Inka Wasi, Archaeological site in Lunahuaná District, Peru
Inka Wasi is an archaeological complex near Lunahuaná made up of several distinct sections including an Inca residential area, a religious center called Qullqa, and a palace structure. The site features stone walls, terraces, and various rooms arranged to show how administration and ceremony took place in this highland valley location.
The complex was established during the Inca Empire's expansion under Pachacútec as an administrative hub for the surrounding region. It served as a key location for managing and controlling the Cañete Valley and its territory during the height of Inca rule.
The name Incahuasi comes from Quechua: inka, "Inca", and wasi, "house", meaning "House of the Inca". According to tradition, Túpac Yupanqui wanted this administrative centre to be called Cusco, "navel", like the capital, with streets and plazas bearing the same names; the present name prevailed. The site reproduced the four-part division (suyus) of the Quechua world.
The site sits about eight kilometers from Lunahuaná town and is best visited during the dry season when trails are easier to navigate. The clear weather during these months makes exploring the ruins and their layout more comfortable.
According to tradition, Túpac Yupanqui named this administrative centre Cusco, "navel", after the Inca capital, and wanted its streets and plazas to bear the same names as those there; the Quechua name Incahuasi means "house of the Inca". The site reproduced the four-part division of the world into suyus.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,658 contributors worldwide.