Willkawayin, Pre-Incan archaeological site in Callejón de Huaylas, Peru.
Willkawayin is an archaeological site featuring a three-story stone temple called Huilcahuin that reaches about 9 meters high and contains 19 interior chambers. These rooms are connected by internal staircases and ramps.
The site was built during the Middle Horizon period as an administrative center for the Recuay culture. The Wari civilization later took control of this important location.
The main building served as a burial place for Wari leaders where ceremonies took place, marking a shift away from the underground tombs of the earlier Chavín culture. Visitors can observe how the rooms were arranged for ritual purposes.
The site lies about 7 kilometers northeast of Huaraz at an elevation of 3,400 meters. The drive from the city takes about 45 minutes on unpaved roads.
The complex also contains Ichic Willkahuain, a cluster of 15 multi-story stone towers located about 800 meters from the main building. These towers form a separate complex that reveals the broader scope of the original site.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
