Pikillaqta, Cusco

Many historical sites such as Saksaywaman, Tipon, Moray, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo lie within the surrounding area of the ancient capital city of Cusco. The pre-Incan ruins of Pikillaqta comprise one such site. Pikillaqta ruins are located at a height of 3,200 m. These ruins are believed to have once been a large Aymara town. There isn’t much to see here but you can see large stones all over the ancient city. As with the other Incan buildings, one is left wonder struck at how they must have carried these huge boulders to create the strong walls. The fact that they used primitive tools to build such architectural marvels bears testimony to the engineering skills of the people of an ancient civilization. Currently, the Pikillaqta ruins are being restored and once the restoration is complete, we may get even more insight into the daily life of a forgotten civilization. Till then, a daytrip to Pikillaqta should be on your itinerary especially if you’re a keen enthusiast of ancient cultures and history. The ruins are a part of the Inca trail and can easily be combined with other sites in the area to make a worthwhile day trip from Cusco.