Cotahuasi Valley map
This topographic map shows the locations of archaeological sites in the Cotahuasi Valley. The site of Waynuña is where test excavations were conducted.
Photo Credit: Justin Jennings
Mt. Coropuna, from Majes Plains, on the road from Arequipa to Cotahuasi
The only road to the Cotahuasi Valley passes from the Panamerican Highway northeast through the Majes Valley, up the Chuquibamba Valley and over the puna at the base of Mt. Coropuna. The bus trip takes around 14 hours from Arequipa.
The Inka Road along the way to Cotahuasi
The Inkas linked regions in their empire by a system of roads. These roads are often no more than trails in flat areas, like this. Some Spanish chroniclers stated that the road was divided into two or three parallel paths, which were used by individuals of different status. This segment could reflect such a situation.
The descent to Cotahuasi from the plains above
The road from Majes to Cotahuasi passes over the puna grasslands, above 4000 m, then drops down to the town of Cotahuasi, seen in the center of the photo. Its altitude is roughly 2850 m, making the descent one of over 1200 meters.
Alca River, above the town of Alca
Ancient terraces, still used today, line the gentler west slope of the valley.
Crossing the Alca River on footbridge
The Alca River has few fords, sometimes, as in the case here, nothing more than a split log. Not for the faint of heart!
Dart points
These points, used on the ends of darts and thrown with an atlatl, or spear thrower, are of obsidian, and were found at the site of Purkaya, near the town of Puica. They are over 5000 years old.
Llamas along the road
Llamas are still a principal beast of burden in the Cotahuasi Valley, and can be seen along the roads and in the fields wearing their colorful ear tassels. The tassels indicate ownership.
Stone maqueta, or diagram, of terracing at Wayñuna
A diagram of terraces and irrigation canals was carved into this large stone high above the town of Huilla. Whether it was a ritual stone or an actual model for the agricultural system below it is unknown.
Hot springs along the Alca River
Due to the active vulcanism in the Andes, hot springs can be found in many areas. The deep green color is algae that thrive along such springs. The water is nearly too hot to touch!
Field of cañihua
Cañihua is an Andean grain that is a main crop in the Cotahuasi Valley. Its bright red seeds are highly distinctive. The grain is high in protein, much like its relative quinoa.
Sunset over Mt. Solimana, on trip back to Arequipa
A dramatic view of the sunset over Mt. Solimana, as the crew left the Cotahuasi Valley.
A Traditional Peruvian dinner
To celebrate the end of the field season, a traditional dinner of guinea pig, potatoes and beer is served. Qué rico!
© Copyright Ithaca College. All rights reserved; unauthorized use prohibited. All material on this server is produced by our community but, except for designated pages, is neither approved nor verified by Ithaca College.
