Looking to discover a special place on the Inca Trail? Patallacta is the perfect destination. This archaeological site offers you impressive terraces and ruins that transport you to the past. If you’re wondering what you’ll find at this site, keep reading to learn how Patallacta can make your trip even more fascinating.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this stunning site on the Inca Trail route. Discover how to get there, what to see, and why this place could be one of the highlights of your journey. Keep reading the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu blog and make sure you don’t miss anything!
What is Patallacta?
Patallacta, also known as Llactapata, is an important archaeological site located in the early kilometers of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This Incan town is one of the first archaeological sites that trekkers encounter on their way to Machu Picchu, sitting at 2,840 meters (8,136 feet) above sea level at the confluence of the Cusichaca and Urubamba rivers. Its name comes from the Quechua language: “llaqta” means “town” and “pata” means “height,” describing its location high on a mountain.
Patallacta was a religious and agricultural center and part of the vast Qhapaq Ñan network of roads that connected the Inca Empire. The site is surrounded by agricultural terraces that supplied food to both local inhabitants and travelers along the route to Machu Picchu. It also served as an important control point for the Incas, both militarily and economically.
Patallacta, an ancient Incan settlement with agricultural terraces and well-preserved structures.
Where is Patallacta located?
Patallacta is located approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the starting point of the Inca Trail, at kilometer 82 of the railway between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. It is only accessible by foot and is part of the 4-day, 3-night Inca Trail trek. The site is situated at around 2,840 meters (8,136 feet) in altitude, offering stunning views of the surrounding Andean mountain landscapes.
History of Patallacta
Patallacta was built by the Inca Pachacutec and was inhabited during the Inca period. It was likely burned by Manco Inca in 1536 as part of a strategy to slow the Spanish invasion and prevent them from discovering, looting, and resupplying from these hidden Incan settlements in the jungle while they pursued him. This defensive tactic was successful, as the Spaniards barely managed to penetrate the jungle, and there are no records of them finding other Inca Trail sites or Machu Picchu.
The site was rediscovered in 1912 by explorer Hiram Bingham during his search for Machu Picchu. Over the centuries, Patallacta was covered by dense Andean vegetation until it was further examined in 2003 by the Ziegler-Thomson expeditions, which shed more light on its significance within the Inca Trail.
What to see in Patallacta
This archaeological site is famous for its vast terraces, used for cultivating essential crops such as corn, potatoes, and quinoa. These terraces, built in a stepped formation along the mountain slopes, are a testament to the advanced agricultural engineering of the Incas.
Patallacta consists of more than 112 structures, including:
- Agricultural sector: The most visible part of the site, with terraces up to 25 levels, covering approximately 600 meters (1,968 feet) in length and 150 meters (492 feet) in width.
- The ceremonial complex of Pulpituyoc: This area was dedicated to religious ceremonies and rituals.
- Patios and plazas: Among them is a trapezoidal plaza that was the center of social and religious activity.
- Stairways and channels: These connected the various areas of the site and facilitated the distribution of water among the agricultural terraces.
Inca terraces in Patallacta (Llactapata) on the Inca Trail hike
Additionally, Patallacta is divided into four sectors:
- First sector: Buildings arranged face to face with a central courtyard.
- Second sector: Four buildings surrounding a central courtyard.
- Third sector: Four buildings facing a central plaza.
- Fourth sector: Two larger buildings facing each other, larger than those in the previous sectors.
This site functioned as both an agricultural supply and administrative center. Its proximity to the Cusichaca River made it ideal for cultivating crops and controlling food resources. Patallacta was part of a larger network of distribution and control centers designed to ensure the efficient management of land and resources. The terraces at this site demonstrate the incredible ability of the Incas to adapt the terrain for agriculture, maximizing the production of essential crops.
Incan enclosures at Patallacta
Weather in Patallacta
The weather in Patallacta is temperate, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 24°C (41°F to 75°F). The months of May to October are the best time to visit due to the dry weather, ideal for trekking. However, during the rainy season from November to April, conditions can be more challenging, with February being the rainiest month when the Inca Trail remains closed.
Tips for Travelers
To reach Patallacta, you must book a 4-day Inca Trail tour, as this trek cannot be done independently. The tour includes transportation, porters, guides, cooks, and entry to the archaeological sites. It’s recommended to book 6 to 7 months in advance, as spots are limited and demand is high.
The trek to Patallacta is not particularly difficult, but it is important to be in good physical condition. The hike from kilometer 82 takes approximately 3 hours and covers around 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). It’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing, appropriate trekking shoes, sunscreen, and bring enough water to stay hydrated.
Architecture of Patallacta
Patallacta boasts impressive Incan architecture. The structures are built from rustic and carved stones, bonded with mud mortar. The doors and windows have the characteristic trapezoidal shape of Incan architecture, designed to withstand earthquakes.
Additionally, the site features several water channels that distributed water from nearby springs to the agricultural terraces, showcasing the Incas’ advanced knowledge of hydraulics. The niches (wall recesses) and circular plazas are also common features in this type of construction.
Why visit Patallacta?
Visiting Patallacta is an enriching experience for those interested in Incan culture and pre-Columbian history. This site is a clear example of the Incas’ ability to adapt their constructions to mountainous terrain and make the most of the natural resources available.
Additionally, as one of the first archaeological sites encountered on the Inca Trail, Patallacta offers a perfect introduction to what travelers will experience later at Machu Picchu. From its imposing terraces to its ceremonial enclosures, every corner of Patallacta tells a story of the Inca Empire.
View of Patallacta from the main trail
How to get to Patallacta
The only way to access Patallacta is via the Classic 4-day Inca Trail. The tour begins at kilometer 82 of the Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes railway, at a site known as Piscacucho. The first day of hiking covers the kilometers up to Wayllabamba. Along the way, travelers are accompanied by professional guides who explain the history and architecture of the archaeological sites.
While some parts of the site can be seen from the train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, the only way to explore it on foot and fully appreciate its majesty is through trekking.
Patallacta is a fascinating site that you can include in your trip. This place offers valuable insight into Incan life and architecture. Why not add it to your next adventure? Take the opportunity to visit Patallacta while hiking the Inca Trail. Plan your trip and uncover the mysteries this place holds. Don’t miss out!
Written by: AdminGustavo
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