Llactapata

Llactapata sits on a ridge across the Aobamba valley from Machu Picchu, and its interest is twofold. It is an Inca complex in its own right - terraces, enclosures and a long structure, first recorded by Hiram Bingham in 1912 and then effectively lost again until survey work in 2003 mapped it properly. And it looks straight at Machu Picchu, several kilometres away across the gorge, which is a view almost nobody gets: the survey work argued that the alignment is deliberate, with a sightline oriented on the June solstice sunrise linking the two sites, making Llactapata part of a wider ceremonial landscape rather than an isolated outpost. It is on the Salkantay trekking route, reached on the descent from Lucmabamba towards Hidroeléctrica, so it is seen mostly by people walking that route rather than as a destination on its own.

What you actually see

• The distant view - Machu Picchu across the Aobamba gorge, a rare angle.
• The alignment - a sightline argued to be oriented on the June solstice sunrise.
• The ruins - terraces and enclosures, partly cleared from forest.
• The rediscovery - recorded by Bingham in 1912, then properly surveyed only in 2003.

When to go

April to October, on the Salkantay trek. Morning gives the best chance of a clear view across the valley. Half a day as part of a multi-day walk.

Honest expectations

Reachable only on foot as part of a trek - there is no road. Cloud frequently hides Machu Picchu entirely, which removes the main reason to stop. The ruins themselves are modest and partly overgrown. Steep, humid walking.

Nearby

Hidroeléctrica and the walk to Aguas Calientes are below; Lucmabamba is up the trail.