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Pikillaqta

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Historical site
—°10
Pikillaqta (Peru)

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Pikillaqta, a name meaning 'Place of the Fleas' in Quechua, is one of the most significant archaeological sites of the Wari culture in modern-day Peru. Built between 600 and 1100 AD, the complex is located in the Lucre Basin, approximately 32 kilometers east of Cusco at an altitude of 3,350 meters. As an administrative and ceremonial center of the Wari Empire, Pikillaqta is characterized by its extraordinary urban planning, based on a strict grid system. The complex includes over 700 buildings, such as residential quarters, warehouses, and religious structures, constructed almost entirely of adobe and fieldstones. Spanning approximately 50 hectares, it was one of the largest pre-Inca settlements in the Cusco region. The walls reached heights of up to 12 meters in some sections, serving both defensive and social organizational purposes. Today, Pikillaqta provides valuable insights into the urban planning capabilities of the Wari people and their influence on later Inca architecture.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C1010101099899101010
Rain mm1471481055516101412207481156

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Pikillaqta is an archaeological site open daily to visitors. The sprawling ruin city can be explored without a guide, with information boards aiding orientation.
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Typical hours
The site is usually open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but exact hours may vary by season. Arrive early to avoid the midday heat.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site without restrictions. Drones require a permit; without it, they are not allowed.
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Time needed
Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for a thorough walk around. Those wanting to delve deeper into the architecture should plan for 2.5 to 3 hours.
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Combine with
Combine Pikillaqta with a visit to the nearby Inca site of Tipón. The city of Cusco with its many attractions is also not far away.
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Getting there
Pikillaqta is about 30 kilometers southeast of Cusco, reachable by taxi or bus. A short walking path from the road leads to the entrance.
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Insider tip
Wear sunscreen and a hat, as there is little shade on the open site. Bring plenty of water since there are no refreshment facilities on site.

Geography

Coordinates
-13.61300, -71.71600

Facts

  • Built by the Wari culture
  • Peak period between 600 and 1100 AD
  • Covers an area of about 50 hectares
  • Includes more than 700 individual buildings
  • Walls reach up to 12 meters in height
  • Features a strict orthogonal grid system

Explore nearby

Notable places around

TipónTipón12 km · SExplore →
Pisac RuinsPisac Ruins16 km · SEExplore →
Puka PukaraPuka Pukara28 km · SExplore →
CuscoCusco28 km · SExplore →
Constancia MineConstancia Mine30 km · WExplore →
SacsayhuamánSacsayhuamán30 km · SExplore →
RaqchiRaqchi41 km · NWExplore →
UrubambaUrubamba46 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Pikillaqta (10)

Morada Huáscar🏺 historical

An archaeological ruin near Pikillaqta believed to be associated with Inca nobility.

Pikillaqta Sector Minaspata📍 landmark

A specific sector of the vast Pikillaqta complex featuring remnants of Wari stone structures.

Chuqi Pukyu🏺 historical

This archaeological site features the massive stone walls of an ancient Wari and Inca settlement.

Pikillaqta🏺 historical

This pre-Columbian Wari site is renowned for its strict, grid-like architectural layout.

Qusqu Qhawarina🌿 nature

A prominent mountain peak in the Peruvian Andes offering wide views of the surrounding landscape.

Wiraqucha🌿 nature

This Andean mountain peak in the Cusco region is named after the important Inca deity Viracocha.

Pumacancha🌿 nature

A high peak in the Peruvian Andes that dominates the rugged mountainous landscape.

Rumiqullqa📍 landmark

This archaeological site features a massive stone gate that also served as an ancient aqueduct.

Piquillacta📍 landmark

This heritage archaeological site preserves the ruins of an extensive pre-Inca Wari city.

Iglesia de Andahuaylillas⛪ religious

Famous for its spectacular frescoes, this historic church is often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes."

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Pikillaqta?
It is a rare, very well-preserved Wari city.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Partially, but the paths are often very uneven.
Is there shade?
Hardly any, so be sure to use headgear and sunscreen.
How to get there from the center?
The site is easily reached by taxi in about 45 minutes.
Can I walk on the walls?
No, walking on the walls is strictly prohibited.
Pikillaqta: where is it located?
Pikillaqta is located in Peru.
Pikillaqta: what is there to see?
Highlights include Morada Huáscar, Pikillaqta Sector Minaspata, Chuqi Pukyu.
Pikillaqta: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Pikillaqta: why is it worth visiting?
Pikillaqta, a name meaning 'Place of the Fleas' in Quechua, is one of the most significant archaeological sites of the Wari culture in modern-day Peru.
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Nearby cities

Cusco — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Cusco
Former capital of the Inca Empire.

History & landmarks

Pisac Ruins — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Pisac Ruins
An extensive Inca site in the Sacred Valley, known for its huge agricultural terraces and ceremonial centers.
Tambomachay — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Tambomachay
An Inca archaeological site that served as a sanctuary dedicated to water or baths of the Inca.
Q'enqo — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Q'enqo
One of the largest Inca sanctuaries in the Cusco region, known for its channels and altars carved into the limestone rock.
Coricancha — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Coricancha
The most important sun temple of the Inca Empire in Cusco, upon whose ruins the Spanish built the Church of Santo Domingo.
Cristo Blanco — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Cristo Blanco
A large white statue of Jesus on Pukamoqo Hill, watching over the city of Cusco with open arms.
Cusco Cathedral — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Cusco Cathedral
The magnificent main church on the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, built on the foundations of an ancient Inca palace.
Sacsayhuamán — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Sacsayhuamán
A massive Inca fortress near Cusco, known for its massive, seamlessly fitted stone blocks.
Moray — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Moray
An Inca archaeological site consisting of deep, circular terraces dug into the earth.

Nature

Urubamba River — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Urubamba River
The Urubamba River forms the Sacred Valley of the Incas and flows past the historical site of Machu Picchu.

More places

Tipón — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Tipón
An impressive Inca complex known for its advanced agricultural water system.
Potato Park of Pisac — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Potato Park of Pisac
An agricultural zone managed by indigenous communities that protects over a thousand native potato varieties.
Pisac — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Pisac
Inca ruins with extensive agricultural terraces above the Sacred Valley.
Puka Pukara — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Puka Pukara
An Inca military ruin whose name means 'Red Fortress'.
Qorikancha — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Qorikancha
The most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god Inti, on which the Spanish built a monastery.
Constancia Mine — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Constancia Mine
An open-pit copper and molybdenum mine located in the Chumbivilcas province of Cusco.
Raqchi — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Raqchi
An Inca archaeological site that houses the massive temple of the creator god Wiracocha.
Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) — Pikillaqta (Peru)
Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)
Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain, is famous for its striking, colorful mineral stripes.