Peru: Cusco authorities probe alleged damage to pre-Hispanic wall in Ollantaytambo

13:38 | Urubamba (Cusco region), Jan. 23.

The Decentralized Directorate of Culture in Cusco (DDC Cusco) has launched administrative sanction proceedings after detecting an unauthorized intervention on a pre-Hispanic wall in the Laricalle–Qosqo Ayllu sector of the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park, Urubamba province.

During a technical inspection, specialists confirmed the partial dismantling of a section of the wall.

Similarly, they verified the opening of an unauthorized access point, carried out without the required favorable technical opinion, in an area designated as National Cultural Heritage.

The affected wall measures approximately 1.30 meters in width and 1.60 meters in height.

Although it was partially covered with burlap, the intervention was found to compromise the continuity of a key element of the Inca urban layout in the Laricalle sector, affecting the integrity and authenticity of the cultural asset.

In light of these findings, the DDC Cusco ordered the immediate suspension of any intervention in the area.

It also issued Verification Report No. 006989, after confirming that there was neither authorization nor a favorable technical opinion, in accordance with Law No. 28296, the General Law on the Nation's Cultural Heritage.

The intervened area is located within the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo, known as the Qosqo Ayllu neighborhood, which forms an important part of the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park.

The area is classified as a Special Treatment Zone and Monumental Urban Sector I, in accordance with the park's Master Plan and Protection Project, technical instruments that regulate its protection and conservation.

During the inspection, it was not possible to identify the individual directly responsible for the intervention.

The DDC Cusco is currently gathering additional information in order to determine responsibility and adopt the corresponding administrative and legal actions.

The cultural authority stated that the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park is one of the most important archaeological complexes in Peru, recognized for its high historical, urban, and symbolic value.

Specialists warn that any unauthorized intervention in this context seriously affects the Nation's cultural heritage and historical memory.