Vilcashuamán

Vilcashuamán or Vilcasguaman (from Quechua Willka Waman, "sacred hawk") is the capital of Vilcas Huamán Province, Ayacucho region, Peru. It is located at an altitude of 3,490 m on the eastern slopes of the Andes. It is located on an ancient archaeological site.

Vilcashuamán was an Inca administrative center, established after the Incas conquered the Chancas and the Pocras. According to the Chronicler Pedro Cieza de León, Vilcashuamán was home to 40,000 people. The city was located around a large plaza where ceremonies involving sacrifices were performed, usually camelids or libation of corn wine. Around this plaza were the city's two most important buildings: the Sun Temple (Templo del Sol) and the Ushnu which remain to this day. It is believed that the city had the shape of a falcon, in which the Ushnu was located in the head.