Waqrapukara
Waqrapukara is an Inca archaeological site located in Peru, known for its imposing mountaintop location and its Quechua meaning, “horn-shaped fortress.” It is believed to have been a religious sanctuary and possibly a fortress. It is located in the Acos district, Acomayo province, in the Cusco region, near the Apurimac River.
Waqrapukara holds an additional mystery: there is currently debate about whether this historic site is shaped like a horn or a llama’s ear. According to the Quechua language, waqra translates as horn, while pukara translates as fortress.
However, local residents, rich in ancestral knowledge, indicate that the fortress’s shape is inspired by the llama’s perked ears when alert. Thus, it is not uncommon to hear some refer to this place as Llamapukara, highlighting the connection with these fundamental animals in Inca life.
Where is?
Located about 130 kilometers south-east of Machu Picchu, within the department of Cusco, this site, whose name in Quechua means “fortress with horns,” sits at an altitude of about 4,100 meters, 1,700 meters above Machu Picchu, making the views from the top more magnificent than any other South American wonder.
And although it is about 60 kilometers from Cusco, the ancient Inca capital and center of tourism in the area, Waqrapukara is so far off the beaten tourist trail that until very recently it was largely unknown, even to locals.