Ñusta Hisp'ana, Archaeological site in Cusco Region, Peru.
Ñusta Hisp'ana, also called Chuquipalta, is an archaeological site at Vilcabamba in Peru's La Convención Province, Cusco Region. Its carved rock, Yurac Rumi (White Rock), was scorched when Augustinian friars Marcos and Diego led converted natives to burn the Temple of the Sun during Titu Cusi Yupanqui's absence.
The site was documented in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham III during his expeditions through the Vilcabamba Valley. Religious conflicts later marked the place, when Augustinian monks destroyed the Temple of the Sun during Titu Cusi's absence.
The sources give two names: Ñusta Hispana (also Ñusta Ispanan) and the earlier Chuquipalta, from Quechua chuqi (precious metal) and p'allta (plane). The carved rock is called Yurac Rumi, Quechua for white rock. The site lies at Vilcabamba in La Convención Province, Cusco Region.
The site is reachable from the village of Huancacalle in La Convención Province and requires preparation for high altitude and rough terrain. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear, water, and consider hiring a local guide since the route is difficult to navigate alone.
The white rock Yurac Rumi was scorched by fire, according to Hiram Bingham III, who reached the site on 9 August 1911. He recorded that Augustinian friars Marcos and Diego led their converted natives to burn the Temple of the Sun and singe the rock while Titu Cusi Yupanqui was away, during the war between the neo-Inca state and the Viceroyalty of Peru.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,695 contributors worldwide.