Archaeology of Peru's Wari Empire

2. RESEARCH AREA
Physical Environment
The research area is located in the geographic region known as the southern highlands in the
Department of Cusco. The Huaro Valley is located approximately 45 kilometers/28 miles
southeast of the city of Cusco, and approximately 13 kilometers/8 miles southeast of the Cusco
Valley. The Huaro Valley has an elevation of approximately 3,200 meters above sea level whereas
the city of Cusco has an elevation of 3,600 meters.
Most of the available land in the Department of Cusco is under cultivation, including the
surrounding hills and mountainsides. Forests and stands of eucalyptus have replaced much of
the indigenous vegetation. Xeric scrub and cactus are also common at these higher elevations.
Few wild fauna are seen on a day-to-day basis. Harpy eagles, hummingbirds, and swallows,
however, can be observed. Sheep, cattle, and chickens are typical farm animals, and llamas and
alpacas are occasionally brought to town for tourists.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed from those of the Northern Hemisphere.
Consequently, the project will be conducted during the winter months, which means virtually no
rain, cold nights, and generally sunny days that can become quite hot by noon. During the
months of June, July, and August, the temperature range is approximately 20-70°F/-7-21°C.
While the dry winter climate of Cusco is ideal for conducting fieldwork, there are a few
precautions that should be noted. During the day, the sun is intense, and it is easy to become
sunburned even on overcast days. The temperature drops rapidly after sunset, and one can be
caught unprepared for cold temperatures. While there are few insects in the highlands during the
winter months, black widow spiders and scorpions can be found in rocky areas, such as
prehistoric monumental architecture. It is important to look before working in close contact with
areas of stone. Areas of the site are covered with prickly scrubs, so it is necessary to wear long
pants and hiking boots to avoid being scratched. Volunteers should be aware that there are no
bathroom facilities at the site – everyone will use the Great Outdoors.
Cultural Environment
Cusco is one of Peru’s most popular tourist destinations. The city was built by the Inca, and their
architecture is one of its most fascinating attractions. There are also impressive colonial buildings
from the Spanish conquest and subsequent historic periods. Additionally, there are many other
prehistoric and historic sites surrounding the city, the most notable being Machu Picchu, only a
few short hours by train from Cusco.
The current political climate in Cusco is favorable to tourists. The city is well protected because of
its status as a major tourist attraction. Cusqueñan artisans sell their wares in the downtown
market centers, and there are many restaurants and shops that likewise cater to tourists, such as
24-hour pharmacies and food, clothing, and general supply stores. Clothing sizes may be limited,
since Cusqueñans are generally smaller in stature than North Americans. In Huaro, there are
small stores where snacks and drinks can be purchased.
The city of Cusco and the surrounding region are inhabited by people of both Spanish and Inca
descent. The official language is Spanish, but there are many people, particularly in the
countryside, who speak only Quechua. The project will hire a few laborers who speak only
Spanish and Quechua. English-speaking staff will be available to assist volunteers with any
communication problems. For the past two years, volunteers demonstrated great adeptness at
using universal language skills to communicate with non-English speaking staff.
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