Qillqatani

Qillqatani is an archaeological site in southern Peru's puna region located near the Rio Chila and sitting at 4,420 meters elevation. The location contains layers spanning many different time periods and shows traces of human activity from the earliest settlement onwards.

People first settled at this location about 7,500 years ago, initially as wandering hunters who tracked animals. Over time they stayed longer in one place and developed new ways of making a living.

The rock art panels here come from early Andean societies and show how people lived and saw their environment in this region. These artworks give insight into the worldview and way of life of those distant times.

This location lies in a thinly settled part of the Andes and requires planning to visit. It is helpful to bring a local guide who knows the way and can explain the history of the place.

This site shows an important turning point in human history where nomads began raising animals instead of only hunting them. This change was a crucial step for the rise of all later civilizations in this area.

Location: Puno

GPS coordinates: -16.94944,-69.88944

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:42