Pukara, Vilcas Huamán

Pukara is a Chanca-affiliated hilltop archaeological site at 3,700 m elevation in the Ayacucho puna region, encompassing approximately 5 hectares. The site contains circular dwellings and chullpas (burial towers), with surviving human remains including skulls showing trepanations and cranial deformations. The hilltop is flanked by steep abysses on three sides forming natural defenses, with access only from the north. It serves as a natural viewpoint offering views of the Qapaqnan (Inca Royal Road) running toward Cusco.