Mullu Q'awa, Archaeological site in Espinar Province, Peru
Mullu Q'awa is an archaeological site in Espinar Province, Cusco Region, located at 4,000 meters elevation on mountainous Andean terrain. The complex covers 12 hectares with visible structural remains that show how settlements were organized and built.
The site received official recognition as National Cultural Heritage of Peru through Resolution No. 954-2010-INC in April 2010. This designation confirmed its importance to understanding pre-Columbian settlement patterns in the central Andes.
The name comes from the Aymara language, where 'mullu' refers to coral-colored stones once used in jewelry, and 'q'awa' means a river or crevice. These terms reflect the deep connection between the local people and their landscape.
Prepare for high-altitude conditions and steep terrain when planning your visit, as the site sits at significant elevation with limited access routes. Bring warm clothing and plenty of water, and allow extra time to explore the spread-out structures across the mountainside.
The site contains structural remains that reveal building techniques and settlement patterns from pre-Inca civilizations, showing evidence of different occupation phases. These structures help researchers understand how various groups adapted to life in this extreme high-altitude environment.
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