At Raqchi, the towering wall of the Temple of Wiracocha is the first thing you see. It takes a closer look to understand how the wall supported the building and what the circular enclosures nearby were used for. Make time for these three details before continuing your journey.
The archaeological park is in San Pedro, Canchis Province, south of Cusco, at about 3,480 m (11,420 ft) above sea level. It is reached via the Cusco–Sicuani road. If you are returning to Cusco the same day, set aside a good part of the day for travel and the visit.
Map of the drive to Raqchi
Andahuaylillas is a landmark along the corridor toward Canchis. The line shows the drive. Inside Raqchi, follow the signs and ask which parts of the site are open that day.
Open directions to RaqchiThree details to look for at Raqchi
Look at the wall from two angles
The central wall rises about 14 metres and was part of a building roughly 92 metres long. From the side, look for the row of round column bases running parallel to the wall. Their position helps you picture the width of the building and how the roof was supported.
From a permitted viewpoint, locate the wall and the column bases. What part of the building lay between them?
Look for the pattern of the storehouses
The circular enclosures are arranged in rows. They are known as colcas, storehouses used for crops and other goods. If the area is open, look for a place where you can see several at once and spot their narrow entrances.
Compare two storehouses from the path. Where does each circle open to let people in?
Find the join between the materials
Look back at the temple and find the line where the stone base gives way to large adobe blocks. From a different angle, you can see the difference between the stone joints and the courses of earthen blocks. The detail is visible from the path.
Find where the materials change before zooming in with your camera.
If you only have a short stop
Start with a side view of the temple and spend the remaining time at the storehouses if they are accessible. If you are visiting independently and have time, ask which other areas are open. The platform and the small artificial reservoir give you a sense of how far the site extends.
Before you leave and when you arrive
- From Cusco. If you are continuing to Sicuani or Puno, allow some extra time between your visit and your expected arrival. For a return to Cusco, agree on a pickup time and location.
- At the park. Stay on marked paths and keep off the walls. Flying a drone requires permission.
- For the visit. Bring shoes with good grip and sun protection. Check opening hours and which areas are accessible before setting out.
Download the Raqchi field guide (PDF)
If you are also stopping in Andahuaylillas, see our guide to the South Valley churches.
