Vilcashuamán is an authentic Inca citadel, an important stopover and administrative and ceremonial center of the empire. The arrival of the Spanish conquest and the fall of the Tahuantinsuyo caused the recycling of some buildings, building a Catholic temple over the ancient and superb Temple of the Sun.
The town that was formed around the buildings and the Inca wall is preserved and inhabited to this day. The small town is located at 3,490 meters, on a terrace of the Andes Mountains. Its visibility over the nearby territory gives an idea of the strategic importance it had at the time of the empire’s splendor.
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History of Vilcashuamán
Vilcashuamán was founded in its present form by Pachacútec, the ninth ruler of the Inca empire who gave it the largest extension by crushing the Chancas and the Pocras. Its name means sacred falcon in Quechua, the ancestral language of the inhabitants of the Peruvian highlands.
A large central square, with a stone for sacrifices, occupies the central precinct of the town. To one side is the great Temple of the Sun, on whose foundations was built, with the Spanish arrival, the Temple of San Juan Bautista, surviving both until today.
Another building that stands out in Vilcahuasmán is the Ushnu, a large ceremonial truncated pyramid that can be accessed. At the top is a large stone, called the Seat of the Inca, which is believed to have been covered with gold. It is considered to be the largest throne in the empire.
How to get to Vilcashuamán?
From Ayacucho, you have to head south on highway 32A, a narrow mountain road that goes into the Andes. From the main square in Ayacucho, you can buy a tour to get to the town. The trip takes between three and four hours.
You can also go on your own by taking public transportation in Ayacucho. The units take a little longer because they stop in nearby towns. They return early from Vilcashuamán.
What to see and do in Vilcashuasmán ?
It is worth a trip to the village to see, first hand, the monumental dimension of the Inca empire. The ancient constructions were part of the birth of a mixed-race town, which is still inhabited today.
Marvel at the church of San Juan Bautista.
Built in stone, it is located on the foundations of the ancient Temple of the Sun. A long stairway leads the parishioners from the ceremonial plaza of Vilcahuasmán.
Walk through the ceremonial plaza.
Built with the traditional trapezoidal designs of Inca plazas, it can accommodate 20,000 people.
Visit the sacrificial stone.
Rectangular in shape, its surface is carved with the figures of two snakes. There, human and animal sacrifices were made.
Climb the Ushnu.
Pyramid of five levels, with double jamb doors, symbol of the importance of the building, it is considered as the biggest throne of the Tahuantinsuyo.
Sit on the throne of the Inca.
Carved in stone, the Inca’s seats face the sunrise. From them you have a panoramic view of the ceremonial plaza and the entire town.
Observe the Inca construction method.
Without mortar, the Incas built their buildings by assembling large carved stones at different angles. They have been maintained until today, taking into account the high seismicity of the area.
Important Recommendations to follow:
– The best way to get to Vilcashuamán is to purchase a tour in the main square of Ayacucho. It includes round trip transportation and the company of a specialized guide.
– Visit all the monuments. Vilcashuamán is a small town around Inca foundations and buildings. Admire the traditional Inca construction method.
– Go up to the church of San Juan Bautista. Located above the temple of the Sun and the Moon, it is the main Catholic temple of the town. From the top, there is a beautiful view of Vilcashuamán.
– Sit on the throne of the Inca, at the top of the Ushnu. From there you can have a panoramic view of the entire domain.
– Wear a hat and long sleeves. It is ideal to protect yourself from the sun.
– Do not run. It is almost 4,000 meters above sea level, where the oxygen level is lower.
– Bring water for hydration. You will also find in the village some stores where you can buy what you want.
– Follow the recommendations of the guide or the villagers if you suffer from altitude sickness. The best remedy for this temporary discomfort is to rest sitting down and drink a fortifying coca tea.
– Do not scratch or damage the buildings.
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