Raqchi, Archaeological complex in Canchis Province, Peru.

Raqchi is a large temple complex located on a high plateau near a volcano in the Peruvian Andes. The main structure consists of a long adobe building with a central row of stone pillars, and it is surrounded by many smaller round stone buildings.

This site was built in the 15th century under Inca rule and served as one of their major religious centers. The Inca chose this location because of its proximity to the volcano and used advanced building techniques they had developed elsewhere in their empire.

Raqchi's name is often linked to the Quechua word for a large earthen vessel, and the site is still used for local ceremonies. The central adobe temple, known as the Wiracocha temple, has a roof supported by a row of stone columns, and its layout shows how processions moved through the complex. Nearby, the round qolqas were used to store maize and other crops, and their placement reflects the Inca's organized approach to food supply.

The site sits at an elevation above 11500 feet (3500 m) in the mountains, so visitors should allow time to adjust to the altitude. It is best visited during the dry season from April to September, when the weather is more stable and the paths are easier to navigate.

Surrounding the main structure are more than 150 round storage buildings that the Inca state used to keep large quantities of grain and other food supplies. This arrangement reveals how carefully the Inca planned and organized their food storage system.