Overview:

Pukapukara is an archaeological site located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru. It is commonly believed to have been an important military fortress during the time of the Inca Empire. It was a strategic stronghold located near the city of Cusco in what is now the modern country of Peru in South America. The site is part of the larger archaeological complex known as El Fuerte de Pukapukara, which includes the nearby settlements of Pumamarka, Qurikancha, and Rumicolca. Pukapukara is located very near the Vilcanota River, which made it an ideal location for both controlling trade and access between different regions, as well as providing a large defensive barrier. The site served a strategic purpose in the Inca Empire, and it is commonly thought that its primary purpose may have been as a point from which to launch military expeditions. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

1. Inti Punku (‘Sun Gate’): This is the entrance to Pukapukara, framed by two impressive towers and a single arch. 2. Inca-style Terraces: The structures at Pukapukara were mostly built on slopes, supported by a series of terraces that are similar to those used in other Inca sites. 3. Plesiad of Statues: Pukapukara was home to a plethora of sculptures, mainly of humans, animals, and plants. 4. Tunnel and Siqiwasqa: These two features were located to the west of the complex and were likely used to control water flow in irrigational systems. 5. Coquina Rock Incorporation: The stone houses, walls, and monolithic blocks that form this complex were built with beautiful pink-colored coquina rocks, found in abundance in this region. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

The history of Puqupukara dates back to the beginning of the Inca Empire in the 12th century. Puqupukara was the main checkpoint of Inca Trail, which is a 4,000 km long network of mountain trails that connect the most important cities of the Inca Empire. This trail served as a means of communication and transport between the various administrative centers of the Empire. The terraces built in Puqupukara as part of the Inca Trail are now one of the most amazing feats of engineering in Peruvian history. Built with an intricate system of irrigation, these terraces allowed for the small, rocky town to become a productive agricultural hub. Puqupukara has long been an important fortress in the Cusco region, being the first stronghold to defend the entrance from the Andes. It was built during the early years of the Inca Empire, and was one of the few cities in the region to resist the onslaught of the Spanish conquistadors. The town eventually fell to the Spanish, and Puqupukara became part of their vast empire throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. It was frequently visited by the Spanish, who sought to exploit its mineral resources. Puqupukara has experienced an increased amount of tourism in recent years, especially since it is located within a short distance of Cusco, Peru's capital. Not only is it a beautiful and historically significant place to visit, but it also serves as a useful gateway to the various archaeological sites in the Peruvian Andes. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Pukapukara is an ancient Inca ruin, built as a fortified outpost near the ancient city of Cusco. 2. It was originally built to guard the area from attack by outside forces. 3. The site was first discovered by Hiram Bingham, a professor at Yale University, in 1911. 4. It is estimated that the Pukapukara was constructed sometime between the 11th and 13th centuries. 5. The site consists of a two story U-shaped structure with a courtyard in the center. 6. This courtyard has been described as the heart of the structure, as it provided access to living quarters and also served as a ceremonial plaza. 7. Pukapukara is considered to be a royal Inca site due to its proximity to Cusco. 8. After its discovery, many of its original stones have been removed and used to build other houses in the area. 9. In 2002, the government of Peru declared Pukapukara to be a National Historic Monument. 10. The site is visited by many people each year, and was recently featured in the popular film The Incredibles. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era