If you are thinking of traveling to Cusco and want to explore more than just the typical tourist spots, you have probably heard of Puca Pucara, the famous “Red Fortress.” This archaeological site, located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, is a place full of history, architecture, and a past that still holds many secrets. Its name has a mysterious touch, and in addition, the views it offers are stunning.
Puca Pucara was a key point in the Inca Trail network and is undoubtedly a must-visit stop on any tour of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
Here at Machu Picchu Wayna, we will tell you everything about its history, architecture, and how important it was in the Inca Trail network.
What Does Puca Pucara Mean and What Is Its History?
Origin of the Name “Puca Pucara”
The name “Puca Pucara” comes from the Quechua language and is composed of two words:
- “Puca,” which means “red.” This word refers to the reddish color of the stones used in the site’s construction, as well as the overall appearance of the structure.
- “Pucara,” which means “fortress” or “defensive site.” In this context, it alludes to its function as a defensive and strategic center, designed to protect access to the city of Cusco and control the movement of people passing through the region.
Thus, “Puca Pucara” is generally translated as “Red Fortress,” a name that describes both the color of the stones that make up the site and its possible defensive function within the Inca Empire’s road network.
The History and Purpose of the Fortress
The history and purpose of Puca Pucara are closely linked to its strategic location and its role within the Inca Empire.
History
Puca Pucara is an archaeological site from the Inca era, although its exact construction and use remain subjects of debate among scholars. It is estimated to have been built between the 15th and 16th centuries, during the height of the Inca Empire, as part of a defense and control system in the region. It is located near Cusco, about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) northeast of the city, and is believed to have played an important role in controlling access to the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
Purpose
Puca Pucara appears to have been military and strategic. This fortress served the function of monitoring and protecting access to Cusco, particularly along the Inca Trail, a network of routes connecting different regions of the empire. Additionally, due to its elevated location, Puca Pucara offered wide views of the surrounding region, facilitating the surveillance of people or potential enemies.
Although its defensive purpose is the most widely accepted theory, some scholars also suggest that it may have served as a resting place or administrative center for travelers on the Inca Trail, given its proximity to other important centers of the empire. This would mean that Puca Pucara also played a role in the organization and logistics of the vast Inca road system.
Location of Puca Pucara and Its Importance on the Inca Trail
Where Is Puca Pucara Located?
Puca Pucara is located about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) northeast of the city of Cusco, along the road leading to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This site sits at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters (11,480 feet) above sea level. The fortress is close to other important archaeological sites, such as Sacsayhuamán and Qenqo, on the outskirts of Cusco, forming part of the network of sites used by the Incas.
Relationship with the Qhapac Ñan or Inca Trail
This fortress has a strong connection to the Qhapac Ñan, the extensive road system that connected the entire Inca Empire. This site was located on one of the key routes that connected Cusco with the Sacred Valley of the Incas and other regions.
Its strategic location allowed it to control access to the capital of the empire and monitor the movement of people, goods, and troops along the Inca Trail. Besides its defensive function, Puca Pucara may have also served as a rest stop and supply point for travelers, facilitating movement along this extensive road network.
Architecture of Puca Pucara: Levels and Characteristics
Description of the First Level
The first level of Puca Pucara is a large open area, consisting of plazas and courtyards surrounded by stone walls. This zone was mainly used to control the passage of travelers along the Inca Trail and to provide a resting space. Additionally, the design of the first level includes rectangular enclosures, believed to have been used for storage or temporary lodging.
Characteristics:
- Open plazas for the movement of people and animals.
- Dry-stone walls, built without mortar, using the typical Inca technique.
- Rectangular enclosures that may have served for storing supplies or resting travelers.
- Terraces that allowed fluid circulation between different areas and provided views of the surroundings.
Second Level and Its Function
The second level of Puca Pucara is elevated above the first and connects to various structures. This level features more complex buildings, including enclosures and closed courtyards, which may have been used for lodging or storing supplies. Additionally, it offers better views of the surroundings, facilitating surveillance and control of access to the fortress.
Function:
- Surveillance and control: Its height provided a better view of the surroundings, essential for defense.
- Lodging and storage: The enclosures may have served as accommodations for guides, soldiers, or travelers and as storage for necessary provisions.
- Strategic connection: This level linked the complex with the first level and other areas, forming an organized system of control and defense.
Third Level and Architectural Details
The third level of Puca Pucara is the highest and consists of defensive structures and small plazas. This level had a strategic and surveillance function, as it allowed for a complete view of the surrounding landscape. It is believed that this level housed the most robust structures and the wall that protected the complex.
Architectural Details:
- Walls and fortifications: Features thicker, defensive walls designed to withstand attacks and protect the site.
- Small plazas: Found at this level, possibly used for administrative or ceremonial activities.
- Panoramic views: Its elevated location provided an excellent view of the surrounding terrain, allowing for the monitoring of any approaching enemies.
- Dry stone construction: As in other levels, the walls are made of precisely fitted stones without mortar, a typical feature of Inca architecture.
Puca Pucara as a Resting Point or Inca Tambo
Was It a Waiting and Surveillance Site?
Several theories exist regarding the original purpose of this fortress, and one of the most accepted is that it was used as a waiting and surveillance site. Positioned on a hill, Puca Pucara offered a clear view of the routes connecting to Cusco, enabling constant monitoring of those traveling to the Inca capital. This made it an ideal location to detect any threats or unusual activity in the area.
Function of Puca Pucara as a Tambo for Travelers
In addition to its surveillance functions, Puca Pucara also served as a tambo, or a rest stop for travelers. Tambos were a fundamental part of the Inca road network, providing travelers with a place to rest and resupply before continuing their journey. At Puca Pucara, travelers could find shelter and prepare for the next leg of their trip, ensuring safer and more efficient travel.
Differences Between Puca Pucara and Sacsayhuamán
Although Puca Pucara and Sacsayhuamán are two important archaeological sites near Cusco, they have significant differences in function, architecture, and scale.
Function:
- Puca Pucara: Considered a fortress and checkpoint. Its primary function was likely to monitor and control access to Cusco from the Sacred Valley and other regions. It is also believed to have served as a resting and supply point for travelers on the Inca Trail.
- Sacsayhuamán: A ceremonial fortress of great political and religious significance. While its purpose was defensive, it also played a role in religious ceremonies and demonstrated the power of the Inca Empire.
Architecture:
- Puca Pucara: Has simpler and more functional architecture, with dry stone walls and multiple terraces, plazas, and enclosures mainly intended for defense and logistics.
- Sacsayhuamán: Far more monumental and complex. It features massive megalithic walls, some exceeding 6 meters in height. The precision in the stone fittings is remarkable, and the structure’s design reflects both defensive functions and ceremonial symbolism.
Scale:
- Puca Pucara: A smaller site with a compact structure adapted to its role of controlling and monitoring access.
- Sacsayhuamán: A much larger and more extensive site, with a vast fortress surrounding a central plaza and multiple platforms. Its scale and construction complexity are far more impressive.
Location:
- Puca Pucara: Closer to Cusco, situated on an elevated position but somewhat farther from the city center.
- Sacsayhuamán: Located on the outskirts of Cusco, on an even higher hill, reflecting its prominent role in Inca power and authority.
The Chincana of Puca Pucara: Mysteries and Legends
The Chincana of Puca Pucara is a mysterious underground labyrinth within the archaeological complex. The name “chincana” refers to a tunnel or maze, and the one at Puca Pucara has fueled various legends and theories due to its complexity and strategic location.
One of the most popular legends suggests that the Chincana was part of a network of tunnels connecting various Inca sites, such as Sacsayhuamán and Qenqo, allowing secret passage for the empire’s leaders. This implies it may have had a strategic function during times of war or for the movement of important figures.
Another common belief is that the Chincana had a ritual and ceremonial purpose. Some myths say the Incas used this labyrinth in religious ceremonies connected to their worldview. It is believed that the tunnel could have represented a path to the spiritual world, and only those who successfully navigated it would receive the gods’ protection.
On the other hand, some theories propose that the Chincana was used by Inca emperors for power rituals. The dark and intricate tunnels could have been a symbolic challenge where leaders demonstrated their skill and bravery. Additionally, some speculate that it might have been a secret refuge or storage area, though there is no definitive evidence to confirm its true purpose.
Tourist Information About Puca Pucara
Visiting Hours and Entrance Fee
Access to the Puca Pucara archaeological complex is available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To enter, visitors must purchase a tourist ticket:
- The General Tourist Ticket, which grants access to multiple archaeological sites, costs approximately $34 USD for adults and $18 USD for children and students.
- The Partial Tourist Ticket, which only covers Puca Pucara and its surroundings, costs around $18 USD for adults and $11 USD for children and students. This ticket is valid for only one day.
Tourist Ticket to Visit Puca Pucara and Other Sites
The Cusco Tourist Ticket offers a convenient option that includes access to several important archaeological sites, such as Puca Pucara, Sacsayhuamán, and Tambomachay, among others. This ticket is available in different formats, allowing visits for a single day or multiple days, depending on the visitor’s needs.
Purchasing this ticket facilitates the exploration of the region’s main tourist attractions, as it provides access to multiple sites without the need to pay separate entrance fees for each one.
