[1] Its capital is the town of Recuay in the Callejón de Huaylas Valley.

Thus, the Recuay originally occupied much of the territory of the Chavin, and were greatly influenced by them.

The culture especially flourished in the Callejón de Huaylas region, and along the Marañón River.

It also spread to the valleys of the Santa, Casma and Huarmey rivers.

To the north, it reached the area of Pashash, in Pallasca.