Puka Urqu

Puka Urqu is an archaeological site located in the red mountains of Ayacucho at 3800 meters elevation. Stone structures spread across the terrain with geometric patterns and architectural features that show advanced building methods.

The site dates to pre-Incan times when indigenous peoples built structures and established settlements in this elevated Andean location. These early societies adapted to living at extreme elevations in the mountains.

The site reveals how people organized their lives in the highlands, with evidence of skilled craftspeople and structured communities. Visitors walking through the remains can observe how residents used different spaces for various activities.

The location requires proper acclimatization to high altitude and consultation with local guides about current conditions. Visitors should allow time to adjust to thin air before undertaking extended walks around the site.

The name comes from the Quechua language and means Red Mountain, referring to the distinctive color of the mountain landscape. This geographical characteristic has shaped the site's identity through time.

Location: Ayacucho

Elevation above the sea: 3,800 m

GPS coordinates: -14.72530,-74.22780

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:46