Piquillacta, the Pre-Inca City of the Wari Culture

In the Southern Valley of Cusco stands Piquillacta, one of the most impressive pre-Inca constructions in all of Peru. This small city still preserves much of its original structure, making it a must-visit stop when traveling to Cusco. Discover more about this fascinating site and everything you need to know before visiting.

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General Information

The pre-Inca city of Piquillacta was built by the Wari culture, approximately in the late decades of the 6th century, a time when this culture reached such a peak that it expanded throughout much of southern Peru. Its Quechua name means “flea city,” referring to the small size of this city. Its primary function was residential, although it also included areas for administrative and religious purposes.

The urban planning of Piquillacta shows a harmonious geometric design. The main materials used in its construction were stones and adobe with mortar, which formed streets, buildings, warehouses, plazas, and walls up to 12 meters high.

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Where is Piquillacta?

The archaeological site of Piquillacta is located in the Lucre district, Quispicanchi province, in the Cusco department. The journey from the city of Cusco is 33 kilometers, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by car, heading towards the Southern Valley.

The area of Piquillacta spans 4,464 hectares and is situated at an average altitude of 3,250 meters above sea level. Its location in the Southern Valley allows you to visit nearby sites such as the archaeological park of Tipón, Andahuaylillas, Lucre, and the Huacarpay Lagoon.

Tickets and Fees

To visit Piquillacta, you need to purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which can be bought either in person or online at the Boletocusco website.

The tour that includes Piquillacta is Circuit 2, which also grants access to the Tipón Archaeological Park, the Qosqo Center of Native Art, the Pachacútec Monument, the Regional Historic Museum, the Contemporary Art Museum, the Qoricancha Site Museum, and the Popular Art Museum.

The partial ticket for Circuit 2 costs 29 dollars for foreigners and 19 dollars for Peruvians, and is valid for two days.

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Visiting Hours

The archaeological site of Piquillacta is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is recommended to visit the site in the morning, as it tends to be very cold in the afternoon in this part of the Southern Valley. Additionally, you will have a more peaceful experience, as it is one of the archaeological sites in Cusco with fewer visitors.

Recommended Tour

For a more complete experience, we recommend the classic tour of the Southern Valley, which includes the Tipón Archaeological Park, the Piquillacta Archaeological Site, and the town of Andahuaylillas. Here’s the suggested itinerary:

• Start of the tour: Begin your trip from Cusco in the morning heading to the Southern Valley. There are tours that cover the Tipón Archaeological Park, the Piquillacta Archaeological Site, and the town of Andahuaylillas in an approximately 6-hour tour, leaving the afternoon for museum visits in Cusco.
• Tipón Archaeological Park: After an hour of travel, you will arrive at Tipón, an impressive example of Inca hydraulic engineering, used for water worship.
• Piquillacta Archaeological Site: Continue to Piquillacta, where you can learn all about the pre-Inca city of the Wari culture.
• Town of Andahuaylillas: Just 20 minutes from Piquillacta, Andahuaylillas is known for its Church of San Pedro Apostol, famous as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”.
• Museum visits: End your tour in Cusco visiting the museums included in Circuit 2 of the tourist ticket (Qoricancha, Regional Historic Museum, Contemporary Art Museum, among others).
• End of the tour: Conclude your tour in the evening, although you can spread out the museum visits and other sites over two days, as the tourist ticket is valid for that period.

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Tips for Your Visit

• Tourist Ticket: The best way to visit Piquillacta is with the Cusco tourist ticket for Circuit 2, although if you plan to visit more places, we recommend the 10-day integrated ticket.
• Weather: The Southern Valley is surrounded by mountains, snow-capped peaks, lagoons, and agricultural fields full of color. During your tour, you will see typical animals of the Andean region.
• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Piquillacta is between 10:00 and 11:00 in the morning, as the weather is warmer, and you will be able to appreciate the historic buildings better.
• Professional Guide: For a more enriching experience, hire a professional guide who can provide up-to-date information about the site and optimize your tour.
• Acclimatization: Piquillacta is located at 3,250 meters above sea level, so it’s important to acclimatize during the first few days in Cusco, drink plenty of water, and avoid heavy meals.
• Additional Visit: If you’re only visiting Piquillacta, take the opportunity to visit the Huacarpay Lagoon, located near the archaeological site, where you can see several species of Andean animals and enjoy nature.
• Ticket Purchase: Remember, you can purchase the Cusco tourist ticket, both partial and integrated, through Boletocusco to avoid any issues during your trip.

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Frequently Asked Questions