, on the bank of the Paria River, at an altitude of 3,126 metres.

The site occupies an area on the slope of a hill, in an environment marked by fluvio-glacial deposits and vegetation including willows, alders, molles and eucalyptus trees.

Available information indicates that the occupation of Waullac dates back to a period before the Wari period. The remains preserved at the site are mainly associated with the latter period, with a dating around 600 to 700 AD according to the compiled sources.

Waullac also presents elements linked to the Recuay tradition. The site thus bears witness to several phases and cultural traditions of the pre-Hispanic era in the region of present-day Áncash.

Its function was mainly funerary. The structures were intended for practices related to the deceased, and certain features of the site also indicate a ceremonial dimension. The remains thus allow us to observe a particular aspect of the funerary practices of pre-Hispanic societies in this Andean region.

The archaeological complex comprises ten structures arranged in an orderly manner across the site. Several of them have a rectangular shape and are built of stone, while retaining walls made of river stone are visible in the lower part.

Among the most characteristic remains are five stone constructions with a funerary function. Their appearance recalls small chullpa-type structures, with the presence of niches, small windows and hornacinas.

The constructions are relatively simple in design. Most of the structures are concentrated in the western part of the complex, some of which have a rectangular shape and roofs made of large stone slabs covered with earth.

The huanca and the small altar

Another remarkable feature of Waullac is the presence of a huanca, that is, an elongated stone placed vertically, associated with a small altar. This element completes the set of remains linked to the ceremonial and funerary practices observed at the site.

Waullac was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation on 16 December 2005, in accordance with a resolution of the National Institute of Culture. This recognition highlights the importance of the site among the archaeological testimonies of the Áncash region.

The visit mainly allows visitors to observe the remains of an ancient funerary space, its architectural organisation and the stone elements that compose it. The proximity of Huaraz also makes it possible to integrate Waullac into an itinerary dedicated to discovering the archaeological heritage around the city.

The complex also underwent an enhancement intervention before its reopening to the public in September 2019.

Waullac is located just about 2 kilometres east of the centre of Huaraz, making it an easily accessible site from the city.

The route passes in particular through the Pastorita Huaracina boulevard area, then through the Paria River area. Available information indicates a journey of about 20 minutes on foot from the centre of Huaraz, while travelling by car takes only a few minutes.

Located at 3,126 metres altitude, Waullac lies in the same altitude environment as Huaraz. Its proximity to the city makes it easy to plan a visit to the site during a stay in the region.

As the site is a protected archaeological heritage, the visit must be made with respect for the structures, the stones and all the remains preserved on site.

The information gathered in the tourism inventory also mentions several recreational facilities present in the area, including sports grounds and a pool intended for fishing. These facilities, however, do not constitute the main archaeological interest of Waullac, which remains linked to its pre-Hispanic remains.