Qanchisqucha (Huasahuasi)

Qanchisqucha is a lake and an archaeological site located in the Huasahuasi District of Tarma Province, Junín Region, Peru. The name "Qanchisqucha" translates from Quechua to "seven lakes" (qanchis = seven, qucha = lake). While often referred to as a single lake, the area consists of a complex of several smaller lagoons and wetland areas clustered together.

The archaeological site at Qanchisqucha consists primarily of pre-Inca ruins, believed to have been occupied by the Tarama culture, a group that dominated the region before the expansion of the Inca Empire. Archaeological research at the site has revealed evidence of terracing, agricultural practices, and domestic structures, providing insights into the daily life and social organization of the Tarama people. The area's altitude and challenging terrain suggest a resilient population adapted to the high-altitude environment. The site is important for understanding the cultural history of the central Peruvian Andes and the interaction between the Tarama people and the expanding Inca state.