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Wanakawri (Cusco) facts for kids

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For the archaeological site in the Huánuco Region, Peru, see Wanakawri, Huánuco.
Quick facts for kids
Wanakawri
Cusco-c01.jpg
A view of Cusco and the mountains southeast of it
Highest point
Elevation 4,089 m (13,415 ft)
Naming
Language of name Quechua
Geography
Wanakawri is located in Peru
Wanakawri
Wanakawri
Location in Peru
Location Peru, Cusco Region, Cusco Province
Parent range Andes

Wanakawri (which means "Wanakawri" in the Quechua language) is a special place in Peru. It is both an important ancient site and a famous mountain. You can find it in the Cusco Region, near the city of Cusco.

This mountain is very tall, reaching about 4,089 meters (13,415 feet) high. It is one of the highest points close to Cusco. Wanakawri was one of the most important wak'as for the Inca people. A wak'a was a sacred place or object to the Inca.

The Sacred Mountain of Wanakawri

Wanakawri was not just a mountain; it was a very important religious site for the Inca. They believed it was a sacred wak'a. This means it was a place where they felt a strong connection to their gods and ancestors.

Why Wanakawri Was Important

The Inca people believed that Wanakawri was linked to the very beginning of their empire. Their myths say that the first Inca, Manco Cápac, and his siblings came from a cave called Tampu T'uqu. They then settled in the Cusco Valley. Wanakawri was a key stop on their journey.

The Inca built special structures and held ceremonies on this mountain. These events were important for their religion and for showing their power.

Wanakawri in Inca Stories

Inca legends tell us a lot about Wanakawri. One story says that the first Inca brothers and sisters stopped here. They were looking for a good place to build their city. One of the brothers, Ayar Cachi, was very powerful and dangerous. His siblings tricked him and trapped him in a cave on Wanakawri. This made the mountain even more sacred.

A Place of Worship

Because of these stories, Wanakawri became a major place for worship. People would go there to offer gifts and pray to their gods. It was a central part of the Inca's spiritual life.

Images for kids

Here are some images related to Wanakawri and its history.

  • Idolos de los ingas

    Guaman Poma 1615: "IDOLOS DE LOS INGAS INTI, UANACAURI, TAMBOTOCO" (Idols of the Incas Inti, Wanakawri, Tampu T'uqu)

See also

  • Learn more about Huanacaure in Spanish for kids!
  • Anawarkhi
  • Araway Qhata
  • Muyu Urqu
  • Pachatusan
  • Pikchu
  • Pillku Urqu
  • Sinqa
  • Wayna Tawqaray
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Wanakawri (Cusco) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.