The site of Huari (or Wari), in the upper reaches of the Central Andes, was most probably the capital of the powerful Huari Empire (700-1000 AD). At the time it would have had nearly 50 000 inhabitants. The current vestiges reveal a circular urban plan. The dilapidated ruins, overrun by vegetation, cover a surface area of 15-20km2, of which only a small portion has been cleared.