Archaeological site of Quillarumiyoc
Quillarumiyoc (Killarumiyoc) was a site of adoration to the Moon, this was one of the most important deities for the Incas, was known like “mother quilla”, mother of the firmament and representation of the feminine side of the universe, influenced on the tides, in The growth of plants, fertilization, among others.
Where is Quillarumiyoc?
Qillarumiyoc is located 50 km from the city of Cusco, by the road that connects Cusco and Abancay. This road will lead you to the district of Ancahuasi, the archaeological complex of Quillarumiyoc is located in the province of Anta; At a height of 3,650 masl
Quillarumiyoc, the temple dedicated to the Moon
What does Quillarumiyoc mean?
In the Quechua language, “keel” means moon, and “rumiyoc” means the one who has stone; Therefore, Quillarumiyoc means “a stone that has a moon“. The site consists of a huge area of terraces built in the same style as Sacsayhuaman, Chinchero or Ollantaytambo.
Archaeological site of Quillarumiyoc
Quillarumiyoc covers 5,000 m2; But several years ago, much of this was buried by an avalanche. In it you can see terraces, symbols engraved on the largest rocks, and an ancient temple dedicated to keel (the moon), the female divinity. The ravine in which it is, the great rocks that form it and the drawings engraved in them, transported it hundreds of years ago. A mystical environment surrounds the complex in this place, the Incas constructed lunar calendars and temples dedicated to this deity, and apparently they preferred distant places in which the nature was exuberant. The origins of Quillarumiyoc are situated more than three thousand years ago. At the present time the complex has been conditioned with marked trails, which favor the tour.
Quillarumiyoc presents a moon carved in bas-relief on a large rock of marine origin of 1.90 m by 1.56 m. The Inca architects carved this moon in a semicircle with the ridge of 0.42 m. With an inner base with a diameter of 0.85 m. This semicircle has the shape of a carved half moon, with 7 platforms 0.3 cm wide. Seeing this natural rock from a distance, it gives the impression of being the profile of a puma, where the carved crescent represents the eye of the feline. For more information about this, or other places in Cusco, contact us at info@boletomachupicchu.com.
What to see in Quillarumiyoc?
Archaeological site of Quillarumiyoc
The Apu Soqomarka
It is the highest mountain of the place, reason why it is considered an Apu (spirit of the mountain) has a height of 4,850 m. And is part of most religious ceremonies of the locals. On its slopes you can find a number of tombs, some intact and others not, besides in the surroundings there are many kanchas to keep pastures and others like corrals for camelids.
Waca of Solaqaqa
Named after the contemporary locals, the true name of this archaeological site is ignored. It is located in the upper part towards the west side of the valley of Quillarumiyoc; This natural rock formation was used by the Inca architects to construct a waca consisting of a limestone rock 6 m high by 5 m base, in whose central part the Incas carved a small enclosure of 2.50 m high by 3 of width and 4 of length, in whose interior carved a wall of fine finish.
The Great Ceremonial Square
This square is to the north of the waca of Quillarumiyoc and it is a rectangular plain, in the center of which rises a rocky carved limestone. The square occupies a part of the system of platforms constructed of limestone, finely carved and polished. In this place the high level of construction of the ancient Andean inhabitants is observed.
Andenes of the sector of Tancar
Qorihuayrachina in Spanish means, “where the wind is subjected to gold”, is a cultural manifestation of pre-Hispanic origin, which shows a huge circular space surrounded by a wall of 1.70 m high, architectural style pirca (with clay mortar ), The urban part shows us places, among which you can see spaces used for housing, as well as spaces dedicated to religious worship.
Usno of Qorihuayrachina
It is a colonial building erected on the old walls of the palace of Inca Roca, in the Archbishop’s Palace we can find the Museum of Religious Art, which houses an important collection of religious paintings and the colonial era.
The Waca of the Masma
This waca of rectangular form did not have door of entrance, was cross country like other buildings of the Inca civilization. It has three walls and the room is open, serving as access; Built in the east direction, so it was deduced that it had a ceremonial and religious function, in which the winter solstice was celebrated (important agricultural event in the Inca civilization).
Advice from people who have been there
By: Florencia T“The Mountain of the Moon Killarumiyoc“
“On the route to Choquequirao is the pampa of Anta, from where you can see the snowy mountains of the Vilcanota knot, but something more authentic and impressive is Killarumiyoc or mountain of the Moon; I could feel the power of the Pachamama and see the Wonderful work of the Incas.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last Update, 08-18-2017