Back to Map
Cusco Region

Patallacta

Inca settlement with houses and fortifications.

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

Patallacta is an archaeological site located in the Cusco Region of Peru, near the famous Machu Picchu. This site, known as a settlement on a platform, played a vital role during the Inca period. It served as a hub for travelers and soldiers who guarded the nearby Willkaraqay hill fort and included a ceremonial site with rounded walls known as Pulpituyuq. The site was strategically positioned at the confluence of the Cusichaca and Vilcanota rivers, providing an advantageous location for both habitation and defense. Patallacta was significant during the 16th century, as it was deliberately burned by Manco Inca Yupanqui in 1536 to obstruct Spanish forces. This action contributed to the Spanish's failure to discover the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, preserving the secret of the Inca's mountain sanctuary for centuries.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Patallacta

FileInca_Trail_Patallacta_1.jpg
FilePatallacta_Terraces.jpg
FilePatallacta_from_Inca_Trail.jpg

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Defensive Structures

Hill Forts

Religious and Ritual Structures

Ceremonial Platforms

Domestic and Habitation Structures

HousesVillages

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Cusco Region
Source
Wikipedia