Patallacta: The Inca ruins on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

After a few hours of walking on the Inca Trail, hikers arrive at Patallacta, also known as Llactapata, where they find the first examples of Inca architecture on the route. The site is located in the Cusichaca river valley and is the first important settlement on the way to Machu Picchu.

Patallacta was mainly used for farming and as a checkpoint for the area. Its most visible feature is the system of platforms or farming terraces adapted to the mountain slope, designed for growing corn and other products. It is likely that these crops supplied those going to Machu Picchu.

The site is not walked through; it is seen from a viewpoint located on the opposite hillside, which allows you to appreciate the design of the complex and its relation to the landscape of the area.

This guide details the location of Patallacta, its role within the Inca system, how it is visited on the current Inca Trail route, and how it is different from Llaqtapata, a site with a similar name located on the Salkantay Trek route.

Location and general facts

Patallacta means "high place" in Quechua. The complex is located in the Machupicchu district, Urubamba province, Cusco department, on the left bank of the Vilcanota (Urubamba) river, right at the point where it meets the waters of the Cusichaca river.

It is found at Kilometer 82 of the train track that connects Cusco with Aguas Calientes, and it is the first great Inca ruin that hikers see from above during the first day of the Classic Inca Trail.

It is located at an approximate height of 2,750 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.), a mild and high jungle climate friendlier than that of the city of Cusco. Also, the complex is made up of several areas: enclosures, platforms, squares and canals, among which the farming terraces and their drainage system stand out.

Historical function of Patallacta

Patallacta was not just a passing town: it played a role of supply, control, and farm support for the groups heading to Machu Picchu. Some sources say the Inca Pachacutec built it, although this specific authorship is not confirmed in the archaeological record.

Next, we will explore each of its main functions:

Agricultural terraces and drainage system

The central element of Patallacta is its terace system. The Incas changed the mountain slope through stepped terraces with a double purpose: to prevent soil erosion from rains and to create good microclimates for farming.

• Farm production: Thanks to its mild climate on the edge of the jungle, the terraces were mainly used for growing corn, as well as other local products. It is likely that root vegetables and medicinal plants were also grown, although this is not documented with the same certainty as corn farming.
• Water system: The site has channels that shared the water from the Cusichaca river to the different terrace levels. This drainage system is one of the reasons why the structures are kept in good condition until today.

Control post and granaries

Because of its location at the meeting point of the Vilcanota and Cusichaca rivers, Patallacta also had access control and storage functions.

• Control post: The site watched the crossing to the routes that led to Machu Picchu, given its strategic position in the valley. Living and ceremonial areas have been identified inside the complex, although the details of their specific functions are still being studied.
• Granaries (qollqas): In the highest areas of the complex, buildings separated from the farming platforms were built, which would have worked as storehouses or granaries. It is likely that the extra production meant to supply those going to Machu Picchu was stored there.

Ruins of Llactapata

Did you know...?

There is a place with an identical name, this is Llaqtapata. It is located on the Salkantay Trek route and should not be confused with Patallacta which is on the Inca Trail route. Although in the Quechua language both names literally translate as "town on high" or "town of the terraces", they are two completely different archaeological complexes, separated by mountains and with very different purposes.

Here we tell you the story of this "name twin" that hides one of the biggest secrets of Inca archaeology:

Llaqtapata: The ceremonial center on the Salkantay route

While Patallacta is seen from the bottom of the valley at the start of the Inca Trail, Llaqtapata is located high on a mountain ridge, which is reached during the fourth day of the Salkantay Trek.

What makes Llaqtapata an interesting place on the route is summed up in three key points:

• View of Machu Picchu: Llaqtapata is one of the few points from which you can see the back of the Machu Picchu citadel and Huayna Picchu in the distance.
• Ceremonial role: Unlike the farming and logistical role of Patallacta, archaeological studies done in 2003 by explorer Hugh Thomson and astronomer Gary Ziegler identified Llaqtapata as a center for ceremonial use. According to these studies, some structures and water channels of the site would be lined up with the June solstice and with the mountains (Apus) that surround Machu Picchu.
• Late rediscovery: Hiram Bingham passed through the Llaqtapata area in 1912, shortly after arriving at Machu Picchu, but the thick plant life of the jungle edge did not allow to see the true size of the site at that time. It was left without deep study until it was explored again almost a century later.

Patallacta and Llaqtapata: how are they different?

Even though they share an almost exact name and both are Inca archaeological sites close to Machu Picchu, Patallacta/Llactapata and Llaqtapata belong to different routes and had different roles within the empire.

COMPARISON TABLE

How is Patallacta visited today?

Patallacta is not toured on the inside. Access to the structures is restricted, so the site is seen from a viewpoint located on the opposite hillside of the valley, during the first day of walking the Classic Inca Trail.

This way of viewing, although it limits getting close, allows you to appreciate the complete set of terraces and how it blends with the landscape of the Cusichaca valley, something that would be hard to notice walking between the structures. For many hikers, this is the first great archaeological view of the trip and sets the tone for what they will see in the following days.

Patallacta in the Inca Trail itinerary

The Inca Trail goes through a mountainous and rugged terrain, with steep climbs and drops at the edge of cliffs, plus jungle sections where you can see different shades of green typical of the tropical forest.

• Day 1: Cusco – Wayllabamba (13 km): The walk begins at kilometer 82 of the train track to Machu Picchu, after a bus ride of about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Cusco. The climb through the Cusichaca valley leads to the Patallacta ruins, described in detail in this article, before reaching the town of Huayllabamba (3057 meters above sea level).
• Day 2: Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo (11 km): It is the most physically demanding day. The climb reaches Warmiwañuska (Dead Woman's Pass), the highest point of the route at 4215 meters above sea level, from where the Runkurakay archaeological site (3760 meters above sea level) is seen.
• Day 3: Pacaymayo – Wiñay Huayna (16 km): The trail goes down to the Pacaymayo river valley, with a steep drop of almost 1600 meters to the Sayaqmarca site (3625 meters above sea level).
• Day 4: Wiñay Huayna – Machu Picchu (3 km): The last section passes through the Phuyupatamarka and Wiñay Huayna sites, before going down to the Sun Gate (Intipunku). From there, an extra 30-minute walk takes you to the Machu Picchu citadel.

Patallacta Archaeological Center

Information about tickets to enter the Inca Trail:

Because the Inca Trail is very popular, you should buy your entry tickets six months in advance. You can only purchase the ticket online through the website of an authorized tourism agency. Every day, 500 people enter the Inca Trail. Only 200 of them are tourists. The rest of the staff includes cooks, porters, and guides. The ticket to enter the Inca Trail includes the support staff.

When is the best time to travel the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The best months to take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are from May to September, when it's dry. These months are usually good for the crossing because it doesn't rain often. From November to March is summer, which is also the rainy season. It usually rains a lot during this time, which makes it hard to walk and get around. You won't be able to cross the Inca Trail in February because of the rain and the ongoing maintenance work.

Excursions to Machu Picchu

Getting to Machu Picchu on foot is an experience that combines effort, adventure and the unique landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. Each route offers different views of mountains, valleys and historical sites, including different ways to get close to Patallacta and the rest of the Inca Trail. These are the most popular options:

• Inca Trail Hike
• Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• One day Inca Trail Hike
• 2 Day Inca Trail with camping