Sicuani

May 4, 2025 to May 5, 2025

Sunday the 4th of May 20256

With only a short ride to the town of Sicuani planned for the day we decided to backtrack four kilometers to the Raqch'i Archeological Site. And a good decision it was too. Snippets from Wikipedia below.

It also known as the Temple of Wiracocha, one of its constituents. Both lie along the Vilcanota River (one of the alternate names for the Urubamba). The Inka site at Raqch'i was a primary control point on a road system that originated in Cusco and expanded as the Inka empire grew. It is located in a valley known for sacred sites. Most of the Inka structures are enclosed by a 4 km-long perimeter wall, but just outside it, on the Inka road that entered Raqch'i from Cusco, an enclosure with eight rectangular buildings around a large courtyard was probably a tampu (a lodging house for travellers). The complex of Raqch'i consists of several different areas each designated with a specific function. Nearby are approximately 220 circular buildings, likely used as storehouses, called qullqas. On the nearby hillsides are irrigated terraces which were likely used to keep the qullqas full for those traveling through. Raqch'i also houses a nearby spring and a pool or bath in proximity to the Temple of Wiracocha which could have been used for rituals. It has also been mentioned that because of the dual religious and administrative purposes, that the Sun cult might have held the surrounding lands to keep llamas for sacrifice like a similar site called Mayobamba.

The store houses were in neat rows and are conjoined so it is only possible to access them through a limited number of gateways.

Much speculation as to what this area was for but the alcoves in the walls suggest living quarters.

The most prominent structure is the Temple of Wiracocha, an enormous rectangular two-story roofed structure that measures 92 metres by 25.5 metres.

Prior to its destruction by the Spaniards, the temple had what is believed to be the largest single gable roof in the Incan Empire, know having its peak at the central wall, then stretching over the columns and some 25 metres beyond on each side.

Afterwards we turned south eastwards again and headed towards Sicuani. The valley is much wider here with a flood plain which offered some nice birding opportunities, including a few new birds.

Upon entering Sicuani we ended up in a traffic jam behind a small parade. We squeezed our way through to be able to get a few pictures.

Our digs are on the south eastern side of the town. They aren't that great but they have a secure yard, important for the bicycles in a larger town. We're spending two nights here so we can catch up on our laundry.

Monday the 5th of May 2025

We woke up to heavy rain this morning. Windy.com suggested it would continue for a few hours and that light snow was also possible but it cleared up but eight o'clock.

I took a walk back into town to stock up on cash and groceries while Leigh finished the last of the laundry.

While in town I was once again caught up in a parade. Wikipedia lists an inordinate number of national festivals around the world that take place on the 5th of May, the best known being Mexico's Cinco de Mayo celebration of the victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, but here it is a public holiday being the first Monday after Workers' Day the 1st of May.

Tomorrow we head up to Aguas Calientes de Occobamba, a short ride but all uphill to over 4000m above sea level.

Today's ride: 27 km (17 miles)
Total: 165 km (102 miles)

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