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Location of Raqchi
Raqchi is an Inca archaeological site in Peru located in the Cusco Region, Canchis Province, San Pedro District, near the populated place Raqch’i. It is 3480 meters above sea level and 110 kilometers from the city of Cusco. It also known as the Temple of Wiracocha, one of its constituents.
Description of Raqchi
Raqchi was recognized as an archeological site by the National Directorial Resolution Nº 392-2009. The total area of the Archeological Site is one thousand hectares.
Since it is a very unique construction, this place has many functions, like religious, being Wiracocha one of the most important deities of the Inca Empire, creator of the world, administrative: located strategically allowing the control of the food and ceramic productions, as warehouses: Tambos, which were important places to keep the food safe, were built, and finally Military function: The presence of the houses of the Chasquis (mailmen) and the big walls, indicates that this place was used for training the messengers.
This complex was built in different periods and by different people as some chronists said:
Pedro Cieza de León: believed that it was built by Inca Tupac Yupanqui between 1471 and 1493.
Juan de Betanzos: assured that Inca Huayna Capac ordered the construction of the temple to recognize the event’s greater significance.
Bernabé Cobo and Inca Garcilaso de La Vega: said that it was Inca Wiracocha who first ordered to build Raqchi.
What archeological sites are there in Raqchi?
The archeological site of Raqchi has interesting sites that you can visit. Each one of them had a specific function:
Temple of Wiracocha:
This enormous structure stands over 92 meters long ( 302 ft) and 25.5 meters wide (84 ft). It is a two story roof construction with windows and doors and a central adobe wall roughly 18 to 20 meters in height. On each side of the structure there is a row of 11 columns, built to support the building. The foundation is made of carved stone and the rest made of adobe and mud.
According to Inca mythology, Wiracocha came to the region, but the locals did not recognize him and attacked him. To protect himself, he made fire fall from the sky and burn the hills around the people. The people went to Wiracocha pleading forgiveness and he put the fire out and explained who he was. They built a wak’a (shrine) for Wiracocha and gave him many offerings. When the Inca Huayna Capac, the people of the province told him of the miracle. So he decided that the remembrance of this event should be greater and ordered the erection of the temple.
The Major Inca Temple:
This place is similar to the Temple of Wiracocha. However, now only the stone and adobe foundations of the site are maintained.
The Colcas (warehouses):
These small circular constructions were used to store food. Up to 156 colcas were found. Such amount of products had the purpose of keeping the visitors and messengers of the empire (chaskis).
These storehouses stored grains, such as corn and quinoa, that would have been used for ceremonial purposes as well as pottery, woven cloth and military equipment.
The enclosured areas:
These buildings were houses or barracks dedicated to the inhabitants. There are a total of 22 precincts parallel located to one another in an esplanade in Raqchi.
The Water Fountains:
These finely carved constructions were intended to supply water in Raqchi. The best worked source is called ‘Baños del Inca’. The Fountains give a natural distinction in the archeological site.
Qhapaq Ñan:
The archeological site of Raqchi was part of the Qhapaq Ñan, the network of trails that the Incas built throughout their empire. Because Raqchi was a kind of ‘Chaski Wasi’ (House of the messengers), it played an important role during the Incas period.
FAQs:
How can I get to the Archeological site of Raqchi?
You only need to take the bus from Cusco to Raqchi (buses go from Cusco to Sicuani, so you can leave the bus in Raqchi). It is in km 121. Then you have to walk for 10 minutes to get to the archeological site of Raqchi
Inkayni Important Note:
Raqchi is located 119 km from Cusco city. To get there, you must take the road to the south that connects Cusco with Puno. The journey by car takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Tips on how to get to Raqchi on your own:
- You can take the bus that goes from Cusco to Sicuani. The bus station is across from Inca Garcilaso Stadium and let the driver know you will leave the bus in Raqchi. When you leave the bus, you will have to walk for about 15 minutes until you get to the archeological site of Raqchi. The bus ticket costs 10 Peruvian soles (3 dollar)
- If you want, you can also take a taxi. It will pick you up from home. The cost varies according to the service you request. If you take a taxi near the bus station it may cost 20 soles per person. If you take it from home, it will cost a bit more.
How long does it take to get to Raqchi?
By bus: 3 hours and a half approximately
By Taxi: 2 hours approximately
Is there a recommended company of taxis one can take?
If you decide to go on your own, you can take one of the following line of taxis:
- Uber Cusco
- Taxi O´Qarina
- Rapi Taxi
- Aló Cusco
What should take with me?
- Bring your original passport.
- Wear light clothes.
- You should wear a hat and sunscreen
- Water
- Camera and film
- Wear light clothes.
- Take some cash with you.
“Those who follow the crowd usually get lost in it.” – Rick Watson
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