Cruzpampa, Pre-Columbian archaeological complex in Huanuco, Peru.
Cruzpampa, also called the Urpish archaeological complex, stands above the village of Urpish in Jircan District, Huamalíes Province, at about 3,450–3,474 m. Its rectangular stone structures rise 6 to 8 m and are enclosed by a wall 8 to 10 m high. Some walls carry petroglyphs of spiral figures and human faces.
Cruzpampa, also called the Urpish archaeological complex, lies near the village of Urpish in Jircan District, Huamalíes Province, at about 3,450 m. The sources record no excavation history, founding date or Inca administrative role; they describe only the standing remains, a walled group of rectangular stone structures with petroglyphs.
The name Cruzpampa is also applied to the complex as Urpish, after the village just below it. The stone walls carry petroglyphs: spiral figures and human faces pecked into the rock, which visitors can pick out on some of the stony surfaces.
The site sits several hours by vehicle from Huanuco city and is best visited during the drier season when roads are most passable. Paths across the grounds are navigable on foot, though sturdy shoes and plenty of water are essential for comfort and safety.
Some of the stone walls at Cruzpampa are covered with petroglyphs: spiral figures and human faces carved into the rock. They are easy to miss among the rectangular structures and the surrounding wall, so look closely at the stone surfaces.
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