The citadel of Machu Picchu is only one of a series of settlements built by the Incas in what is today the Historic Sanctuary, although without any doubt it is the most important, due to its size and complexity. Nobody knows yet, however, how many archaeological sites exist. Almost every day new sites are discovered under the vegetation.

Functions and Types

Although most of the sites are mostly agricultural complexes -that is, groups of agricultural terraces of different sizes and shapes according to the topography - there are also architectural clusters of different sizes and characteristics that had different functions. Here and there areas appear at the roadside known as tambos. These served as lodging for the walkers. Other places are only small structures of a rectangular floor plan, known as huayranas (in quechua "praying places"), which served as control posts. The most important structures are the agricultural terraces, the quarries which supplied the building stone and the sources of abundant and safe drinking water. There are also thousands of places where you can only see large carved stones, known as huacas.

Interrelations

All the sites are closely related, as regards architectural style and building type and also as regards basic ornamentation. They also share a unique integration with nature. After all, they all form part of the same moment in our history. At that time, the mild weather in the area allowed agricultural production to feed local people, the panacas of Inca royalty and the city of Cusco dwellers. Local products were even sent to the rest of Tahuantinsuyo along the great Inca Trail or Qhapaq Ņan.