This time we go to Canchis to visit the Sacred archaeological park Raqchi or Temple of Wiracocha, curiously in the place pre-Inca archaeological remains were found, therefore, it is believed that it was a place of great importance like Machu Picchu.
In this article we will not only talk about how important Raqchi was, we will also learn about its architecture, where it is located, how we can get there, what things we can see and do, schedules to visit and we recommend some tours to visit other magical sites.
Table of Contents
Raqchi or also known as the Temple of Wiracocha or Inca Parthenon, was a settlement of houses and temple dedicated to the God Wiracocha, according to chroniclers consider that the site was very relevant because this point was like an oracle and at the same frequented by the Inca Pachacutec.
According to history, the archaeological park was built during the rule of Wiracocha, Pachacutec and the Inca Tupac Yupanqui in the fifteenth century. After having carried out the corresponding excavations, they were surprised to find that there were ancient ceramics that belonged to the pre-Incas.
For this reason, Raqchi is believed to have been a sacred, divine site for both pre-Inca and Inca cultures.
The Raqchi Archaeological Park is built on a base of finely cut stone and with a clear appearance, on it was built kallankas that suggests that the complex was built between 1440 approximately.
Likewise, five different sectors were found at the site: The Temple of Wiracocha, Sector of the Colcas, Sector of the fountains, Major Inca Temple, Enclosures and the Qhapac Ñan. It is considered that to have these constructions Raqchi had 3 different periods in which they were governed, starting with the Inca Wiracocha this according to the accounts of the chronicler Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
After his period it was governed by the Inca Pachacútec between the years 1439 - 1471 and the third period Cieza de León mentions the Inca Túpac Yupanqui that commanded in the period of 1471 - 1493, practically it was given almost in the whole XV century.
P.A. of Raqchi is located in the district of San Pedro in the province of Canchis.
To get to Raqchi from the city of Cusco you must take the bus that goes to Urcos, Sicuani which is located in Huayruropata these will take you to this tourist site, once there you must buy the entrance ticket.
The Raqchi Archaeological Park has an altitude of 3,550 m. It is located in the Vilcanota valley next to the river of the same name.
Raqchi has two seasons, the dry season that occurs between the months of April to October, usually the days are sunny and at night it is cold, and between the months of November to March which is the rainy season and you should always have your waterproof clothing.
The Raqchi Archaeological Park has amazing constructions, below we will detail all that you can see:
You can enter from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Sunday. The entrance fee is 10 soles per adult and 5 soles for students.
Apart from other constructions, a statue was also found, which according to specialists called it the statue in two parts representing the god Wiracocha, currently this image is in the Museum of America in Madrid and the other in the Inka Museum of Cusco.
Finally, the Raqchi Archaeological Park is one of the places that still keeps its traditions and customs from thousands of years ago, and to learn about their way of life you can do experiential tourism and interact with the people of Raqchi.
If you are interested in getting to know new customs, cultures and living one of the best experiences in Raqchi, write to us at Tierra de los Andes and we will make your trip unique.
