This time we go to Paruro, Cusco to know a pre-Inca tourist attraction in which its stone and mud walls show that this construction belonged to the Wari culture and also shows the beginning of the Inca culture, we are talking about the archaeological center of Maukallaqta.
Table of Contents
The Maukallaqta Archaeological Complex is located at a distance of 285 km from Cusco, in a canyon that belongs to Paruro and Pacaritambo belonging to the region of Cusco; in the place there are pre-Inca constructions of the Wari culture in which we can see the remains of the kallankas (rectangular constructions in which they worshiped their ancestors and divinities).
Therefore, what we can see in Maukallaqta will really surprise you, because according to the legend, from this Tambo Toco hill came the Brothers of Ayar (sons of the sun), but we must understand that before the Incas, the Wari culture already existed.
Maukallaqta means Old Town and this is due to the fact that ancient constructions belonging to the Wari culture were found in the place, since carved stones and other pre-Inca walls were found.
The entire complex covers more than 2 km and is divided into three sectors:
Within them we will appreciate ceremonial constructions, water channels, squares, temples, alleys and patios, among them the one that stands out the most is the linteled door with double jamb and triple jamb with a special symmetry, niches.
Practically, you can see that on the site the architecture and engineering were delicate and well done.
To get to this tourist destination you have two options:
From Mollebamba you should walk until you reach the Maukallaqta Archaeological Complex. It takes approximately one hour to get there and to return you should follow the same route you started.
The legend of the Ayar brothers is widely told in the city of Cusco, everyone who comes to this historic city has always heard it.
The legend tells that the Ayar brothers came out of the Pacaritambo mountain, this happened because the land had been washed away by an intense rain that forced the brothers and their wives to look for solid ground.
And it is said that the Ayar left the Tampu Tocco hill with their wives, they are: Ayar Manco and his wife Mama Ocllo, Ayar Cachi and his wife Mama Cora, Ayar Uchu and his wife Mama Rahua and finally Ayar Auca and his wife Mama Huaco..
Once they arrived at the town they saw that the place was poor and the four brothers decided to look for better places to found a new town, however, during the trip many things happened, first we start with Ayar Cachi who had the characteristic of being strong and angry unlike the other brothers.
Therefore, they sent Ayar Cachi to return to the cavern of Pacarina to get supplies. Once he arrived there, when Ayar Cachi entered the cavern, one of his servants locked him in by placing a stone at the entrance, and when he could not get out, he shouted loudly and shook the earth, mountains and the heavens.
The other brothers and their wives continue their journey, this time they arrive at the Huanacauri hill, there they find a stone idol and the brothers decide to enter the sacred site with fear, but there Ayar Uchu decides to face it and jumps towards the idol and is petrified, but first he gives a message to his brothers.
That they continue the journey and celebrate the Huarachicuy in memory of him, as we know the Huarachicuy is a ceremony of initiation into adulthood. Then, the brothers continued the journey in search of a fertile land and it is there where Ayar Uchu goes to explore an area nearby and according to the story this brother grows wings and flies to the pampa del solo where he lands and turns into stone.
Finally, there remains the last brother of the four Ayar, Ayar Manco who manages to reach the Valley of Cusco and sinks the golden staff that was given to him by the God Inti and there he founds what would become the empire of the Incas or also known as the Tahuantinsuyo in honor of the God Huiracocha and the Sun God.
To visit the Maukallaqta Archaeological Complex you can do so at any time and admission is free, therefore, there are no excuses to visit this beautiful place.
Do you want to visit Maukallqata? What you should do is to book with us the tour to the Archaeological Site of Maukallaqta located in Paruro just two hours from Cusco. Write us to our WhatsApp +51 984 550 165 or our mail ventas@terandes.com.
In conclusion, visiting Maukallaqta will surprise you because you will be able to know its architecture, engineering, and also according to the legends that are told is that the Ayar brothers came from there and only one remained, Ayar Manco who was in charge of founding the Inca empire. Not only does it have Inca constructions, but you will also be able to witness pre-Inca constructions belonging to the Wari culture.
