Ayawayq'u

Ayawayqu is an archaeological site in Urubamba Province, located at about 3,100 meters elevation on the southern side of Kapillayuq mountain. This location features ancient rock paintings and natural stone formations left by early inhabitants of the Andean highlands.

The site contains archaeological evidence of pre-Columbian settlement, showing how people lived in this mountain region across different time periods. These remains help researchers understand how Andean cultures developed in the highlands.

The name Ayawayqu comes from Quechua language and means 'corpse valley', showing how indigenous communities connected their landscape to spiritual or ceremonial beliefs. This naming reflects how local peoples understood and related to their mountain surroundings.

Visitors should be prepared for the high altitude since the site is located in the Andes and receives fewer visitors than other Peruvian archaeological locations. It is advisable to contact local authorities or guides before visiting to arrange proper access.

This location sits about 800 meters from another rock art site called T'uqu T'uquyuq, forming part of a larger archaeological complex in the region. This proximity suggests that early inhabitants used these mountain areas for connected purposes.