Puka Pukara
The 'Red Fortress' across from Tambomachay, a waystation and checkpoint along an Inca road, with views over the Cusco valley.
Puka Pukara (meaning 'red fort' in Quechua) gets its name from the reddish color the stone takes on in the setting sun. It sits on a hillside across from Tambomachay. It is generally considered to have been a waystation (tambo) and checkpoint on the Inca road, controlling access to the route toward Antisuyu in the Amazon direction. Some scholars think it may have housed royal attendants. The site consists of platforms, rooms, a plaza and water channels, and from its high point you can look out over the Cusco valley. It is small and takes about 20–30 minutes. It is included in the BTC ticket and can be reached on foot from Tambomachay.
Opening hours
07:00–17:30
Nearby sights
- Tambomachay
- Q'enqo
- Cristo Blanco
- San Blas
- Sacsayhuamán
- Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (MAP)
- San Cristóbal Church & Viewpoint
- Museo Inka