Patallaqta, Archaeological site in Urubamba Valley, Peru
Patallaqta is an archaeological site with roughly 112 rooms built from rough-hewn stones and clay mortar, arranged in layers down the mountainside. The structures are surrounded by extensive agricultural terraces that stretch toward the nearby Vilcanota River.
Hiram Bingham discovered Patallaqta in 1912 during an expedition to the region. Later, Herman Tucker documented the site and revealed its connections to other neighboring settlements.
The name comes from Quechua words meaning elevated place and settlement on a platform, showing how indigenous people understood their landscape. Visitors can see this platform concept reflected in how the buildings sit on the hillside today.
The site lies at the start of the Classic Inca Trail and requires a permit before visiting. The best time to explore is during the drier months, when mountain paths are accessible and safe.
In 1536, Manco Inca Yupanqui ordered Patallaqta destroyed to prevent Spanish troops from following his retreat from Cusco. This deliberate destruction makes it a rare example of Inka defense strategies against European invaders.
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