Patallacta, Inca Trail

This striking site, situated in a deep valley at the confluence of two raging upland rivers, is the Inca village of Patallacta.  Its name translates as ‘high city’ but is also known as Q’entimarka, ‘city of humminbirds’. 

Surrounding the 100 or so ruined dwellings are a series of terraces, the Incas’ ingenious way of cultivating the slopes of the Andes.  Patallacta is best viewed from the nearby hill, where the satisfying lines of the concentric terraces below contrast with the soaring peaks.