Destinations » Southeast of Cusco

Piquillacta.
Piquillacta, whish translated as the city of Fleas, is a large site, with some reconstructions in progress; it was an administrative centre at the southern end of the end of the Wari Empire, the Wari contemporaneous with the Tiawanacu  culture (AD 600-1000), were based near present-day Ayacucho in the central highlands, almost 600 Km. north of Cusco by road, however, Huari influence covered most of what we know as Perú, from Cajamarca and the Pacific coast in the north to the borders of  the Tiawanaco in the south. The Wari system of regional storehouse, irrigation, roads and government was similar to that of the Incas, who adopted it from them.

Laguna Huacarpay.
The lake also known as laguna de Lucre , is smaller now than it was in ancient times, when it was called Muyna, the basin of the lake lies at an altitude of 3200 m. and is surrounded by several hills no higher than 3350- 4000 m. its shape is roughly circular and its circumference is presently about 8 km.
The laguna Huacarpay is the habitat of a variety of birdlife; in the open water folks of puna teals, pochards and pintails can be seen as well as more scattered banks are home to several varieties of gallinules and coots.

Andahuaylillas
Continuing southeast towards Urcos you reach Andahuaylillas and the first of three fascinating 17th century churches, this is a simple structure but it has been referred to as the Andean Sistine Chapel because if its beautiful frescoes and internal architecture go in, wait for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, them turn to look at the two pictures either side of the splendid door. On the right is the path to haven, which is narrow and thomy; on the left the way to hell, which is wide and literal  with flowers, they are attributed to the artist Luis de Riaño. Around the peaceful plaza, are massive pisonay trees dripping with red seeds and hanging moss. 

Copyright © 2005 - 2010 Inka's Destination. All rights reserved

Urb. San Borja Baja k-10 second flor 202, Cusco - Peru
info@inkasdestination.com 
++51(084)632085, ++51(084)984392913, ++51(084)984620297