Picture a wall 14 metres high, with fine Inca stonework at the bottom and huge mud bricks on top. That wall still stands at Raqchi, far down the road south of Cusco. It once held up the roof of a building 92 metres long. Even so, few first-time visitors know the site exists.
This guide explains what Raqchi is, what to see, how to get there, the ticket and the site rules. Our facts come from DDC Cusco, the regional branch of Peru’s Ministry of Culture, plus two official ticket lists. We checked them on 25 October 2026. This is an independent guide, not the official peru.travel site.
What is Raqchi?
Raqchi is an archaeological park in the San Pedro district of Canchis province, in the Cusco region. The Incas called the place Cacha. It sits at the foot of Kinsach’ata, an extinct volcano, next to the Vilcanota River.
The park is big. It covers 1,097 hectares, and its boundary runs for more than 12 kilometres. In addition, it lies at about 3,480 metres above sea level. That is a little lower than Cusco city, but the air is still thin.
Why the “Temple of Viracocha”?
The chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega identified the great building at Raqchi as the “temple of Viracocha”. Viracocha was a creator god in Andean belief. Today the name has stuck, so you will see it on maps and signs.
What to see at Raqchi
The site is more than one wall. DDC Cusco describes several sectors, and each one shows a different side of Inca planning:
| Sector | What you see | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| The great wall | A 14-metre wall: polished stone base, adobe bricks above | It was the central wall and roof support of a 92-metre building |
| The storehouses | 152 round buildings in ten rows, each almost 8 metres wide | They were collcas, used to store food, pottery, cloth and even weapons |
| The core complex | A small artificial lake, a raised platform and buildings around patios | It shows careful planning of the whole site |
The great wall up close
First, look at the base. The lower part is polygonal stone, carefully cut and fitted. Then look up. Above the stone, large rectangular adobe bricks rise to the full height. As a result, you can see two building methods in a single wall.
The round storehouses
Next, walk to the large walled enclosure. Inside, ten rows of circular buildings line up side by side. Each one has a narrow door. According to DDC Cusco, the Incas used them to keep farm produce, ceramics, textiles and military gear.
How to get to Raqchi from Cusco
Raqchi lies south of Cusco on the paved Cusco–Sicuani highway. According to DDC Cusco, the drive covers 117 kilometres. Then a dirt track of about 150 metres takes you to the entrance.
Because the trip is long, plan Raqchi as a full day. The same highway also passes other South Valley sites. For example, you can read our guides to Tipon and Pikillaqta, which sit closer to the city.
Raqchi hours and tickets
Visiting hours run daily from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm, according to DDC Cusco. So aim to arrive in the morning, when you have time to walk every sector.
Raqchi is not part of the Cusco Tourist Ticket. The COSITUC price list does not include it in any circuit. Instead, the Ministry of Culture lists a separate entry ticket for the Raqchi Archaeological Park. It has a general rate and a reduced rate for university and technical students with proof of study. Our Cusco Tourist Ticket guide shows what the combined pass covers instead.
Access for visitors with reduced mobility
The ground at the entrance is level. Therefore, DDC Cusco notes that people with disabilities can enter the site.
Site rules to know
DDC Cusco posts seven simple rules for this site:
- Opening times: plan your whole walk between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm.
- Meals: snacks and lunch stay outside the park.
- Inca walls: never climb the stonework or mark it.
- Pets: animals cannot enter the archaeological park.
- Drones: any flight needs prior approval from DDC Cusco.
- Alcohol and drugs: neither is allowed at Raqchi.
- Tents: overnight camping is forbidden on site.
So plan a meal in a nearby town, either before or after your visit.
Tips for a smooth first visit
A few simple habits will make the day easier:
- Plan for altitude. At 3,480 metres, walk slowly and drink water. For more help, read our altitude sickness in Peru guide.
- Start early. The site closes at 5:00 pm, and the road from Cusco is long.
- Bring sun protection. The site is open ground, so a hat and sunscreen help.
- Check before you travel. Hours and ticket rules can change, so confirm them with DDC Cusco.
Final word on Raqchi
Raqchi rewards the long drive. In one visit you see a giant Inca wall, rows of round storehouses and a valley at the foot of an extinct volcano. Also, it is a good way to see the Andes beyond the usual Cusco route.
If you would rather travel with a guide and transport arranged, peruvian.travel has a Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley trip. Fullviajes also sells Cusco and Machu Picchu tour packages. Before you book, confirm the latest site rules with DDC Cusco.
