Pikillaqta is a pre-Inca archaeological site located about 30 kilometers southeast of Cusco, Peru, in the Lucre Basin. Unlike most sites in the region, Pikillaqta was built by the Wari civilization, which predated the Inca Empire by several centuries. Its name means "flea town" in Quechua, though the origin of this name remains unclear. The site features a highly organized layout with long, straight streets, rectangular buildings, and high stone walls, reflecting the Wari's advanced urban planning skills. Pikillaqta once served as a major administrative, military, and ceremonial center during the height of the Wari civilization between 550 and 1100 AD.

Covering more than 300 hectares, Pikillaqta is one of the largest archaeological complexes in the Cusco region. Its impressive network of more than 700 structures includes multi-story buildings, storage rooms, plazas, and irrigation canals. Despite being unfinished at the time of the Wari decline, the site demonstrates a sophisticated approach to architecture and city planning. Surrounded by mountains and overlooking the Huacarpay Lagoon, Pikillaqta also offers spectacular views and insight into the civilizations that laid the foundation for the later rise of the Inca Empire.