A few hours into the trek from kilometer 82, perched on a hillside, stands Willkaraqay: an Inca watchpost that forms part of the classic 4-day route to Machu Picchu. It's the first major archaeological site you'll reach on the trail, and a great place to understand why the Inca Trail 4 days is so much more than just a hike.

What Is Willkaraqay?

Willkaraqay is an Inca settlement built on a hilltop overlooking the Vilcanota River valley and the Pampa Qhawa ravine. Its position was no accident: from up there, the Incas could monitor travelers and goods moving along the Qhapaq Ñan, the vast road network that connected the empire. Beyond its role as a lookout, the site also functioned as a tambo — a waystation where travelers could rest and restock before continuing on toward the citadel of Machu Picchu.

The name combines two Quechua words: "willka," which carries the sense of lineage, grandson, or a minor deity, and "raqay," referring to an old roofless structure — exactly how the ruins survive today.

A Brief History

This hilltop was occupied long before the Incas arrived. Archaeological research points to the Chanapata culture as the site's earliest inhabitants, followed later by Killke groups during the late intermediate period. Both left visible traces in the layout and materials found on site.

It was the Inca Empire that gave Willkaraqay its defining role as a control post within the road system leading to Machu Picchu. After the Spanish conquest, like most Inca settlements in the region, the site was abandoned. Today it lies protected within the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary and can only be reached by hiking the Inca Trail.

Architecture: What You'll See on Site

Dwellings and Structures

The complex includes around 31 rectangular and square-plan structures, all single-story, arranged along narrow streets and passageways. At the edges of the site, some walls curve to follow the natural shape of the hill — a classic example of Inca engineering adapting to uneven terrain.

Platforms and Terraces

Willkaraqay is laid out across four stepped terrace levels. Each level groups structures of different sizes: from simple single rooms to a section with twelve chambers arranged in three rows, capped by a crescent-shaped structure at the highest point of the complex.

Walls and Defensive Layout

A perimeter wall encloses much of the settlement, suggesting a defensive purpose or the marking of restricted-use areas. Sturdy retaining walls reinforce the terraces along the steep hillside, essential for preventing erosion and keeping the structures stable.

Seen from above, specialists have described the complex's layout as a triangular shape with its point facing downward, resembling a snail shell, with a circular sector at the top enclosed by two concentric walls.

Location and How to Get There

Willkaraqay sits at 2,660 meters (8,727 ft) above sea level, southeast of the Patallacta site, between the banks of the Vilcanota River and the Pampa Qhawa stream, near the community of Chamana. There's no vehicle access: the only way to reach it is by hiking the Inca Trail.

The route begins at kilometer 82, in Piscacucho, and runs roughly 12 km alongside the Vilcanota River up to Patallacta. From there, a short descent leads to Willkaraqay, typically visited in the afternoon of the first day of trekking.

Approximate location of Willkaraqay (13°14'07"S, 72°25'25"W), Ollantaytambo District, Cusco.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Willkaraqay has a temperate, humid climate, with an average annual temperature between 12°C and 15°C (54–59°F), and noticeable swings between day and night. The dry season runs from April to October, with sunny days ideal for hiking and photography. The rainy season stretches from November to March, with showers concentrated mostly in the mornings and afternoons. That's why the best window for hiking the Inca Trail and visiting Willkaraqay runs from May to September.

Flora and Fauna Along the Way

The landscape around Willkaraqay blends forested slopes with species typical of the inter-Andean valleys, including tara trees, chamana shrubs, monte pacay, achupalla (a bromeliad), and several varieties of prickly pear cactus. As for wildlife, it's common to spot birds such as the lluthu (highland tinamou), the killicho (American kestrel), and the pihuicho (Andean parakeet), along with mammals like the Andean fox, the pampas cat, and, at higher elevations, the Andean condor.

Other Archaeological Sites Near Willkaraqay

Patallacta

A sprawling agricultural and administrative complex at 2,612 m (8,570 ft), with large farming terraces and a ceremonial sector devoted to water worship.

Salapunku

Visible from a viewpoint near km 82, known for its agricultural terraces and an underground chamber with carved niches.

Qoriwayrachina

A former administrative center featuring a grand staircase carved into natural rock, an Inca bridge, and retaining terraces.

Torontoy

A lesser-known site at 2,450 m (8,038 ft), with structures, storerooms, corrals, and terraces laid out with notable precision.

Visit Willkaraqay on Your 4-Day Inca Trail Trek

Willkaraqay is just one of the stops you'll experience on Day 1 of your trek to Machu Picchu. Check out the full itinerary, available dates, and everything included in our classic Inca Trail tour.

See the Inca Trail 4 Days →