Llaqtapata, Archaeological site near Machu Picchu, Peru.
Llaqtapata is an archaeological site on a ridge between the Ahobamba and Santa Teresa valleys in Peru. The stone structures feature walls with ceremonial niches scattered across the steep terrain.
Hiram Bingham found this site in 1912, but thorough study only started during the Thomson and Ziegler expedition in 2003. Those later investigations revealed the full extent of the settlement.
The name comes from Quechua, where llaqta means settlement and pata refers to a raised place in the landscape. The site shows how Andean people built their structures on steep terrain.
The site requires physical effort and is best visited during dry season when trails are less slippery. Bring proper footwear and water, and allow plenty of time for the climb.
From this viewpoint, Machu Picchu is seen from the southwest, showing Huayna Picchu mountain in a completely different perspective. This angle is rarely photographed and offers a fresh view of the more famous site.
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