Colliding Continents

Monday, January 14, 2008

An Incan Fortress Stands Tall

In the midst of questioning what to do about the crumbling king of Peruvian ruins, Machu Picchu, (see Thoughts on Ecotourism) a new Incan ruin has been discovered and declared an ecotourism site. Guillermo Torres, mayor of the town of Kimbiri (Cusco), has announced the discovery of Manco Pata, an ancient fortress located in a rural community near the village of Lobo Tahuantinsuyo.

The 40,000 square meter fortress is believed to be a part of the lost citadel of Paiti an Incan city-state. Large, concealed structures found after clearing a brush led to the discovery of the fortress on December 29^th

According to legend, Paiti was the refuge of Inkarri, a legendary hero who founded Q’ero and Cuzco, the Imperial City. Inkarri retreated to the jungles of Pantiacolla, into his lost citadel.

The site was immediately declared a cultural heritage and, just as quickly, will be brought to the limelight of Peru’s tourism portfolio. The ancient fortress is sure to be a tourism hotspot in 2008, especially for those looking to get away from the heavily visited ruins which have already become a staple in the tourism circuit. Manco Pata may not relieve Machu Picchu of the heavy tourist flow it receives regularly, but what Manco Pata can provide is an opportunity to start fresh and to find a better way of balancing tourism and sustainability.

The idea of seeing something new and never before seen has always been a vital ingredient to an adventure. It evokes the sense of discovery established by the golden age of travel and archaeological discovery. Traveling through the thick brush and being the first of many visitors to lay eyes on the fortress should be on the top of any traveler's list while in Peru.

Written at 10:56 AM by Sebastien.

0 comments links to this post

0 Comments: