Translated, Puca Pucara means Red Fortress.  The name is derived from the reddish walls that make up  the complex at Puca Pucara.  Admission to these ruins are included in the Boleto Turistico del Cusco (Cusco Tourist Ticket) which runs approximately $45 at the tour vendors around Cusco.  The ruins are considered part of the Sacsayhuaman archaeological park and are located about ten minutes beyond Sacsayhuaman.  They are on the right side of the road, across from another more popular attraction called Tambomachay, which features a ceremonial bath.

It is believed that Puca Pucara once served as a military outpost.  The Inca maintained numerous Tambos along their routes of travel.  These served as a form of rest area where the Inca could store weapons, food or other supplies.  The Tambos were strategic locations that provided a watch point for defense as well as storage.  Here, soldiers on the move could seek shelter as they moved from one point to another.  The Tambos allowed the Inca to move their military without traveling heavy.  They were able to resupply on the move, as well as seeking shelter in a fortified position.

It  is believed that Puca Pucara was a military staging area whenever the King visited the nearby baths at Tambochay.  The strategic Tambo consists of large walls with watch towers, aqueducts and storage buildings and residences.  Inside, you will find lower walls and structures featuring the incredible stone work that the Inca were renowned for.  Overall, the site is less impressive than the other archaeological locations around Cusco, which is why it is often bypassed by tour groups opting for the nearby ceremonial baths. 

Puca Pucara is located approximately twenty minutes from Cusco and ten minutes from Sacsayhuaman.  It is just beyond a small Inca village located on the road to Pisac.  While you can hire a taxi to take you to the historical sites, it is preferable to go as part of an organized tour in order to fully understand the significance of the individual ruins.  You can also hike to the site from Cuzco.  Expect to spend two hours on the road either direction.  The site is fairly easy to navigate, but a hike from the city should be reserved for visitors who are in decent physical condition and acclimatized to the altitude (13,600 feet above sea level). 

If time is of the essence, Puca Pucara is an archaeological site you can afford to miss.  If you are on an organized tour, you may miss it anyway.  Many groups opt for the nearby Tambomachay, which has little more to offer but appears to be a more popular attraction.  The cost of admission is included in the Tourist Ticket, so if you have time, why not put the price of admission to use?  While there are more interesting archaeological sites in Cusco, Puca Pucara is still a worthwhile stop on your journey.  Three stars.

Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb