Wari Capital

Before the Incas, there was the Wari(Huari) empire that spanned from northern Peru to Bolivia, before fading away around 1000CE.  Their capital was near Ayacucho.  The site is enormous.  Only a fraction has been excavated.  In fact there is ongoing archaeological work at the site.  The warren-like architecture was as impressive as mind boggling.  It is very evident that the Incas didn't invent everything. 

After the Wari site, we made a quick visit to the village of Quinua, known for their ceramic creations.  Unlike everywhere else we have been and seen, Quinua is almost devoid of buildings that look half finished, quick thrown up accommodate growing population.  In fact, quite a few buildings look to be unoccupied, certainly an anomaly.  This made me look up birth/death/immigration data for Peru: 18/6/-2 (per 1000) vs US 12.5/8/4. 

The obligatory mummy in the Wari Archaeological Complex Site Museum. ;-)


This Wari Site has very impressive defensive walls on 3 sides.








There were 2 other types of amazing site features. First the so-called "D-shaped ceremonial structures". This one is rather modest...


...compared to this one.






And second, the Burial Chambers. Here's one.


And here's other. Amazing stone work.




Oh, and stone water pipes.


More ruins above.




After visiting the Wari Complex we caught a van headed to Quinua.


Quinua is very tranquillo. We walked around checking out the ceramic roof decorations and workshops.










The Igelsia.












View up the street towards our hotel in Ayacucho, the Yanez Inn.




Looking at our 2nd floor room at the Yanez.