In Apurimac there are several historical places to visit and one of them is the Sondor Archaeological Complex. This destination is the cradle of the Chanka culture, located in the district of Pacucha, half an hour from the city of Andahuaylas.
Also called the Ceremonial Center of Sondor, it is built with a pyramidal stone base surrounded by terraced walls. According to historians it would have been a place of religious center, where festivals and sacrifices to deities such as the sun and mother earth were celebrated.
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This destination is distinguished by its imposing stone architecture, which covers an area of approximately 10 hectares. In addition, it is composed of several remarkable sectors, each with its own archaeological and cultural richness that invites to be explored.
One of these outstanding sectors is Puka Corral, surrounded by three terraces, the middle terrace being the most impressive for its architectural details, including seven trapezoidal-shaped niches. On the lower terrace is a platform known as the 'Mesa del Sacrificio' (Sacrificial Table).
Another sector of great relevance is Muyu Muyu, a pyramidal structure over 200 meters high.
A distinctive feature of the complex is its eight artificial terraces, which can be comfortably explored thanks to a staircase of approximately 500 steps that connects them. At the top, there is a circular enclosure surrounded by two stone blocks. It is believed that this sector is of great historical importance, since it was one of the first discoveries in this sacred place.
Additionally, in the Sondor Archaeological Complex, you will find small stone constructions with thatched roofs that, according to historians, would have been used in religious rituals. During your visit to this historic site, you will come across esplanades, platforms, platforms, walls, rooms and much more, which will make your experience in this place unforgettable.
What activities to do in Sondor?
If you are an adventure lover you can count on guided tours and explore its beautiful architecture. When you reach the Muyu Muyu summit by climbing almost 500 steps you will have the chance to have a panoramic view of this ancestral beauty.
In the month of June, on the 18th and 19th there is a representation of the battle between the Chankas and Incas, the civilizations that populated this place. The energy of the people, the costumes, the staging, the music and the conversations in Quechua make the event have an artistic and historical value.
You can also visit the Pacucha Lagoon which is near Sondor and has an ideal flora and fauna for those who love nature. You can take a boat ride through the blue waters and at the same time contemplate the beautiful landscapes of the place,
How to get to the Sondor Archaeological Complex?
You have to go first to the center of Andahuaylas and then take a bus to Pachuca and there by means of transportation to the Ceremonial Center of Sondor (the entrance fee to the complex is 2 soles).
As for lodging, it is advisable to spend the night nearby and the best option for this is Pacucha. GlampingIt is ideal for those people in search of experiences closer to nature, history and living culture.
How high and extensive is the Sondor Archaeological Center?
The altitude of the Sondor Archaeological Complex is approximately 3200 meters above sea level, so it is important to be well hydrated, not to eat greasy or heavy meals and to be well rested.
The extension that occupies is of an average of 10 hectares, distributed in 5 sectors. The place where the brave Chankas lived has a good location with excellent natural views.
What you didn't know about Sondor
Here are some curious facts about Sondor:
- The Sondor Raymi has the participation of local actors and more than 200 musicians coming from the provinces of the region.
- The experts assure that the remains found in the complex would give an answer to the mysteries of the fall of the Chanka culture before the Incas.
- Laguna Pachuca is home to paragliding and bicycle rentals to tour the circuit around the lagoon.
- These activities such as the Sondor Raymi promote tourism in Apurimac and recall ancestral values.
Sondor Raymi
The Sondor Raymi festivity, which takes place this June, is an emblematic celebration in the jubilee calendar of the Apurímac region, considered an epic that highlights the courage and identity of a people that resisted the territorial expansion of the Incas.
This impressive festival consists of a grandiose representation that narrates the origin of the Chanka civilization in the mythical Pacucha lagoon, as well as the crucial battle between the Chankas and the Incas. Both civilizations competed for control of the fertile and strategic Apurimac valley, near the archeological complex of Sondor, located in the district of Pacucha, 21 kilometers northeast of the city of Andahuaylas.
More than a thousand local actors and musicians from communities of the 27 districts of the Apurimeno provinces of Andahuaylas and Chincheros participate in this lavish festivity. The Sondor Raymi is part of the commemorative activities of the anniversary of the political creation of Andahuaylas and the massive presence of the local population, as well as national and foreign tourists is expected.
Dare to visit this beautiful landscape staying in the best place, Pacucha Glamping Peru!
We are sure that the archaeological complex of Sondor will surprise you!
Finally we also share a video of the Sondor Raymi, enjoy it.
