Pikimachay

Useful Information

Location:	La Vega - Allpaurquna, 05100. (-13.0386183, -74.2283812)
Open:	no restrictions. [2025]
Fee:	free. [2025]
Classification:	Abris Painted Cave
Light:	n/a
Dimension:	A=2,850 m asl.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:	Nami, Hugo & Chichkoyan, Karina & Yataco Capcha, Juan & Lanata, José. (2023): New taphonomic approach applied to the Late Pleistocene bone remains from Pikimachay Cave, Ayacucho Basin, Peru: possible implications for the debate on human colonisation of western South America Bulletins et mémoires de la société d'anthropologie de Paris. 35. researchgate DOI
Address:	Pikimachay, Tel: +51-.
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History

1969	discovered by the American archaeologist Richard McNeish.

Description

Pikimachay or Piki Mach'ay (Flea Cave) is an archaeological site in the Ayacucho Valley. The word mach'ay means "cave", while machay means "drunkenness", "to get drunk" or "a spindle packed with thread". Quite complicated, and so the name Cuevas de Pikimachay is often used, which translates "Caves of Flea Cave".

The cave is located high up the mountainside of Allqowillka Hill at 2,850 m asl. To reach the cave an ascend on a very long staircase is necessary, so it requires some physical fitness. The cave is a shelter, with a spectacular entrance portal which is 24 m wide and high.