Waman Marka
Waman Marka (Huamanmarca) · Waman Marka — Ollantaytambo Annex
Late Horizon (Inca)·Inca (Ollantaytambo sphere)·🇵🇪 Cusco, Urubamba (Ollantaytambo District), Peru
About
About Waman Marka
Sacred Valley terrace annex (1400–1532 CE) on south hillside opposite Ollantaytambo fortress across Urubamba River at 2850 m, comprising 100-storey andenería over 28 ha fed by high canal from Patakancha, colcas (storehouses), hilltop watch fort, and lower town grid. Georeference -13.255°N -72.265°W. Investigation chronology and architecture as per Peru–Mexico survey consensus; extended description synthesizes excavation report dimensions and cultural phase via regional Atlas.
Why it mattersLargest surviving annex terracing complementing Ollantaytambo fortress across Sacred Valley; agrarian military logistics.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why double terracing Waman Marka plus Ollantaytambo — surplus for invasion staging
Theories
- 01Waman Marka as logistical maize terrace base provisioning Ollantaytambo 1536 siege garrison 40,000 Incas vs Pizarro
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.1400–1532 CE
- Period
- Late Horizon (Inca)
- Culture
- Inca (Ollantaytambo sphere)
- Purpose
- Urubamba valley hillside agricultural terrace annex to Ollantaytambo fortresses
- Abandoned
- c.900 CE
- Rediscovered
- 20th c. survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
On the ground
Structures & features
13.2550° S · 72.2650° W · 2850 m · 2 mapped features
Waman Marka central pyramid/structure
moundTerraces 28 ha 100 levels 3 m risers; town 1 ha primary mound/structure
13.2540° S · 72.2650° WWaman Marka plaza/causeway component
earthworkAssociated plaza and causeway/road segment flanking main architecture
13.2560° S · 72.2640° W