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.
This temple served as a gathering place where people came together to honor their gods and mark important moments in the agricultural year. The way the building was constructed reveals how much this site mattered to the community and their spiritual beliefs.
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.
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