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Puka Pukara

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Puka Pukara

  • November 24, 2006
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Shady Ady from Hinckley, United Kingdom
Puka Pukara

Puka Pukara is one of five Inca archaeological sites that you take in during the Cusco city tour. Although I probably wouldn't make the effort to see this on an individual trip, as part of the tour, it makes for another excellent glimpse of the ancient Inca culture.

Puka Pukara (or 'Puca Pucara') is found several kilometres outside of Cusco on the road to Pisaq at an altitude of 3,750 metres (12,300 feet). More or less directly opposite it are the Inca ruins of Tambo Machay. Its name comes from Quechua and means 'red fortress' when translated. A simple reason for this name is that in some lights, especially at dawn and dusk, the ruins have a strange red glow. This can be attributed to the high levels of iron in the limestone and soil. If you imagine the rocks of Sedona, Arizona, then on its day Puka Pukara can look just as inspiring. At first the site seems like a bunch of serpentine stucco walls encircling an overgrown garden of grass. However, on closer inspection you understand the significance Puka Pukara once had.

Although acquiring the name 'red fortress', it is widely believed that these ruins were not a fortress at all, but in fact a hunting lodge, guard post and stopping point for travellers. To back this up it, from looking at the ruins lower residential chambers can be seen, alongside storerooms and an upper esplanade offering great views. Like all Inca ruins in and around Cusco though, researchers and historians again like to differ. Some back up the 'red fortress' name tag, stating that the ruins are strategically placed to facilitate observation of the surrounding countryside. Its placement also allowed visual communication with Tambo Machay, and these historians say that Puka Pukara was built to protect Tambo Machay, an important palace during Inca times. A good guide will also point out the various canals, fountains, baths, and towers that also make up the ruins.

Although the ruins are nothing in comparison to the other nearby magnificent ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Machu Picchu and Ollaytantambo, the redness of the rocks offers a unique opportunity to see something slightly different than other Inca ruins offer. Another added bonus is that on the road that passes the ruins a few souvenir sellers gather to sell their products. Although they aren't necessarily any different to souvenirs you will find elsewhere in and around Cusco, due to the limited number of tourists that pass this way, you will find very reasonable prices on offer. There are also numerous children in traditional Andean dress who for a few Soles will allow you to take their picture.

A Cusco city tour that includes Puka Pukara will cost you between $6 and $10 for a half day tour. This takes in another 4 Inca sites around Cusco, as well as Cusco itself. You will need a 'Boleto Turistico' ticket to enter, which costs approximately $25 and takes in another 15 visitor sites in and around Cusco.

From journal Cusco City - On the Trail of the Incas

Puka Pukara

  • October 29, 2005
  • Rated 4 of 5 by davidx from Todmorden, United Kingdom
Puka Pukara's name means the "Red Fort." As Inca sites in the area go, it is small and in itself not particularly impressive, but the view over the route from Cusco to the Sacred Valley of the Incas from the hilltop site makes it well worth a visit, which can easily be combined with one to Tambomachay.

From journal Trapped in and around Cusco

Editor Pick

Puka Pukara

Puka Pukara

Driving along the road from Cusco towards Pisaq will bring you past an intriguing archaeological site approximately 4 to 5 miles from Cusco. Called Puka Pukara, the name actually means "red fortress" in the native Quechua language. It is within visual distance of Tambomachay, about 0.5 miles away, suggesting that it was some sort of lookout for Tambomachay.

Within Puka Pukara are various rooms, interior squares, baths, canals, and high towers. There are also stairs, canals carved in the stone, narrow passageways, and small terraces. Because of its layout, the existence of fountains and aqueducts, and its closeness to an ancient trail, Puka Pukara was likely a lodge offering shelter and food for Inca travellers.

The site can most likely be seen by taking one of the many Cusco city tours available through most hotels or tour companies in Cusco. Average price is $10, and they last approximately 4 hours. Hiring a taxi or hiking to it from Cusco are other options. Admission requires the Tourist Ticket, a $20 ticket to gain admittance to 16 historical sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

From journal What's a Trip to Peru Without Machu Picchu?

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