Before Cusco became the capital of the Tahuantinsuyu empire, it was inhabited by other cultures, many of which passed on their knowledge and skills to the Incas, in addition to leaving numerous archaeological remains throughout the region. Discover which were the most important and how, in some cases, their legacy remains alive today.

• Ancient cultures of Cusco
  • Marcavalle Culture
  • Chanapata Culture
  • Cotacalle Culture
  • Wari culture
  • Lucre Culture
  • Killke Culture
  • Inca culture
• Tips and recommendations
• Frequently Asked Questions

Photo of a part of the mural History of Cusco – A. El Sol

Ancient cultures of Cusco

The history of Cusco dates back to 2000 BC, when the first cultures began to settle in this rich territory. However, before their appearance, there were primitive humans who inhabited it. These are known as pre-ceramic humans (10,000 BC–2000 BC), who left their mark through stone tools, hearths, and remains in the caves where they primarily lived.

Over time, these people learned to domesticate plants and animals, and this is where early agriculture emerged, along with herding and pottery. They were no longer individuals; they were collectives who understood the power of unity. This is how the first cultures in Cusco emerged.

Ancient ceramics and tools displayed in Cusco’s museums

Museums in Cusco
If you want to learn more about Cusco’s cultural history, you can choose to visit the city’s main museums, such as the Inca Museum, the Casa Concha Museum, the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, the Regional Museum, and the Qoricancha Site Museum. Many of these museums are included in the Cusco tourist ticket, although you can also purchase tickets at the entrance to these venues. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the vast and rich culture that Cusco once housed.

• Marcavalle Culture

  The first culture to inhabit the Cusco Valley was Marcavalle, located in the northern part of the city, where today is an urban area. Little is known about this culture, due to the few vestiges that remain. However, it is notable for its dedication to agriculture and pastoralism, occupying vast territories. Its preference for felines, snakes, and birds can be seen in its pottery, as interpreted by its geometric figures.

  The Marcavalle culture dates back to 1000 BC, where its early organization and cosmology were very evident, given that many of its archaeological remains show anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures, which are believed to have served as knowledge and learning for later cultures.

• Chanapata Culture

  The first vestiges of the Chanapata culture (800 BC) were found in areas near the Cuesta de Santa Ana, behind its church. Other settlements were also found near Wimpillay, west of the city’s airport. Their expansion was much greater, extending as far as the province of Anta.

  Within their ideology, a zoomorphic litho-sculpture of Mayu Puma (water cat) was found, representing Wiracohca Qoatti, one of Peru’s oldest deities. Through this, we understand their influence on the Incas, as this knowledge originated in Andean culture. Another important feature was their organization into Ayllus, social units based on reciprocity, which laid the foundation for Inca social organization.

• Cotacalle Culture

  One of the first cultures to achieve significant expansion, due to their conquest and subjugation of other ayllus, were the Cotacalle culture, located in the town of Akaway, south of Cusco, just 3 kilometers from the main square. Within their domain throughout the Cusco Valley, architectural, ceramic, sculptural, and artistic remains were found.

  The Cotacalle culture dates back to 600 AD, and its remains can still be seen today, including 82 rectangular enclosures, 110 stone and mud structures, 15 retaining walls, and numerous agricultural platforms. The Cotacalle also work in ceramics, goldsmithing, traditional medicine, architecture, and weaving, demonstrating a high level of artisanal specialization.

• Wari culture

  Although the Wari (700 AD) are not from Cusco (they emerged in Ayacucho), their influence greatly extended to this territory. Among their principal vestiges is Pikillacta, in the southern valley of Cusco, which demonstrates their great urban planning and architectural prowess. The Wari established administrative centers and road networks that greatly facilitated territorial organization, paving the way for later Inca domination.

  The Wari culture spread from the mountains to the Peruvian coast, where they developed a great deal of ceramics and textiles. Their main deity was Wiracocha, an Andean god associated with the creation of the universe.

• Lucre Culture

  The Lucre culture dates back to 1000 AD, where they inhabited the Lucre district in the Quispicanchis province. Thanks to their location in the valley, they enjoyed a very favorable climate with abundant natural resources, as well as being close to small lagoons. Their economy was based on trade and agriculture, where bartering was already common.

  Their ceramics were quite remarkable, featuring striking colors and geometric designs. They also perfected irrigation canals, creating better terraces for their products. The Lucre were a highly advanced society with numerous ritual centers, a vestige of which is the Choquepuquio archaeological complex in Lucre.

• Killke Culture

  The Killke were located on the right bank of the Watanay River, they date back to the year 1000 AD, and their main ceremonial center was located in Qoricancha itself, which indicates that this place was already sacred before the apogee of the Incas. They expanded to the provinces of Calca, Urubamba, Paucartambo, Antas and Canchis, which allowed them to control the valley and build road systems, canal systems and terraces for agriculture.

  Killke pottery was simple, with geometric decorations that still maintained a pattern of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures. Furthermore, they are credited with the early construction phases of Sacsayhuamán and other complexes that the Incas would later perfect.

• Inca culture

  The Inca culture flourished in 1400 AD, inhabiting the territories of Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, and Colombia. This vast territory was known as the Tahuantinsuyu Empire. Their economy was primarily agrarian, with crops such as corn and potatoes.

  The Inca religion was polytheistic, with the main deity being the Sun (Inti), to whom tribute was paid through rituals and ceremonies seeking reciprocity and harmony. The Inca road network was one of its most notable features, stretching over 6,000 kilometers.

  The Inca citadels are another of their great attractions, with the main ones located along the Sacred Valley, where their main center of dominion was, next to their main temple of Qoricancha. (Inca Worldview)

The Inti Raymi
The most important Inca festival honoring the sun was Inti Raymi, a celebration that has continued for more than 600 years. Today, it’s merely a performance, but it maintains its essence of tribute and reciprocity with nature. If you’d like to experience this festival today, you can do so every June 24th by reserving your tickets through our website to see the Sacsayhuamán and Qoricancha shows.

Tips and recommendations

If you’d like to learn more about the first cultures that inhabited the city of Cusco, we’ll offer a series of tips and recommendations that will help you gain a deeper understanding of their cosmology and the knowledge preserved in Andean culture.

• You can visit archaeological sites on any of your tours of Cusco that will tell you much more about the history that precedes the territory of Cusco.
• The Qoricancha was the main temple of the Incas, formerly called Inticancha, referring to the fact that it was a place of sun worship.
• The first culture to inhabit Cusco was the Marcavalle culture, which dates back to 2,000 BC.
• If you’re traveling to Cusco to learn about its history, remember that during your first few days, you should only engage in light activities to avoid altitude sickness.
• Maintain a constant attitude of gratitude toward the land for everything you experience on your trip to Cusco. This will enrich your experience and make you feel more present.
• If you are in Cusco during the rainy season (November – March), be prepared with waterproof clothing or a rain poncho throughout your trip, as rain is very likely.
• Each of the cultures contributed their knowledge to make the Tahuantinsuyu empire the largest in all of America.
• In Cusco, during the dry season (April to October), you’ll find more stable and clear weather, ideal for visiting all the archaeological sites in the region.
• Remember to preserve and reciprocate with nature, just as the Andean culture has done since the earliest times. It is a way of living in harmony, being aware of its value.
• With Boletomachu Picchu, you can book unforgettable experiences in Cusco all year round. Ask our advisors about all the options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Who were the first to live in Cusco?

  The first people to inhabit Cusco were pre-ceramic people, that is, very ancient communities who lived in caves, hunted, gathered, and gradually learned to domesticate animals and cultivate plants.

• 2) What was the first culture established in Cusco?

  The Marcavalle culture was the first to settle in the Cusco Valley, around 1000 BC. They dedicated themselves to agriculture, herding, and left behind ceramics with geometric figures that represent their worldview.

• 3) What did these cultures contribute to the Incas?

  Each of these cultures contributed knowledge related to agriculture, social organization, ceramics, architecture, and religion. All this knowledge was inherited and perfected by the Incas.

• 4) Where can I see remains of these cultures today?

  You can visit sites such as Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Pikillaqta and Choquepuquio, as well as museums such as the Inka Museum, where archaeological pieces from these cultures are preserved.

• 5) Did the Wari live in Cusco?

  No, the Wari emerged in Ayacucho, but they reached Cusco and left an important legacy, especially in Pikillaqta, which was a highly important administrative and urban center.

• 6) How did the ancient cultures of Cusco live?

  These cultures lived primarily from agriculture, herding, and bartering. They were organized into small collectives or ayllus, which maintained relationships of reciprocity and mutual collaboration.

• 7) What importance did pottery have in these cultures?

  Pottery was very important because it reflected their worldview and knowledge. It was decorated with geometric figures, felines, birds, and snakes, which had spiritual and symbolic meanings.

• 8) What role did the Qoricancha have before the Incas?

  Before the Incas, Qoricancha was already an important ceremonial site for the Killke. The Incas made it their most sacred temple, dedicated to the sun god (Inti).

• 9) Were the Incas the most advanced culture?

  Yes, the Incas were the ones who consolidated all the knowledge inherited from previous cultures. Their political organization, road network, and construction made them the largest empire in the Americas.

• 10) Are traditions of these cultures still preserved?

  Yes, many customs related to community work (ayllu), agriculture, and respect for nature still remain alive in today’s Andean communities.

Advice from people who have been there

Huchuy Qosqo

By: Jean M.

“Mountain camping“

“The Lamay trek was a bit demanding because of the climb, and it was also very hot. But for everything I could see from the top was completely worth it, we decided to camp with some friends and we were amazed by the stars, happily we were accompanied by a clear sky.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, July 24, 2025