Llaqtapata facts for kids
View of Machu Picchu from Llaqtapata
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 Location in Peru
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| Location | Peru, Cusco Region, La Convención Province, Santa Teresa District |
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| Region | Andes |
| Coordinates | 13°11′9.2″S 72°35′5.1″W / 13.185889°S 72.584750°W |
| History | |
| Cultures | Inca |
Llaqtapata (pronounced 'yakta-pahta') is an ancient site in Peru. Its name comes from the Quechua people. Llaqta means "place," like a village or town. Pata means "elevated place" or "above." So, Llaqtapata means "high place" or "town on a hill."
This important archaeological site is about 5 km (3.1 mi) east of the famous Machu Picchu. It sits high on a ridge in the Cusco Region of Peru. Llaqtapata was first reported by Hiram Bingham. Later, in 2003, a team led by Thomson and Ziegler explored it more fully.
Discovering Llaqtapata
The American explorer Hiram Bingham first found Llaqtapata in 1912. He was the same person who brought Machu Picchu to the world's attention. Bingham noted that the site had several buildings. He believed it was once the home of an important Inca leader.
Bingham described Llaqtapata as being on a ridge. This ridge was located between two valleys, the Aobamba and the Salcantay. Local people told him the name of the place was Llacta Pata. However, Bingham did not study the ruins in much detail. For about 70 years, no one else explored them either.
Later Explorations and Discoveries
In 2003, a new study of Llaqtapata began. This study was led by Hugh Thomson and Gary Ziegler. They looked closely at the site's location along the Inca Trail. They found that Llaqtapata was likely an important rest stop for travelers. It may also have been a special shrine on the journey to Machu Picchu.
Their work and later studies showed that Llaqtapata is a large complex. It has many structures connected to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail continues from Llaqtapata into the Vilcabamba region. This suggests Llaqtapata was part of a network of sites. These sites supported the main center at Machu Picchu.
Astronomical Importance
Llaqtapata probably had a special role in watching the sky. It may have been used to observe the solstices and equinoxes. These are important times of the year when the sun is at its highest or lowest point, or when day and night are equal. The Inca people often built their sites to align with these celestial events.
See also
In Spanish: Llactapata para niños
