The archaeological sites in the Province of Espinar, in the Cusco Region, open windows onto different periods: Muyuqhawa is attributed to the Late Intermediate Period and the Late Horizon; María Fortaleza–Taqrachullo also bears evidence of the Middle Horizon. For travelers interested in history, this distinction offers a vivid introduction to the region.

Archaeological Sites and Traces of the Past

The Complejo Arqueológico Monumental Muyuqhawa is located in the District of Alto Pichigua, Province of Espinar, Cusco Region. On September 2, 2024, it was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation. The K'ana settlement also shows evidence of Inca occupation. Situated on a plateau, it comprises circular and rectangular structures, terraces, walls, and chullpas. The building forms give an impression of the layout, alongside spaces for living, worship, burials, and defense. These functions are chronologically attributed to the Late Intermediate Period and the Late Horizon.

The Zona Arqueológica Monumental María Fortaleza–Taqrachullo is located in the community of Chaupimayo in the District of Suyqutambo. Its architectural evidence dates from the Middle Horizon, the Late Intermediate Period, and the Late Horizon. On April 27, 2010, the site was declared Cultural Heritage of Peru by Resolución Directoral Nacional N.° 954-2010. Compared with Muyuqhawa, the Middle Horizon is an additional period represented here.

Another site with cultural heritage status is the Sitio Arqueológico Molloqosi in the community of Moro Alccasana, District of Pichigua, Province of Espinar. It was declared Cultural Heritage on August 15, 2024, by Resolución Viceministerial N° 000234-2024-VMPCIC/MC. The dates 2010 and 2024 refer to the cultural heritage declarations; the archaeological periods attributed to the sites, by contrast, refer to different historical periods.

Protected Area and Rocky Landscape

The Tres Cañones Regional Conservation Area covers 39,485.11 hectares in the Districts of Coporaque and Suyckutambo in the Province of Espinar. Its conservation objectives include biodiversity, the natural landscape, cultural identity, and archaeological monuments. Natural and cultural heritage are considered together here: the protected area encompasses both landscape and archaeological values.

The rock formations of Chiluyo create a distinctive landscape. They are located in the Chiluyo sector of the community of Echocollo in the District of Suyckutambo, at an elevation of 4,825 meters in the puna. Some of the rock shapes resemble mushrooms and prehistoric animals. Chiluyo is also part of the Suyckutambo tourist route of the Asociación de Turismo Vivencial Arco Punku. These described formations and their elevation clearly distinguish this natural attraction from the archaeological sites.

Road Directions

To reach María Fortaleza–Taqrachullo, an unpaved road runs 14.24 kilometers from Puente Central to the archaeological site; the journey takes about 25 minutes by private car. An asphalt road leads from the main road in the Laucamayo sector to the Ecowasi rock paintings. It is 7 kilometers long and takes about 10 minutes to travel. If you are planning these trips, check local road conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Espinar, Provincia de Paucartambo, Aguas Calientes, Quispicanchi, Pisac, Provincia de Calca.

Go to the main travel overview: Cuzco.