PUKA PUKARA

It is an archaeological site found at kilometer 8.5 (5.3 miles) on the road leading to P'isaq and
the Sacred Valley of the Inkas; at an altitude of 3750 mts. (12300 ft.). Its name is compound
and comes from two Quechua words: "puka"= red, and "pukara"= fortress. So "Puka-Pukara"
means "Red Fortress" (perhaps because its limestones acquired a reddish color, since the soil
over which it was built is also reddish as it contains a lot of iron). The existing wall type over
here is "cellular" with small and medium polygonal or irregular stones. It occupies a very
strategic space over a natural mountain spur for facilitating observation and control of a broad
territory. Likewise, it also had visual communication with the small "pukara" in Tambomach'ay
about one Kilometer away (0.62 miles). It was supposed to protect Tambomach'ay that was an
important palace in Inkan times. But besides, because of its architectonic layout and existence
of fountains, aqueducts and several rooms, and its closeness to the ancient trail it was used a
small "tambo" (the trail is seen winning the pass on the northern mountain leading to Huch'uy
Qosqo and Calca in the Sacred Valley). That is, it was also a collective lodge offering shelter
and food for travelers, as well as for the retinue escorting the Inka in his retirement in
Tambomach'ay.