Learn about the Wari - a pre-Inca Civilisation
The Wari (also spelt Huari) emerged in Peru’s central Andes around AD 600 as an expansionist, military, religious culture which built outposts over much of present-day Peru.
They spoke their own language, and as they conquered other small groups they imposed the Wari language and culture upon them, eliminating the oral traditions of earlier groups.
Ruins of Piquillacta, in Cusco province.
Some of the best-known Wari settlements:
Pachacamac near Lima.
Cerro Baúl near Moquegua: thought to be an attempt to colonise the southern coast, amidst territorial competition from the Tiwanaku.
Toro Muerto in the Arequipa region, renowned for its petroglyphs.
Piquillacta (also spelt Pikillacta) near Cusco - sometimes visited as part of the day trip to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain).
Wilcahuaín near Huaraz.
Their capital city - called Wari - outside Ayacucho, which was once home to an estimated 50,000 inhabitants. The city sprawls over 2,200 hectares (8.5 sq miles), with an important central nucleus of 400 hectares (1.5 sq miles).
These far-flung outposts were linked by roads which later became the basis of the Qhapaq Ñan, the vast Inca communication network.
Wari architecture, built for earthquake resistance and sometimes using polygonal blocks, also influenced the later Inca building style.
Wari textiles in Larco Museum, Lima.
Their fine tapestries and weavings were among the best produced by any culture and, because they were used for significant burials in the dry desert regions, have survived well and can be seen in museums.
The Wari culture’s apogee was reached by the ninth century.
Its decline is poorly understood, but by 1100 AD the Wari Empire had broken down into several sub-groups, which eventually were conquered by the Incas.
How to visit the vestiges of Wari Culture with PeruNorth:
A half-day tour of Pachacamac and/or trip to the excellent Larco Museum can be added to any Lima itinerary.
The ruins of Wilcahuain can be visited as part of a half day hike from Huaraz, ending in the hot springs of Monterrey.
Custom tours to other Wari monuments can also be arranged. Just ask us how.
View of Pacific Ocean from Temple of the Sun, Pyramids of Pachacamac, Lima.