Kanamarka, Archaeological site in Espinar Province, Peru
Kanamarka is an archaeological site in Espinar Province covering 44 hectares at an elevation of 4050 meters (13,280 feet), with circular and rectangular stone and mud structures spread across the terrain. The buildings show a mix of stone walls and earthen construction typical of settlements in this mountain region.
The settlement began as a center of the K'anas people before joining the Inca empire through peaceful agreement rather than conquest, becoming part of Tawantinsuyo. This integration shows how local groups sometimes allied with the Inca through negotiation.
The name comes from Aymara language, combining K'ana meaning braided and Marca meaning town, which reflects the speech of people who lived here before the Inca arrived.
The site lies about 15 kilometers northeast of Yauri in a high-altitude mountain environment where temperatures can drop well below freezing year-round. Visitors should prepare for cold and windy conditions and bring sturdy mountain boots and warm layers.
In 2004 archaeologists found the burial of an elite woman called the Lady of K'anamarka, which revealed how high-ranking people were buried at the site. This discovery showed that the settlement had complex social organization and special burial practices for leaders.
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