Inka Wasi, Mountain summit in Apurímac Department, Peru.
Inka Wasi is a 4,315-metre summit in the Vilcabamba range, in Cachora District, Abancay Province, Apurímac. Its grassy top holds a long, low wall of rough dark stones forming an irregular enclosure, with stone-walled terraces and a small roofless stone building on the left flank. The summit faces Choquequirao across the Apurímac River and gives views of the Apurímac valley and Padreyoc.
The northern side of this summit contains remains of an archaeological site called Inka Raqay, showing that ancient people lived in this mountain region. These settlements developed during the time of Inka civilization and represent their presence in this remote terrain.
The name Inka Wasi comes from Quechua: inka, Inca, and wasi, house. The peasant community of Pantipata Inka Wasi in Cachora District takes its name from the ruins on the mountain's northern slope, which locals also call Inkaraccay. The summit's stone enclosure and terraces are reached on foot from that community.
Reaching this summit requires physical fitness and acclimatization time because of the high altitude in the Peruvian Andes. Visitors should expect steep terrain, changing weather conditions, and the need to move slowly as their body adjusts to thinner air.
The northern slope contains archaeological remains showing that this high region was occupied during pre-Columbian times. Many trekkers pass through without realizing they are walking near ancient settlements that have largely escaped wider attention.
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