Rurec Valley
Climbing and Pre-Hispanic Archaeology
Summary
During the summer of 2018 our team travelled to the Rurec valley, located on the southern section of Cordillera Blanca, Peru. Our main goal, to tackle some fine granite First Ascents. During this short trip, we stumbled upon a magnificent view of hundreds of Pre-Hispanic irrigation canals and structures. Most likely many other parties have seen them, but none had the idea to look further into this formations. After consulting with top archaeologists on Incan Ruins, Mr. Johan Reinhard and Mr. Peter Frost, this promising formations definitely need more field research. 2021 summer solstice has been scheduled for a new visit.
Out American Alpine Journal account can be seen HERE
Abstract
The Rurec valley of Peru has hundreds of old pre-hispanic structures that have been recently spotted by rock climbers. These structures have not been subject to archaeological study. The purpose of this study is to investigate on site these structures and understand their purpose. The methodology applied will include tools such as aerial technology, satellite imagery and modern rock climbing techniques to count, measure and map every structure. Results will be analyzed and published after a necessary field work expedition to the Rurec valley.