completion report archaeological exploration of the inca trail

Transcrição

COMPLETION REPORT
INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE CULTURA
Wright Water Engineers, Inc.
Wright Paleohydrological Institute
May 2000
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
EXPLORATION OF THE
INCA TRAIL,
EAST FLANK OF MACHU
PICCHU & PALYNOLOGY
OF TERRACES
COMPLETION REPORT
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
EXPLORATION OF THE
INCA TRAIL,
EAST FLANK OF MACHU
PICCHU & PALYNOLOGY OF
TERRACES
Kenneth R. Wright, P.E.;
Alfredo Valencia Zegarra, Ph.D.;
Christopher M. Crowley
With:
Ives Bejar Mendoza, Licenciado;
Ruth M. Wright, J.D.;
Scott A. Marshall, P.E.; .
Linda Scott− Cummings, Ph.D.
May 2000
Scientific Consultant:
Dr. Gordon McEwan
PRÓLOGO
PREFACE
Este informe de exploración arqueológico al Instituto Nacional de Cultura (INC) describe el camino Inca
principal que va desde Machu Picchu hasta el Río Vilcanota. Este camino se considera como una
extensión del camino Inca muy frequentada que va desde el kilómetro 88 hasta Machu Picchu.
This archaeological exploration report to the Instituto Nacional de Cultura (INC) describes the primary
Inca trail leading from Machu Picchu to the Vilcanota River. This trail is judged to be an extension of the
well-traveled Inca trail from kilometer 88 to Machu Picchu.
Nuestra exploración arqueológica de septiembre de 1999 fue un seguimiento lógico a las excavaciones
realizadas en las cinco fuentes inferiores del flanco oriental en 1998. En aquel entonces, nos dimos
cuenta de que un camino ancho y construido de piedra de granito conectaba tres de las cinco fuentes y
que ese camino tenía que ser un camino importante que bajaba de Machu Picchu debido a su gran
carácter.
Our archaeological exploration of September 1999 was a logical follow through to the excavations of five
lower east flank fountains in 1998. At that time, we realized that a wide granite stone built trail
connected three of the five fountains and that this trail had to be an important trail down from Machu
Picchu because of its grand character.
During the archaeological exploration the Machu Picchu Paleohydrological Project Team was impressed by
the apparent remoteness of the east flank of Machu Picchu even though it is so close to the main site with
so many people. The abundance of snakes, birds and all sorts of insects, coupled with the dense forest
and rare Bespectacled Bear was testimony to the wilderness-like nature of the east flank.
Durante la exploración arqueológico de Machu Picchu se impresionó muchisimo por la lejanía del flanco
oriental a pesar de su cercanía al sitio principal que contaba con tanta gente. La abundancia de
serpientes, aves, y todo tipo de insectos y además un bosque denso y el muy poco frequente Oso
Manchado fue testimonio al estado virginal del flanco oriental.
While this Inca trail is a likely future tourist attraction and a potential alternative route up to Machu Picchu
for eco-tourists, it would seem prudent to maintain the east flank habitat as a place for the Bespectacled
Bear to live and thrive.
A pesar de que este camino Inca sea una probable atracción turística en el futuro además de ser una
potencial ruta alternativa para que los eco-turistas suban a Machu Picchu, parecería prudente mantener el
habitat del flanco oriental como un sitio donde el Oso Manchado pueda vivir y prosperar.
The authors of this report are indebted to the INC for the issuance of archaeological permits and their
unselfish and generous assistance throughout the entire Paleohydrological investigations, starting in 1994.
Los autores de este reporte están endeudados con el INC por los permisos arqueológicos y su ayuda tan
generosa a través de todas las investigaciones Paleohidrólicas iniciaron en 1994.
Appreciation is expressed to Mayor Dr. Jose Soto of Aguas Calientes and Vice Mayor Sr. Ferman Diaz who
provided encouragement and the hospitality of Aguas Calientes that was the base of our operations.
Se extiende un agradecimiento especial al Presidente Municipal Dr. José Soto de Aguas Calientes y El
Vicepresidente Municipal Sr. Fermín Diaz que proporcionaron el apoyo y hospitalidad de Aguas Calientes
que fue la base de nuestras operaciones.
The authors are also indebted to Wright Water Engineers, Inc. and the Wright Paleohydrological Institute
for their funding of archeological exploration and for providing both technical assistance and financial
support for this report.
Los autores también están endeudados con Wright Water Engineers Inc. y con Wright Paleohydrological
Institute por las donaciones a la exploración arqueológica y por proporcionar tanto la ayuda técnica y el
apoyo económico para este informe.
The beauty and strength of Inca architecture and engineering on this east flank trail to the Vilcanota River
is an inspiration to us today.
La bellaza y la fuerza de la arquitectura e ingeniería Inca que se encuentra en este camino del flanco
oriental hacía el Río Vilcanota es una gran inspiración para todos nosotros hoy día.
The Authors
May 2000
Los Autores
Mayo 2000
This report has been registered with the United States Library of Congress for copyright purposes in May 2000.
This report may be freely quoted and copied without permission but with credit to Wright Water Engineers, Inc.
and Wright Paleohydrological Institute.
Page i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4.7
Trail To the Temple of the Moon _________________________________________________ 15
4.8
Trail to Huayna Picchu _________________________________________________________ 15
5.0
POLLEN SAMPLE COLLECTION PROGRAM FOR MACHU PICCHU AGRICULTURAL
TERRACES _____________________________________________________15
Fountains ____________________________________________________________________ 2
5.1
1998 Pollen Samples __________________________________________________________ 15
2.0
TRAIL EXPLORATION _____________________________________________ 3
5.2
1999 Pollen Samples __________________________________________________________ 15
2.1
Field Instrument Survey of Trail___________________________________________________ 3
6.0
POLLEN TESTING RESULTS ________________________________________16
2.2
Trail Views ___________________________________________________________________ 4
7.0
FLORA OF MACHU PICCHU _________________________________________18
2.3
Trail Connections in Machu Picchu ________________________________________________ 5
8.0
FAUNA ________________________________________________________21
Fountains ____________________________________________________________________ 5
9.0
FUNCTION OF THE INCA TRAIL ON THE EAST FLANK OF MACHU PICCHU _____21
10.0
AUTHORITY, PERSONNEL, AND PROCEDURE ___________________________21
1.0
INTRODUCTION _________________________________________________ 1
1.1
East Flank Inca Trail ___________________________________________________________ 1
1.2
Agricultural Terraces ___________________________________________________________ 2
1.3
2.4
2.41
2.42
Excavation of Fountains 3, 4, and 5______________________________________________________ 5
Hydraulics __________________________________________________________________________ 9
2.5
Hydraulic Innovation ___________________________________________________________ 9
10.1
Authority ____________________________________________________________________ 21
2.6
Water Quality_________________________________________________________________ 9
10.2
Personnel ___________________________________________________________________ 22
2.7
River Hydraulics at Landing______________________________________________________ 9
10.3
Procedure ___________________________________________________________________ 22
2.8
Trail Stability ________________________________________________________________ 10
11.0
RECOMMENDATIONS _____________________________________________22
2.9
Trail Summary Description _____________________________________________________ 10
12.0
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ____________________________________________22
2.91
2.92
2.93
2.94
2.95
2.96
The
The
The
The
The
The
First Section (Qolqas at 14+50 to Inca House at 13+00) ________________________________ 11
Second Section (13+00 to 10+88) __________________________________________________ 11
Third Section (10+88 to 8+60)_____________________________________________________ 12
Fourth Section (8+60 to 7+28)_____________________________________________________ 12
Fifth Section (7+28 to 3+40) ______________________________________________________ 12
Sixth Section (3+40 to 00+00) _____________________________________________________ 13
3.0
MANDOR PAMPA AND THE ARTEAGA DWELLING PLACE __________________ 14
4.0
SUMMARY OF THE MACHU PICCHU TRAILS ___________________________ 14
4.1
The Main Trail (“Hatan Ñan”) Cusco—Machu Picchu _________________________________ 14
4.2
The Inca Bridge Trail __________________________________________________________ 14
4.3
The San Miguel Bridge Trail ____________________________________________________ 14
4.4
Lower East Flank Trail _________________________________________________________ 14
4.5
Trail From the Left Bank of the Vilcanota River______________________________________ 15
4.6
Trail on the Right Bank of the Vilcanota River_______________________________________ 15
BIBLIOGRAPHY _________________________________________________________23
TABLES
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Page ii
Inca Trail Measurements
Water Quality Sample Results From September 26, 1998
Pollen at Machu Picchu
Plants Identified as Possible Species in Pollen Testing at Machu Picchu
3
7
19
20
FIGURES
Figure 23—Agricultural Terraces and the Guardhouse, The trail going to the left leads to the
Intipunko and Cusco, the stairs on the right lead to the Inca Bridge. ________14
Figure 1—View of the east flank Inca Trail from the summit of Huayna Picchu. _________ 2
Figure 2—Section of east flank Inca Trail following the 1999 excavation. _____________ 2
Figure 24—Sturdy and well-constructed stairways near the summit of Huayna Picchu. ___15
Figure 4—New Inca Trail. U.S. Airforce photo of Machu Picchu showing locations of the Inca
Trail on the east flank uncovered during the 1998-99 field trips. The Vilcanota
River encircles the site flowing counterclockwise. _______________________ 4
Figure 25—Pollen Sample Locations collected in 1999 at four divergent locations
representing a variety of terraces at Machu Picchu. The 1998 sample location was
on a terrace in lower east flank Conjunto 1 near the outer wall. ____________16
Figure 5—Early Bingham map of Machu Picchu showing numerous tombs in the general
vicinity of the east flank Inca Trail. Note the trail along the Vilcanota River, the
Inca Trail to Intipunku on the ridge, and two trails leading down from Machu
Picchu to the river. _______________________________________________ 4
Figure 26—Profile of Soil Samples. ___________________________________________17
Figure 27—Pollen diagram, soil samples collected by Wright Water Engineers, analyzed by
Linda Scott Cummings.____________________________________________17
Figure 6—Profile of Surveyed Trail. ___________________________________________ 5
Figure 7—Ruth Wright on staircase on east flank Inca Trail. Note high quality of stonework6
Figure 28—Modified pollen diagram, soil samples collected by Wright Water Engineers,
analyzed by Linda Scott Cummings. __________________________________18
Figure 8—East flank Inca Trail showing terraces for stability to left of trail. ____________ 6
Figure 29—Flor del Inca (Polmoniacea)._______________________________________18
Figure 9—Long sloping stairway at Conjunto 13. Qolqas in Conjunto 11 are to the right and
out of the photograph_____________________________________________ 6
Figure 30. The rare Spectacled Bear photographed high above the Machu Picchu Tourist
Train. _________________________________________________________19
Figure 10—Fountains 3 and 4 Plan and Profile. __________________________________ 7
Figure 31—Ceremony to the "Inca gods" at the conclusion of the exploration and mapping of
the Zegarra-Wright Trail. __________________________________________21
Figure 11—Fountain 5 Plan and Profile. _______________________________________ 7
Figure 12—Fountain 4 was easily made functional after the 1998 excavation. The fountain
was used as the crew’s water supply. Here, Wright fills his water bottle with the
clear, fresh water.________________________________________________ 8
Figure 13—Fording the Vilcanota River to the east flank Inca Trail landing on the right side of
the photograph. River fording is not recommended due to hazards. A series of
cascades lies downstream. ________________________________________ 10
Figure 14—Stream cross section. ___________________________________________ 10
DRAWINGS
Figure 16—Crew at Inca Building below Conjunto 13 that served as a central wayrona (see
Drawing 34).___________________________________________________ 11
Drawing No. 1
Drawing No. 2
Drawing No. 3
Drawing No. 4
Drawing No. 5
Drawing No. 6
Drawing No. 7
Drawing No. 8
Drawing No. 9
Drawing No. 10
Drawing No. 11
Drawing No. 12
Drawing No. 13
Drawing No. 14
Figure 17—Alfredo Valencia, Ken Wright and Ruth Wright on the S-staircase near Station
9+65. ________________________________________________________ 12
Figure 18—Curved retaining wall at Cave 3 near Station 3+14 (see Drawing 9). _______ 12
Figure 19—The 1999 Trail Exploration Team at Cave No. 3. _______________________ 13
Figure 20—Chris Crowley examining the remains of an Inca wall at the River Landing (see
Drawing 2).____________________________________________________ 13
Figure 21—Floor plan of the old Arteaga dwelling place at Mandor Pampa situated on the
right bank of the Vilcanota River across from the base of Huayna Picchu. ____ 13
Figure 22—Ruth Wright at Mandor Pampa with the wall of the Arteaga dwelling place. _ 14
Page iii
Map Legends
East Flank, Section 6, Stations 0+00 to 0+10
Drawing No. 15
Drawing No. 16
Drawing No. 17
Drawing No. 18
Drawing No. 19
Drawing No. 20
Drawing No. 21
Drawing No. 22
Drawing No. 23
Drawing No. 24
Drawing No. 25
Drawing No. 26
Drawing No. 27
Drawing No. 28
Drawing No. 29
Drawing No. 30
Drawing No. 31
Drawing No. 32
Drawing No. 33
Drawing No. 34
Drawing No. 35
Drawing No. 36
APPENDICES
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Instituto Nacional de Cultura Authority Documents
Archaeological Map of Machu Picchu
Archeological Map of the Inca Trail on the East Flank of Machu Picchu
Page iv
COMPLETION REPORT TO
ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF THE
INCA TRAIL ON THE EAST FLANK OF MACHU PICCHU
AND ON PALYNOLOGY OF TERRACES
By: Kenneth R. Wright1, P.E.;
Alfredo Valencia Zegarra2, Ph.D.; and Christopher M. Crowley3
With: Ives Bejar Mendoza, Licenciado4;
Ruth M. Wright5, J.D.; Scott A. Marshall6, P.E.;
And Linda Scott-Cummings7, Ph.D.
Scientific Consultant: Dr. Gordon McEwan8
1.0
1999. The new Inca Trail findings are presented in this paper along with a palynology report on the
Machu Picchu terraces. The report summarizes the exploration that commenced in 1996 by Wright Water
Engineers, Inc. and the Wright Paleohydrological Institute (Wright, 1999 and 2000).
INTRODUCTION
Machu Picchu, the royal estate of the Inca Ruler Pachacuti (Rowe 1990), is a monument to the ancient
engineering skills of the Inca people. Machu Picchu was started in 1450 A.D. and was finally abandoned
in 1572 (Rowe 1990, 1997).
1.1
Exploration and scientific work at Machu Picchu since 1912 has tended to neglect the east flank of Machu
Picchu, likely because of its thick forest and steepness. Nevertheless, the east flank became the focus of
the Wright Water Engineers, Inc. (WWE) and Wright Paleohydrological Institute (WPI) efforts in 1998 and
East Flank Inca Trail
Far down the steeply sloping east face of the Machu Picchu ridge, five fountain sites were excavated in
1998 along with an adjacent Inca Trail that was common to three of the five fountains. This trail, long
buried under thick rain forest, tended to be about 2 meters wide with granite stairways ranging to 3.3
1
President, Wright Water Engineers, Inc., 2490 W. 26th Avenue, Suite 100A, Denver, CO 80211, (303) 480-1700, [email protected]. President, Wright Paleohydrological Institute, Boulder, CO 80304. Member, Institute for Andean
Studies.
2
Universidad San Antonio Abad, Cusco, Peru.
3
4
Archaeological Consultant, Urb. Miraflores B-1 Wanchaq-Cusco, Peru, [email protected].
5
Vice President, Wright Paleohydrological Institute, 1440 High Street, Boulder, CO, 80304, [email protected]. Member, Institute for Andean Studies.
6
7
PaleoResearch Laboratories, 15485 W. 44th Avenue, Suite A, Golden, CO, 80403, (303) 277-9848, [email protected].
8
Wagner College, Staten Island; Member, Institute for Andean Studies; Director, Wright Paleohdrological Institute.
Page 1
meters in width. (See Figures 1 and 2.) The detailed trail exploration was performed in 1999 that
included field surveying and mapping. A complete description of the newly discovered east flank Inca
Trail is provided on the 1:1000 drawing entitled “Archaeological Map” in the envelope at the rear of this
report.
Figure 2—Section of east flank Inca Trail following the 1999 excavation.
1.2
Figure 1—View of the east flank Inca Trail from the summit of Huayna Picchu.
The trail was well stabilized to forestall slippage and failure on the precipitous slopes hanging above near
vertical cliffs that dropped down to the Vilcanota River (also known as the Urubamba River) valley below.
This trail was judged to be the main trail from Machu Picchu to the Urubamba River and the fertile
agricultural region lying further downstream.
Agricultural Terraces
The agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu provided rich planting soils on otherwise impossibly steep
slopes. Not only did the terraces provide flat ground surface for food production; they protected against
erosion and landslides common in the area (Figure 3).
1.3
Fountains
The Inca Trail infrastructure includes four fountains (one found in 1999) were well located to provide
drinking water for the Inca traveler and agricultural workers (Drawings 4, 20, and 23). Two were made
functional in 1998, and the third was found flowing in 1999.
Page 2
quality, directness, width, modest slope
and infrastructure that would qualify as
the extension of the Inca trail out of
Machu Picchu.
0.1 to 0.2m "Lip"
not flush with top
of wall.
Soil Fill
During Inca times the trail also served as
the main access to the numerous east
flank tombs that were identified by
Hiram Bingham in his 1912 exploratory
work (1913, 1930) (Figure 5).
Rock Fill
0.1 to 0.2m "Lip"
not flush with top
of wall.
Natural
Ground
Placed
Stone
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
1 to 5m tall
1 to 3m Soil Fill
Good stone work but not polished.
Well developed dark rich soil medium.
Sloped from back to face of terrace.
Small "lip" on edge.
Drainage holes in wall face direct runoff to stable outfall.
Rock fragments and local material on site used in fill.
Usually accompanied by storage buildings and a pueblo.
Come in multiples not usually one terrace solo.
2.1
Trail
Rock Fill
Natural
Ground
Figure 3—Agricultural Terrace Sketch, Typical Section of Terraces Below Machu Picchu.
2.0
TRAIL EXPLORATION
The Machu Picchu east flank trail was identified and mapped to a landing on the left bank of the Vilcanota
River at a point immediately upstream of a series of cascades situated at the base of the Huayna Picchu
cliff. The landing is 1.2 kilometers upstream of Mandor Pampa.
The ceremonial fountains, the extensive
high quality terrace systems, the
numerous wide granite staircases, the
formalized rest stops with special views,
the ability to provide line-of-sight
security control from various control
points and the abundance of tombs
along its route all testify to the east
flank trail being an important Inca trail.
Field
Instrument
Survey of
The Brunton compass and measuring
tape method of surveys was utilized in
the field to map the Inca Trail from the
left bank of the Vilcanota River to
Conjunto 11 of the archeological site of
Machu Picchu. The vertical elevation
gain and horizontal distance of each
segment was computed and recorded.
Due to the fact that the compass independently determined the azimuth of each segment, there are no
accumulated angle errors in the resulting trail alignment. Furthermore, compass bearings to known
independent points provided a procedure for checking locations at various intervals along the trail.
Results of the field instrument surveying of the trail are summarized in Table 1 and are presented in the
drawing in the envelope at the rear of this report.
TABLE 1
Inca Trail Measurements
From the landing the trail follows a torturous zigzag route uphill over a distance of 1.85 kilometers and a
rise of 525 meters to the qolqas (storehouses) of Machu Picchu in Conjunto No. 11. (A conjunto is an
enclosure or group.) The trail is illustrated on the U.S. Air Force 1963 aerial photograph in Figure 4.
Slope length
Horizontal length
Point-to-point map distance
Vertical rise
Average slope
The east flank trail is a continuation of the Cusco–Machu Picchu Inca Trail. It led to Mandor Pampa and
points downstream as well as providing direct access to the Vilcanota River’s right-bank trail from
Ollantaytambo. Of all the other known trails out of Machu Picchu, this is the only one of such high
Page 3
1.80 km
1.45 km
0.95 km
525 meters
35 percent (3:1)
Co US
ur AF
te A
Ma sy eria
l
p of
Ju pin US Pho
ly g A D to
28 g efe
, 1 en
n
96 cy se
3
THE PERUVIAN EXPEDITION OF 1912
UNDER THE AUSPICES OF
YALE UNIVERSITY & THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
HIRAM BINGHAM, DIRECTOR
MACHU PICCHU & VICINITY
Zegarra-Wright Trail
Huayna
Picchu
Mandor
Pampa
RI V
AM
UB
R
U
Machu
Picchu
Ruins
ER
BA
N
Huayna Picchu
Machu
Picchu
Mountain
Putucusi
Hiram
Bingham
Highway
Vilcanota
River
Ruins of Machu Picchu
A
B
C
D
26
Sacred Plaza
Camp of the Expedition
Alvarez Hut
Richartes Hut
Rock−Sheltered Terrace with
Locations 23, 24, 25, 26 & 27
40 Also Locations 41, 42 & 43
45 Also Location 46
Aguas
Calientes
Figure 4—New Inca Trail. U.S. Airforce photo of Machu Picchu showing locations of the Inca Trail on the
east flank uncovered during the 1998-99 field trips. The Vilcanota River encircles the site flowing
counterclockwise.
Surveyed by
Robert Stephenson
Machu Picchu Mt.
Copied by
A.B.C. Mott
Figure 5—Early Bingham map of Machu Picchu showing numerous tombs in the general vicinity of the
east flank Inca Trail. Note the trail along the Vilcanota River, the Inca Trail to Intipunku on the ridge, and
two trails leading down from Machu Picchu to the river.
Surveys and measurements were made for special features along the route of the trail (Figure 6). A
hydrographic survey was also made at the Vilcanota River landing.
2.2
The trail width ranges from 1.0 to 3.3 meters with an average of about 1.8 meters. The larger width is
found on special staircases (Figures 7 and 8). Inca Trail details are shown on Drawing 21.
Several viewing platforms are associated with the trail; however, one deserves special attention. It is
located immediately above fountains 3 and 4 (see Drawing 23). The direction of the view is N20°E.
Page 4
Trail Views
Figure 6—Profile of Surveyed Trail.
2.3
Trail Connections in Machu Picchu
2.4
Fountains
1.
Via Intimachay.
Fountains 3 and 4 were discovered in 1996 and fountain 5 was discovered in 1997. All three were
excavated under an archeological permit in September 1998. A description of the 1998 excavations of the
three fountains is presented below in detail, and drawings are presented in Figures 10 and 11.
2.
Via Conjunto 13.
2.41 Excavation of Fountains 3, 4, and 5
3.
Via Conjuntos 10-11.
Fountains 3, 4, and 5, as well as a lateral drainage channel, the section of the trail and the terrace, were
covered with a thick layer of topsoil and dense vegetation along with a series of landslides coming from
above. We cut the vegetation and cleared the surface of this area. Objectives were as follows:
There are three known points of access to the trail within Machu Picchu:
A steep granite staircase emerges from the forest just to the east of Building Nos. 8 and 9 of Conjunto
No. 13, as shown in Figure 9. The staircase angles to its left to a rock ramp just below a path. To the
north of the staircase is a series of terraces.
Along the rock ramp the path curves northwest to a very steep granite staircase, with terraces on both
sides. This staircase leads to the base of Conjunto No. 11, the storehouses.
Conjunto No. 11 consists of six qolqas (storehouses), each two stories high. There are two entrances for
each of the qolqas: one at the lower level and one at the upper level. There are horizontal paths
between the qolqas for easy access. From the base of Conjunto No. 11, a long stairway between
Conjunto Nos. 10 and 11 provides access to all of the qolqa entrance pathways, completing the
connection between the qolqas and the east flank trail. Agricultural products grown on the east flank
terraces could easily be transported to the qolqas without passing through other parts of Machu Picchu.
a.
To determine the architectural form of the structures, their relationships, and other associated
elements.
b.
To study the stratigraphy and pre-Hispanic cultural content.
c.
To uncover structures that have been buried.
d.
To determine the method of use of the water, through location of the spring and its channels and
distribution of the fountains and their drainage routes.
Page 5
Figure 7—Ruth Wright on staircase on east
flank Inca Trail. Note high quality of
stonework
Figure 9—Long sloping stairway at Conjunto 13. Qolqas in Conjunto 11 are to the right and out of the
photograph
Fountain 3. Fountain 3 is in the form of a cube surrounded by four walls, being accessible through a
small opening located on the north side. The terminal of the small channel, through which the water
flowed from above to the quadrangular base of the fountain, is made up of a monolithic carved granite
stone, on the outside surface of which is a slight inward inclination, in such a manner that the water could
fall freely from the sink or spillway without adhering to the surface of the stone—the free fall of the water
in a thin stream allowing collection of the water in ceramic vessels.
Figure 8—East flank Inca Trail showing terraces for
stability to left of trail.
In its south and east walls are small trapezoidal niches. The base of the fountain is quadrangular,
bordered by three large stones placed on the level, with no stone base. The water was emptied through
a corner of the base towards the exterior drainage channel. It was built entirely of carved granite stones,
well fitted with a few wedges and a fine clay mortar. It is in an ordinary state of preservation, although
the side walls have lost their original inclination and are in danger of collapse, for which reason it is
urgent to carry out restoration. This fountain is adjacent to the main trail.
Fountain 4. Fountain 4 is located immediately above fountain 3. Both are linked through the flow of the
water coming from a common spring (Figure 12).
This fountain is slightly larger than fountain 3. It is rectangular and bordered on its west side by a small
terrace that is a viewing platform; on the south it has one wall with a small niche (about 28 centimeters
[cm.]), which is above a drainage outlet. On the north is a doorway, and along the east is a small wall
with two niches in trapezoidal form.
On the west is a large carved stone on the upper part of which a small channel has been carved through
which the water falls to the quadrangular base, which is a receptacle. In the base of the fountain is a
small channel, which conducts the water to fountain 3 on the level immediately below.
Page 6
Stairway
Viewing
Platform
4
Spring
Inca
Trail to
Vilcanota
River
Inca
Trail to
Vilcanota
River
Rockfall
Area
A
3
2 Meter
Drop-off
nduit
Water Co
Walled
Cave
A
PLAN
ay
Drainagew
PLAN
Inca Trail
from Machu
Picchu
Reference Level 0.00
Rockfall
Area
Viewing
Platform
Reference Level 0.00
Water Tunnel
4
PROFILE
3
PROFILE
Inca Trail
Upstream Plan
At
Fountain
Figure 11—Fountain 5 Plan and Profile.
Fountain Channel
Figure 10—Fountains 3 and 4 Plan and Profile.
Page 7
Inca
Trail
Layer II is a thin layer located on the plane of contact between layer 1 and the terrace; it
has clear brown soil and contains some small stones.
The water arrives at the fountain by means of
a narrow channel that, after running along the
south side of the upper terrace, collects the
spring water.
In the southeast corner at a depth of 0.15 cm. we found a channel that goes along the
whole east profile with an average width of 10 cm. Next to the southeast corner we found
the spring which furnishes the water for the channel, which is connected to fountains 3 and
4 and with a drain on the east side, crossing the retaining wall.
The doorway is narrow, in an average state of
preservation, and is next to the stairway for
the conjunto of fountains. Its north wall is in
a poor state of conservation and is about 50
percent collapsed.
Fountain 5. The fountain 5 area contains a water tunnel, terraces and a walled cave in addition to the
fountain area, as shown on Drawing 20.
The presence of large rocks in the middle of the fountain area made the excavation difficult. These rocks
came from a rockslide from the hillside above, likely from the vicinity of the pass where the trail to
Huayna Picchu Mountain starts. The excavation revealed three layers as follows.
The workmanship in the building of the
fountain was average, and its stone
components were worked with a certain care,
joined together with clay mortar. The east
wall has a niche, with a clear loss of vertical
stability, and is starting to collapse at the
upper part. Near the southwest corner is a
drainage channel about 10 cm. wide, which
served to control the volume of water used in
the fountains. Its walls were constructed with
some care with stones joined with clay mortar.
Excavation showed that Layer 1 is made up of large, medium, and small granite stones
that cover nearly all the surface of the area. Removal of this layer was very complex
because of the enormous dimensions of the stones and for safety reasons, since loose
stones could produce major rockslides below. Nevertheless, we were able to penetrate
below some of the stones and observed a small terrace in the middle of the structure,
which forms part of this collapsed structure, along which the duct continues to the terrace
immediately below.
Layer II is made up of topsoil, rotted vegetal material, and loose soil that contains some
small stones.
On the southeast and southwest profile is a
carved rock with 12 corners that served to
support a channel carved in an average-sized
granite stone; the carved channel has the
following dimensions: 20 cm. long, 4 cm.
wide at the end, and 6 cm. in the middle part,
with an average height of 3 cm.
Layer III is made up of lightly compacted brown soil directly covering the surface of the
excavated area. There, next to a large rock, the skull of a rodent was found, seemingly
crushed by the rockslide. This skull was well preserved and was a greenish color.
Figure 12—Fountain 4 was easily made functional after
the 1998 excavation. The fountain was used as the
crew’s water supply. Here, Wright fills his water bottle
with the clear, fresh water.
The small viewing platform is west of the fountains. It was covered by a layer of surface humus of a dark
brown color, branches and dry leaves, stones that have fallen from the adjacent walls, and a large-sized
stone that has fallen from above. Excavation revealed the following:
Layer 1 is a layer composed of loose soil from vegetal decomposition, a dark gray color,
and humus; also present are roots from bushes and small plants. Near the northeast edge,
we found a green diorite stone instrument (10 by 8 cm.), which possibly was a tool used by
those who worked there. In the northeast corner we found one step from the stairway for
access to the platform.
In regard to the rodent skull, George Eaton reported that he found bones belonging to at least eight
rodents in the burial caves and trash heaps he excavated in Machu Picchu,. Later he added that, of all
this material, he selected a skull from the genus Agouti, found in an average state of preservation, and
that he found it in a small trash heap generated from kitchen waste on the eastern edge of the urban
center of Machu Picchu—that is to say, in the upper part of the eastern slope terraces. Eaton states that:
". . . it is different than all of the species described up to this time under the genus Agouti. Therefore, I
have selected this skull (C.O. 3227) as the type of the new species, which I have the honor of naming
Agouti Thomasii in honor of Oldfield Thomas of the British Museum (Natural History)." (Eaton 1990
[1916:62])
In the fountain 5 excavation, we also found a skull from this new type of rodent described for the first
time by Eaton. The skull we found was deteriorated at the back and the lower mandible was not found;
nevertheless, the front part was in good condition. It belonged to an adult animal with a great deal of
wear and tear on its eight teeth (four at each side of the upper mandible). Nevertheless, we found some
differences by comparing the zygomatic width of the sierra Agouti (Venezuela), which is about 81
millimeters (mm), with the same measurement we took on the skull found in the north end of Conjunto 4
of the lower terraces of Machu Picchu, which is almost 91 mm. We believe the study of this type of fauna
is of great interest to the natural sciences, since the animal may be in the process of extinction due to the
fires that have gravely affected the ecological equilibrium of Machu Picchu.
Page 8
The water tunnel is large and was built beneath the terrace, reaching to the face of a large rock where
the source of the spring water is located. It has a transversal quadrangular cross section and was built on
a base of large stones, with enormous lintels in its upper part.
The water flow is irregular. In September 1999 the spring was completely dry, while in 1998 in the same
season about 40 liters a minute of water were flowing. In 1998 water also poured out through a corner
and upper part of the terrace located immediately below the water tunnel.
2.6
Water Quality
The water quality of the fountains along the Inca Trail was determined to be good as shown in Table 2.
The low dissolved solids that range from 36 to 56 mg/L represent the presence of only modest
constituents, as would be expected close to the recharge area of the granite bedrock.
TABLE 2
East Flank Water Quality Sample Results from September 26, 1998
Immediately above the water tunnel and fountains is a small walled cave. Exploration allowed us to
confirm that the rock serving as its base is the same as that found in the bottom of the water tunnel
where the spring flows out. This cave is covered by a thick wall of granite stones with fitted joints and
placed at the sides where the large rocks are located. These rocks are unstable; therefore, one of the
reasons for building the masonry wall could have been to attain stability. This would have protected the
spring located immediately below, the function of which was vital to the Incas. This assumption is
reinforced by the fact that there is a backfill of gravel on the inside, which allowed filtration of rainwater.
Fountain 6. Fountain 6 is situated downhill at Station 0+75 on Drawing 4. It was not excavated. This
fountain was flowing; the stonework has deteriorated. The fountain appeared to be a simple structure for
use of a natural water source to provide a routine drinking water supply.
2.42 Hydraulics
Three notable features represent the hydraulic characteristics and care associated with the east flank Inca
Trail:
1.
Drainage channel and conduit for the Inca Trail located south of fountains 3 and 4.
2.
Water tunnel of cut stones at fountain 5.
3.
Channels of fountains 3 and 4.
The drainage channel and conduit south of fountains 3 and 4 represent special care taken to manage trail
drainage near the midpoint of the Inca Trail.
The water tunnel at fountain 5 demonstrates the technology used in an effort to improve the reliability of
the groundwater supply. This is exemplified with the presence of stone walls that form the tunnel with a
flat cut slab roof. The height of the downstream portion of the water tunnel is estimated at 1.6 meters.
Unfortunately, a rockfall has severely damaged the tunnel and has destroyed the fountain, leaving only a
walled cave, tunnel remains, terraces and the damaged Inca Trail.
2.5
Hydraulic Innovation
1
2
2.7
Parameters Tested
Units
Fountain 1
Fountain 6
7.0±
1-10 L/min.
Fountains 3 &
4
7.0±
8 L/min.
pH
Flow
Inorganics
Total Dissolved Solids
Total Alkalinity
Chloride
Sulfate
Dissolved Metals
Sodium
Potassium
Calcium
Magnesium
--L/min.
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
36.0
9
<0.25
<0.25
56.0
16.2
0.41
0.49
24
NT1
NT1
NT1
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
2.6
U2
1.4
0.35
3.1
0.98
3.0
1.3
NT1
NT1
NT1
NT1
--10 L/min.
NT = not tested.
U = not detected at the reporting limit.
River Hydraulics at Landing
The documented lower terminus of the Inca Trail shown on Drawing 2 is approximately 1.2 kilometers
upstream of Mandor Pampa and about 1.5 kilometers downstream from the bridge at the abandoned
Ruinas railroad station at a location where crossing on foot can be made during periods of low flow of the
Vilcanota River (Figures 13 and 14).
The river discharge on September 26, 1999 was estimated to be 72 cms. The 1998-99 peak flow has
been estimated at 230 cms. During the peak flow period of 1998-99, the original Inca protective wall was
overtopped by the river water level by approximately 10 cm.
Most notable are the two approach channels for fountains 3 and 4. Both approach channels were
designed using the Venturi principle to improve flow characteristics of the water jet during low flow
conditions. In fountain 4, the width of the channel decreases from 6.0 to 4.0 cm over a length of 20 cm,
serving as a form of nozzle that causes the water velocity to increase, relating to a basic hydraulic formula
of velocity = flow/area. Just upstream of the fountain 4 approach is a channel with a unique bifurcation
built inside the wall so that excess flow is rejected to a wasteway that discharges into the adjacent
drainage channel. During times of excess flow, the bifurcation allows the proper amount of water into the
Venturi channel for optimum water jetting. The operating fountain is shown in Figure 12
Page 9
Figure 13—Fording the Vilcanota River to the east flank Inca Trail landing on the right side of the
photograph. River fording is not recommended due to hazards. A series of cascades lies downstream.
Figure 14—Stream cross section.
1.
A large rock and earth debris deposit from the Huayna Picchu gully forms the left bank cove.
2.
A boulder (0.6-meter-diameter) bar deposit at the base of the Inca Trail stairway provides flow
protection to the landing during most of the year.
3.
A steep river slope downstream terminating in several cascades creates supercritical flow velocities
and a dampening of upstream water level functions, particularly during high flow periods.
4.
The large rocks deposited at the base of the gully form a hydraulic control section immediately
downstream of the landing. The control section provides benefits as follows:
-
It limits the magnitude of river water level fluctuations.
-
It creates a pooling phenomenon upstream.
5.
A vertical wall cliff immediately upstream of the Inca landing helps to direct flow straight
downstream by providing a deflection wall for the river currents. The vertical wall also provides
for improved Inca Trail security control.
2.8
Trail Stability
The use of terraces for erosion protection and trail stability was evident in Conjunto 4 and Conjunto 6.
The successful system of terracing at Conjunto 4 is illustrated in Figure 1, which is a view from the top of
Huayna Picchu.
While not as concentrated as in Conjunto 4, terracing in Conjunto 6 is likely nearly continuous from the
lowest gully to Cave 3. Here, the steep slope at the base of the Huayna Picchu cliff created a confined
location for the trail with the cliff on the north and the steep drop-off to the river on the south.
2.9
Trail Summary Description
The Inca Trail is a magnificent work of
engineering
and
old-fashioned
workmanship performed with a high
standard of care. It is a continuous
whole; however, for presenting a trail
summary description, it is divided into
six parts as described below.
The primary natural features of the Inca river landing are as follows:
Page 10
For the purposes of this description, the reader should refer to the drawings attached that are at a scale
of 1:100 and the large map at 1:1000 in the envelope at the rear of the report.
The reader should note that the description begins at Machu Picchu, although the survey starts at the
river and proceeds uphill according to standard mapping practice. This is done to enable the reader to
begin at a well-known point of reference. Therefore, the stationing for locations is from 14+50 at the
qolqas to 0+00 at the river.
±1m
wide
1 to 3 m wide
1 to 3m tall
Trail Surface
Placed
Rocks
Soil
Fill
Natural
Ground
Sand
Gravel
This enclosure (Figure 16) has a somewhat irregular rectangular plan with a length of 5.0 meters and a
width of 2.7 meters. The walls are 0.50 meters wide. It has a rock for support of its back wall, where
there also is a cave. There is no evidence of a front wall, so likely it was a wayrona, such as those seen
along all the Inca trails
between Huayllabamba and
Machu Picchu. There is no
evidence of any niches or
windows either—probably due
to
the
poor
state
of
preservation.
This
small
enclosure
is
adjacent to and above the
Inca Trail. In 1998 we found
a stone peg nearby as
evidence of a double-sloped
roof, as well as a short stretch
of stairway, which indicates
that the original trail passed
below this building.
Figure 16—Crew at Inca Building below Conjunto 13
that served as a central wayrona (see Drawing 34).
Small Rock
for Drainage
The stone elements of the long granite staircase are granite blocks in an irregular parallelepiped form.
Each step consists of three to five carefully placed stones—sometimes a large stone and another smaller
one together. Steps vary in accordance with the slope of the terrain. There are wide ones from 35 to 40
cm with a similar height and with very narrow surfaces where, at times, one can only place a foot
sideways. One also encounters short ramps or inclined planes.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Rough utilitarian stone work - not polished with tight fit.
Mostly rock fill for bulk - chips of worked stone and material on hand.
Fit landscape on probable foot paths - easiest route.
Ramps, stairs and other pedestrian features used also.
Wall or Revetment made up of stones 0.1 to 0.25m size typically.
No weep drains - drainage through voids between stones.
Figure 15—Typical section of Inca Trail on the East Flank of Machu Picchu..
2.91 The First Section (Qolqas at 14+50 to Inca House at 13+00)
Between 14+50 and 13+50 most of the trail is well known and long established as shown on the large
map and on Drawings 34 to 36. The long and steep granite staircase is sturdy and well constructed. This
first section goes to the Inca building at Station 13+00 (Control Wayrona) that is preserved only to a
height of 0.5 meters.
The function of this section of the trail is to connect the main trail with the urban center of Machu Picchu
and for control of access from the trail adjacent to the Inca building previously described.
2.92 The Second Section (13+00 to 10+88)
Between the Inca House and the stairway is the beginning of a short trail to a small conjunto of terraces,
which we called 3A. This small conjunto of terraces consists of some 12 terraces connected by means of
“sarutas” or long stones cantilevered out from the walls of each one of the terraces (sometimes called
"flying stairways"). At the foot of the lower terrace is an old pathway that joins the exterior outer wall of
the lower east flank Conjunto 1 with Conjuntos 3 and 4, which were explored in previous years.
Down the trail from the Inca House is a spiral staircase (12+75 to 12+50) with four turns. Then, at
11+50, there is a long rock paved ramp with a buttress wall on the north side. A Grand Staircase of 10
steps is located at 10+92 which is 4 meters long, 1.40 meters high, and 1.78 meters wide. The steps
have an average height of 0.30 meters, and the stairway is made up entirely of large stone elements,
nearly monolithic. The large blocks are well set, and it seems that the stones have been fitted using a
clay mortar, which has almost disappeared through erosion. (See Drawings 30 to 34 for details and an
overview on the large-scale map in the pocket.)
Page 11
2.93 The Third Section (10+88 to 8+60)
Section 3 of the Inca Trail goes from the Grand Staircase to Conjunto 4; it is shown on Drawings 24 to 30.
After coming down the Grand Staircase, one arrives at a large ramp at 10+47. It is constructed with a
retaining wall with flat well-seated rocks. This
inclined plane is in a good state of preservation
and represents good Inca engineering.
In the lower part of the ramp there is an old
rockfall which has caused serious destruction of
part of the trail. One also sees enormous rocks
covered with vegetation of lianas and evidence of
broken trees, which indicate that this rockfall
occurred some 10 to 20 years ago. A narrow
gully follows the rockfall.
Then at 10+11 is a branch trail to the west that
represents a possible connection to the area of
the Sacred Rock; however, the branch trail
remains unexplored.
At 9+72 begins a unique “S” staircase to 9+55
that seems to be laid out with engineered curves
with individual steps carefully positioned to form
smooth curves.
From this point, the trail
descends in a straight manner by a narrow
stairway in a poor state of preservation until it
arrives at the site of a group of enormous
terraces that form the central part of Conjunto 4
at Station 8+61.
One of the stairways on this trail has nine
steps—the upper one being 3.3 meters wide
with a height of .25 cm. It is made of
carefully placed stones. For example, the
lower step has a tread of 0.40 cm, a height of
0.26 cm, and consists of five well-placed
stones.
This section of the trail can be
described as magnificent with three fountains
and a viewing platform with one of the finest
views one could expect (see Frontispiece).
2.95 The Fifth Section (7+28 to 3+40)
This section extends between fountain 5 at
the north end of Conjunto 4 at Station 7+28
to Cave 3 (Drawing 13) of Conjunto 5 at
Station 3+40, as shown on Drawings 9 to 20.
It connects Conjunto 4 with Conjunto 5. At
Station 7+00, a double retaining wall some 19
meters long begins, followed by 93 meters of
survey line where there was no evidence of
the trail. Then, at Station 5+87, the trail is
again evident with 10 staggered boulder
steps, and at Station 5+76 a double retaining
wall again appears above the trail. Seven
meters further downhill commences a 38meter-long section of random boulder
placement at Station 5+60.
Figure 17—Alfredo Valencia, Ken Wright and Ruth Wright on the S-staircase near Station 9+65.
Figure 18—Curved retaining wall at Cave 3 near Station 3+14 (see Drawing 9).
Some meters above Conjunto 4 (at 9+00) on the north side, there is an excavation 2.50 by 2.50 meters
with a depth of 1 meter. It is difficult to pinpoint its cultural affiliation. It could be an incomplete Inca
work or an excavation by the Bingham party from 1912.
Uphill of the survey line at Station 5+10 is a rockslide that is considered hazardous. Beyond the rockslide
and after a 2-meter-high wall one comes to Cave Two at Station 4+60. This cave has a trapezoidal floor
plan, and three of its interior sides have been almost entirely covered in fine masonry. One also sees
small niches and several loose carved stones on the interior. Some sections of the wall have been
destroyed. The details of Cave Two and its terraces are shown on Drawing 9.
2.94 The Fourth Section (8+60 to 7+28)
This fourth section extends between Station 8+60 at Conjunto 4, passing by Fountains 3 and 4 to
Conjunto 5. This section is shown on Drawings 20 to 24. It is an extraordinary sample of Inca
engineering and the best preserved of the whole trail. This trail extends along the upper west side of the
terraces of this conjunto following a pathway approximately from east to west. The trail runs between
two extensive terraces, with an average width of 2 meters and steps some 2.80 meters wide. It connects
fountains 3 and 4 to fountain 5 found at the west end of Conjunto 4. The WWE Machu Picchu
paleohydrological survey project described this area in detail in a report to the INC dated October 1998.
From Cave Two the survey route descends the steep hillside north of the terrace Conjunto 5 that Dr.
Valencia documented in 1969, which is partially shown on Drawing 11.
At Station 4+27, the survey route and the trail take a sharp right angle bend to the north, where they
lead to the cathedral-like Cave Three at Station 3+40. Cave 3 has a rectangular floor plan and is limited
along the east by means of some terraces and along the south by a conjunto of medium-sized rocks;
along the north and west sides one sees the granite massif fissure, which seems to be a geologic fault.
On its interior, there are two large carved rocks placed in a manner of large seats. One of them has a
Page 12
stepped form on one of its sides; the other is rectangular. From here one has a marvelous view of the
narrow Vilcanota canyon, the base of Putucusi Mountain, and part of Mandor Pampa. A highlight of the
Cave Three area is the curved wall that is 2 meters high with a near perfect radius of 21 meters. The wall
was not completely cleared and, therefore, the survey and map do not show the curved wall in its
entirety.
Finally, at the base of
the
trail
(Station
0+00) are the remains
of a stairway and wall
that have been subject
to the ravages of time
and the forces of the
Vilcanota River during
periods of flood.
It is likely (but no
evidence exists) that
the trail continued
downstream along the
left bank of the
Vilcanota River several
hundred yards to a
potential Inca bridge
crossing.
Figure 20—Chris Crowley examining the remains of an Inca wall at the River Landing (see Drawing 2).
Figure 19—The 1999 Trail Exploration Team at Cave No. 3.
2.96 The Sixth Section (3+40 to 00+00)
Downhill from Cave Three are five terrace walls commencing at Station 2+80. The walls are well
constructed and in good condition, as shown on Drawings 2 to 9. This is an impressive set of terraces
that we named Conjunto 6. It is believed there are many terraces not yet cleared and surveyed that lie
under the forest.
The trail lies at the base of the Huayna Picchu cliff for some 120 meters until Station 1+50 where there
are additional terraces and a 15-meter-long earth ramp that leads to an elaborate area of construction
south of a Huayna Picchu gully.
The complex of terraces, fountain 6, and an in-situ monolithic carved stairway lie between stations 1+30
and 0+50, as shown on Drawing 4. The monolithic stairway was completely covered with vegetation and
soil. After clearing work, we verified that it has 14 steps. This portion of the trail is one of the most
fascinating because of the challenges faced by the Inca engineers.
Figure 21—Floor plan of the old Arteaga dwelling place at Mandor Pampa situated on the right bank of
the Vilcanota River across from the base of Huayna Picchu.
Page 13
3.0
MANDOR PAMPA AND THE ARTEAGA DWELLING PLACE
On September 11, 1999, the banks of the Vilcanota
River were explored as far as Mandor Pampa, where
Lorenzo Alagon Santos and his wife, Angelica Jauregui
de Alagon, were interviewed. They asked one of the
farm workers to take us to "Arteaga's house." Hiram
Bingham indicated that he passed by the vicinity of a
hut with a straw roof, whose owner was Melchor
Arteaga. This hut, in its turn, was a kind of inn for the
occasional travelers who passed by the site. Bingham
indicates that “At dawn on July 24, 1911 there was an
icy rain…when we asked him where the ruins were, he
pointed directly toward the top of the mountain…I left
the tent at 10:00 in the morning.” (Bingham, 1930)
The Arteaga dwelling place at present is in a state of
ruin. Its floor plan is in the form of a rectangle with two
doorways. It is 9.9 meters long and 5.2 meters wide
with a preserved height of one meter. The wall has an
average width of 70 cm and has sloped walls. The
dimensions of the building, fragments of pre-Hispanic
ceramics, finely worked and carved stones, and a stone
mortar led to the exciting conclusion that Arteaga's
house was an Inca building (Figures 21 and 22).
Figure 23—Agricultural Terraces and the Guardhouse, The trail going to the left leads to the Intipunko
and Cusco, the stairs on the right lead to the Inca Bridge.
Figure 22—Ruth Wright at Mandor Pampa with the wall of the Arteaga dwelling place.
4.0
SUMMARY OF THE MACHU PICCHU TRAILS
The east flank Inca Trail of Machu Picchu is associated with a vast network of other Inca trails.
4.1
The Main Trail (“Hatan Ñan”) Cusco—Machu Picchu
The trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu went northwest past the Pampa de Anta and continued to the
Qollpa sites, Huayllabamba, Runkuraqay, Phuyupatamarca, Sayacmarca, Wiñay Wayna, Intipunku and
Machu Picchu. This main trail was the easiest and most direct route to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
4.2
The Inca Bridge Trail
The Inca Bridge Trail’s last section before Machu Picchu is along the precipices on the west side of Machu
Picchu Mountain (Figure 23). There is a gap at the bridge. This trail joins with the main trail 90 meters
from the main entrance to Machu Picchu and connects Machu Picchu with the Inca terraces found at the
bottom of the river valley in the vicinity of San Miguel.
4.3
The San Miguel Bridge Trail
The trail arrives at Machu Picchu by means of narrow stairways southwest of the Temple of the Three
Windows. Discovered after a forest fire some years ago, it joins the left bank of the Vilcanota River on
the southwest flank of Machu Picchu. It is very steep, and along its path architectural evidence and burial
goods have been found.
4.4
Lower East Flank Trail
The zigzagging city wall protects the main archaeological monument along its east side. It has two
doorways: one in the vicinity of conjunto of enclosures “E” to the southwest of the lower agricultural
sector and another in the vicinity of Conjunto No. 1 of the lower east flank terraces. This doorway
permitted direct access from the lower terraces to the exterior part of Machu Picchu. It likely allowed
pedestrian access to the river terraces, found on the banks of the Vilcanota River, as well as to the Inca
Trail in this area.
The lower portion of the trail was nearly completely destroyed by the Hiram Bingham highway. (See
Figure 4.)
Page 14
4.5
Trail From the Left Bank of the Vilcanota River
The trail is relatively short due to the topographical condition of the terrain since, at the foot of the
mountain where Machu Picchu was built, there are nearly vertical precipices, mostly across from the
present day town of Aguas Calientes as well as downstream from the present site museum. This trail was
accessible from the right bank of the Vilcanota River by means of two Inca bridges.
One of these bridges was upstream from the present metal tourist bridge, and the other probably was
further upriver.
The trail on the left bank of the Vilcanota River connects the agricultural terraces on this bank as well as
those found in the vicinity of the present site museum. From here one has
access to the upper part of Machu Picchu following the trail from the east
flank previously discussed.
4.6
From this point one sees a wonderful landscape. Toward the south one sees Machu Picchu Mountain. In
the foreground the archaeological site of Machu Picchu is seen with its great plaza, different conjuntos
and sectors. Toward the west one sees the deep San Miguel Valley. Toward the north appears the
Vizcacha Mountain and, further off, the high mountain known as Apucatintin and several snowy peaks.
To the northeast arises the rounded summit of Putucusi.
5.0
The pollen field-testing program at Machu Picchu was conducted in two phases: one in September 1998
and the second in September 1999. The 1998 phase occurred on the lower east flank terrace of Conjunto
No. 1 near Fountain 1. The 1999 phase was on the main agricultural terraces of
Machu Picchu at four locations from south to north.
5.1
Trail on the Right Bank of the Vilcanota River
5.2
The soil samples were from original Inca terrace surfaces as judged by INC
personnel and Dr. Valencia. The sample locations represent widely divergent
areas from south to north and from varying elevations ranging from about 2,520
meters at the south to 2,400 meters at the Site No. 5 location to the north.
The trail to the Temple of the Moon crosses a narrow ridge that separates
the large rocky mass of granite. At a medium altitude, the trail bifurcates
into two branches: one continues to the Temple of the Moon, and the other
ascends by means of a narrow stairway to the summit of Huayna Picchu.
The first 1999 samples (Site 2) were collected from a terrace located to the
northeast and on the lower side of the main trail located in the high agricultural
sector of the Machu Picchu. The second set of samples (Site 3) was collected
from a terrace located in the middle of the lower agricultural sector. The third
set of samples (Site 4) was extracted from a terrace located in the middle part
of the lower agricultural sector. The fourth set of samples (Site 5) was from a
short narrow terrace located at one side of the first stretch of the stairway that
leads to the terraces on the east flank. For each sample location, the shallowest
sample is designated as A and the deepest as C.
The trail is narrow and, due to the roughness of the rocky massif, crosses
deep precipices past carved rock. This trail permits access to a large,
cavernous enclosure, in whose interior fine expressions of Inca architecture
have been constructed. Just beyond are a very tall double-jamb doorway
and other structures. The trail may continue to other points before arriving
on the left bank of the Vilcanota River.
Trail to Huayna Picchu
This trail is almost totally a large stairway with narrow, dangerous steps
(Figure 24). After allowing passage through a small tunnel nearly at the
summit, it permits access to the summit of this mountain. Here one sees
several enclosures as well as passages and stone stairways.
1999 Pollen Samples
Four pollen sample sites were selected on September 15, 1999 in conjunction
with Instituto Nacional de Cultura (INC) personnel including Machu Picchu
Manager Wilfredo Yeped Valdez (Figure 25).
Trail To the Temple of the Moon
This trail begins in the conjunto of the Sacred Rock. Here two longitudinal
trails join together: the trail from the west and one from the east.
4.8
1998 Pollen Samples
Three soil samples were collected on September 26, 1998 at a single location
(Test Site 1) on the third terrace above and 30 meters east of fountain 1 on the
lower east flank about one-third the distance down to the river at an elevation of
about 2,250 meters. The soil sample contained three parts: (a) surface to a
depth of 5 cm, (b) 5 cm to 15 cm, and (c) 15 cm to 20 cm.
This pathway is one of the most important of the Machu Picchu trails. It is
likely that it united Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, passing by
Piscacucho, Salonniyoq, Kanabamba, etc. until it arrived at the terrain
presently occupied by the Town of Aguas Calientes (ancient site of La
Maquina). From there, it likely continued behind the rocky summit of
Putucusi (Media Naranja) or along the bank of the river at least as far as
Mandor Pampa. (See Figure 5.)
4.7
POLLEN SAMPLE COLLECTION PROGRAM FOR MACHU PICCHU
AGRICULTURAL TERRACES
Figure 24—Sturdy and well-constructed stairways near the summit of Huayna Picchu.
Page 15
6.0
POLLEN TESTING RESULTS
Dr. Linda Scott Cummings conducted the pollen analysis at the PaleoResearch Laboratory of Golden,
Colorado (Wright, Wright & Cummings 2000).
Although the pollen record is complex with a wide variety of pollen types recovered from the soil samples
(Figure 26), this report focuses on only a portion of the record. The dominant element of the pollen
record is grass pollen, reflecting the modern growth of grasses on the agricultural terraces. An
abundance of grass is substantiated by examination of these sediments for phytoliths. Phytoliths were
extremely abundant and thoroughly dominated by silicified grass short and long cells (Figure 27).
Interpretation of the pollen record for evidence of typical trees, shrubs, herbs and lianas expected in the
High Andes is left for later publication. Here we focus on evidence for agricultural crops along with plants
that might have been harvested for medicinal use (Figure 28).
Site 2—Southerly sample near the Inca
Trail, 182 meters from the Guardhouse
Site 3—Sixty meters northeast of the Guardhouse.
In the modified pollen diagram (Table 4), one can see evidence of a variety of plants that might have
been grown as agricultural crops and others that might have been present either intentionally or as part
of the weedy plant complex. An important assumption in interpreting this pollen record is that pollen
recovered from these terraces represents plants grown on the terraces or pollen transported by the wind
from surrounding vegetation. It is important to discard the potential for water transport of pollen from
one terrace to another that would smear the pollen record from the top terraces along the lower terraces.
WWE studied the terraces and determined that there was no irrigation and that infiltration capacity was
so high that surface runoff was not significant (Wright, 1999).
The most important pollen type recovered in the samples is that of Zea mays, representing cultivated
maize. Maize pollen was recovered in 14 of 15 samples examined and was absent in the uppermost
sample (5A) from Site 5. It was least abundant in Hole 4, where it was recovered during the scan of each
sample, but not in the count. Each sample was scanned at low power looking for evidence of maize,
other larger pollen starch granules or other evidence of agriculture.
Recovery of maize pollen from all of the agricultural terraces examined supports the theory that maize
was grown at Machu Picchu, likely for making chicha (the ceremonial beer). Recovery of maize pollen in
these samples should propel field research into the storage of maize and examination of probable chicha
vessels or vessel fragments for phytolith evidence of chicha production. As reference databases expand,
we expect to use this technique to identify specific races of maize used at Machu Picchu.
Plants that might have been exploited for their medicinal properties, whether grown intentionally or used
as part of the natural vegetation include walnut, Apiaceae, various members of the composite and
mustard families, celedonia, paico or cañihua, pega pega, various members of the mint family, various
grasses, sambo corota, members of the rose and scroph families, nettle (ortiga), and aloe (saliva).
Site 4—Eighty meters southeast of the Temple
of the Sun.
Site 5—Terraces 77 meters north of Intimachay.
Evidence for growth of other plants on the Machu Picchu agricultural terraces includes the presence of a
legume in the lowest sample (1C) from Site 1. This hook-shaped hair might be from cultivated beans. In
addition, potato-type starch granules were recovered from Site 1, suggesting that potatoes were grown
on this particular remote terrace. Therefore, total evidence for agricultural plants on this terrace includes
maize, potatoes and a legume, potentially cultivated beans. Members of the mint family also grew on this
terrace, perhaps intentionally.
Figure 25—Pollen Sample Locations collected in 1999 at four divergent locations representing a variety of
terraces at Machu Picchu. The 1998 sample location was on a terrace in lower east flank Conjunto 1 near
the outer wall.
Page 16
15- 25 cm
SAMPLE 4
HUMUS LAYER
LOOSE SOIL
Figure 26—Profile of Soil Samples.
SAMPLE 5
5 - 15 cm
15- 25 cm
1A
51
1B
101
DEPTH
1C
51
448
0 - 5 cm
2A
102
11630
2B
100
2C
99
2871
3A
101
25335
3B
100
12667 Hole 3
3C
116
13057
4A
100
18275
4B
100
51171 Hole 4
4C
100
8529
5A
101
10556
5B
100
3936 Hole 5
5C
104
4557
COMPACTED SOIL
GRAVELS
5 - 15 cm
Page 17
CHENO-AMS
FABACEAE
LAMIACEAE
POLYGALACEAE
HOLE NO.
TOTAL POLLEN CONCENTRATION
POLLEN SUM
ASTERACEAE TISSUE FRAGMENT
TOTAL STARCH
STARCH HOLLOW
cf. AGRICULTURAL
Fine reticulate 3T?
TCP round pore 27 u
TCP Small Reticulate
TCP tiny w/ round pare
Tiny TCP smooth
Unidentified TP psilate ca. 40 microns
Dot starch
Hordeum-type starch
Solanum-type starch
Starch angular w/ hilum
INDETERMINATE
Monnina
Polygala
ROSACEAE
SCROPHULARIACEAE
Urtica-type
Aloe
FABACEAE (3P)
FABACEAE? W/LIPS
FABACEAE-TYPE HOOK-SHAPED HAIR
cf. Persea
Physalis/Solanum
cf. Tillandsia
Zea mays
POLEMONIACEAE CLAVATE
ASTERACEAE
Calandrinia-type
CARYOPHYLLACEAE
CHENO-AM
Alternanthera-type
Cleome-type
CYPERACEAE
Desfontainea
Ephedra torreyana-type
FABACEAE
cf. Desmodium (pega pega)
Mimosa
GUNNERACEAE
Ipomoea
LAMIACEAE
LAMIACEAE 5 COLPI
LAMIACEAE Cuminia-type
Lonicera-type (4c)
MALVACEAE
Myzodendron-type
ONAGRACEAE
POACEAE
LOW-SPINE ASTERACEAE
BRASSICACEAE
BRASSICACEAE CLAVATE-TYPE
RUTACEAE
cf. Xylosma
APIACEAE
Artemisia
HIGH-SPINE ASTERACEAE
Alnus
BORAGINACEAE
cf. Broussonetia (diporate)
Juglans
MALPIG Dinemandra-type
PALMAE
Picea
Pinus
Orites (PROTEACEAE spiny)
RUBIACEAE cf. Relbunium
cf. Rubia
RUTACEAE (rounder)
Zanthoxylulm-type
ARBOREAL POLLEN
SAMPLE NO.
SAMPLE 2-A
SAMPLE 3-A
DEPTH
0 - 5 cm
STARCHES
4479
550 Hole 1
2280 Hole 2
Figure 27—Pollen diagram, soil samples collected by Wright Water Engineers, analyzed by Linda Scott
Cummings.
Site 2 yielded evidence of cultivation of an unidentified legume (identified by comparison to a reference
specimen collected in Peru, but identified only to the family level at this time) and maize. A member of
the mint family was present, as was a plant known locally as pega pega (Desmodium).
Site 3 exhibits evidence of cultivation of maize. Again, members of the mint family and pega pega were
present. This terrace yielded the most evidence for the mint family.
Site 4 yielded little evidence of agriculture. Maize was recorded only during the scan of the sample, and
mint family pollen was present in small quantities.
3C
116
13057
4A
100
18275
4B
100
51171
4C
100
8529
5A
101
10556
5B
100
3936
5C
104
4557
HOLE NO.
TOTAL POLLEN
CONCENTRATION
12667
Solanum-type starch
100
cf. Tillandsia
3B
Zea mays
25335
Physalis/Solanum
101
cf. Persea
3A
FABACEAE (3P)
2871
FABACEAE? W/LIPS
99
Urtica-type
2C
Aloe
2280
Monnina
100
ROSACEAE
2B
MALVACEAE
11630
POACEAE
102
LAMIACEAE
2A
GUNNERACEAE
448
Ipomoea
51
FABACEAE
1C
Cleome-type
550
CHENO-AM
101
CARYOPHYLLACEAE
1B
Artemisia
4479
Juglans
51
APIACEAE
1A
SAMPLE NO.
POLLEN SUM
Starch angular w/hilum
Hordeum-type starch
FABACEAE-TYPE HOOD-SHAPED HAIR
cf. AGRICULTURAL
SCROPHULARIACEAE
LAMIACEAE Cuminia-type
LAMIACEAE 5 COLPI
cf. Desmodium (pega pega)
BRASSICACEAE CLAVATE-TYPE
LAMIACEAE
LOW-SPINE ASTERACEAE
BRASSICACEAE
HIGH-SPINE ASTERACEAE
Cf. Broussonetia (diporate)
ASTERACEAE
Hole 1
Hole 2
Site 5 contained the most diversity in the pollen record of plants that might have been grown on the
terraces sampled. In addition to maize, aloe, an unidentified member of the legume family, perhaps
avocado, potatoes and qaqa suncja pollen suggest cultivation of these plants. Pega Pega also was
present. The diversity of the pollen record suggesting agriculture in this area hints that a wide variety of
plants may have been cultivated at Machu Picchu.
This first pollen record obtained from the agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu indicates that much of the
terrace system could have been used to grow maize at any one time. Perhaps crops were rotated on
some (or all) of the terraces, resulting in mixed pollen signals. Certainly this analysis points to growth of
maize at Machu Picchu. We are now left with the task of identifying what varieties of maize were grown
here by sampling chi cha vessels and maize cobs for phytoliths, as well as sampling additional terraces
such as at the Intiwatana pyramid to identify other plants
grown on the terraces, including those with medicinal
uses.
7.0
Hole 3
Hole 4
Hole 5
Figure 28—Modified pollen diagram, soil samples collected by Wright Water Engineers, analyzed by Linda
Scott Cummings.
FLORA OF MACHU PICCHU
In addition to agricultural products, the pollen samples
from Machu Picchu represent many types of flora.
However, the flora pollen of special interest found in the
Machu Picchu soil samples are shown in Table 3.
From the original scan and study of pollen samples, 12
standout species known to inhabit Machu Picchu and
known to possess special properties are identified with
their uses (Table 4).
Many references were used to obtain the lists,
nomenclature, and descriptions for Tables 3 and 4. These
references are listed in the bibliography section by
authors.
Figure 29—Flor del Inca (Polmoniacea).
Page 18
TABLE 3
Pollen at Machu Picchu
TREE POLLEN
BETULACEAE—Birch family
Alnus spp.
ANACARDIACEAE—Sumac family
Schinus molle
BORAGINACEAE—Borage family
Broussonetia spp.
JUGLANACEAE—Hickory family
Julglans spp.
SHRUB POLLEN
RUBIACEAE—Madder family
Rubia spp.
RUTACEAE—Citrus family
Zanthoxylum spp.
Xylosmia spp.
ASTERACEAE (Sage)—Sunflower family
Artemisia spp.
PROTEACEAE—Protea family
Orites spp.
PALMAE—Palm family
PINACEAE—Pine family
Picea spp.
Pinus spp.
APOCYNACEAE—Dogbane family
Rauwolfia spp.
FLOWER POLLEN
ASTERACEAE—Sunflower family
MALVACEAE—Mallow family
High
Low
LEGUMINOSAE—Pea family
Calandrimia spp.
ONAGRACEAE—Evening primrose family
Alternanthera spp.
POACEAE—Grass family
Cleome spp.
POLEMONIACEAE—Phlox family
Desfontainea spp.
POLYGONACEAE—Knotweed family
Equisetum spp.
Ephedra spp.
ROSACEAE—Rose family
BRASSICACEAE—Mustard family
CARYOPHYLLACEAE—Carnation family
CAPPARARIDAEA—Caper family
CYPERACEAE—Sedge family
EQUISETACEAE—Horsetail family
FABACEAE—Pea family
Desmodium spp.
Persea spp.
GUNNERACEAE
CONVOLVULACEAE—Morning glory
family lpomoea spp.
LAMIACEAE—Mint family
Stachys spp.
CAPRIFOCIACEAE—Honeysuckle
family Loniceria spp.
APIACEAE—Parsley family
Sphaeralcea spp.
Mimosa spp.
Fuchia spp.
Poa spp.
Cantua spp.
Monina spp.
Kageneckia spp.
SCROPHULARIACEAE—Figwort family
URTICACEAE—Nettle family
Urtica Spp.
Aloe vera
SOLANACEAE—Nightshade family
Solanum spp.
BROMELIACEAE—Pineapple family
Tilladsia spp.
Figure 30. The rare Spectacled Bear photographed high above the Machu Picchu Tourist Train.
GRAMINAE
Zea mays
Cuminium spp.
Page 19
TABLE 4
Plants Identified as Potential Species in Pollen Testing at Machu Picchu
Common
English
Name
Wild potato
----Aster
Common
Cheehua
Indian Name
Papa
Molle
Monina and
Sambo Corota
Flora buena
Groundsel
Kinsa Kucho
Sunflower family
---
Lloque
Rose family
Mint
Hierba de
Cancer
Fuxia
Mint family
Primrose
Inca flower
Bee plant
Scour rush
Maize
Flor de Inca
--Cola de
Caballo
Choclo
Common
Family Name
Scientific Name
Scientific Family Name
Special Properties and Uses
Nightshade family
Sumac family
Knotweed family
Solanum spp.
Schinus molle
Monina crotalarioides
Aster spp.
SOLANACEAE
ANACARDIACEAE
POLYGONACEAE
Edible tuber; 138 genus in Peru
Dark green dye; ingredient in checha beer; sweetener
Dandruff control; grows hair; edible fruits; blue dye
ASTERACEAE
Baccharis
genistelloides
Kageneckia
lanceolata
Stachys bogotensis
ASTERACEAE
Petals used as a laxative, dyes for skin painting (water soluble); petals used in adornment of hair and necklaces,
flowers for rituals; most common cultivar in Peru
Urinary tract infections; malaria; treatment for fever; rubbed as poultice for rheumatism
ROSACEAE
Black dye; wood for tools; tans leather; antimalarial
LAMIACENE
Anti-infection poultice applied to open wound; mint/herb
Fuchia boliviana
ONAGRACEAE
Baths for skin irritation, mild burns, dermatitis
Cantua buxifolia
Cleome spp.
Equisetum
bogotensis
Zea mays
POLEMONIACEAE
CAPPARARIDAEAE
EQUISETACEAE
Frequently depicted in art; sacred flowers of the Inca God of the Sun; yellow dye; branches used to build baskets
Used as a black pigment on pottery and cloth; tea used to relieve stomach disorders
Scouring plant; scrubs skin smooth; smoothes wood and clay, urinary tract infection (also known as Ephedra
americana in Peruvian texts)
Vitamins for muscles; good for the brain and nervous systems; used to make checha beer
Sunflower family
Evening primrose
family
Phlox family
Caper family
Horsetail family
---
GRAMINAE
Page 20
8.0
FAUNA
9.0
Fauna of Machu Picchu include the Mayu Puma (river nutria), serpents, rock hens, hummingbirds, ground
snails, bats, lizards, coleopteras (beetles), grasshoppers and dragonflies. During the Machu Picchu east
flank trail exploration, vizcachas (Lagidium peruvianum), Spectacled bear (Figure 30), a large variety of
butterflies, deer, mountain turkey and capizo were noted along with a large variety of birds, serpents,
many ants and spiders.
FUNCTION OF THE INCA TRAIL ON THE EAST FLANK OF MACHU
PICCHU
The east flank Inca Trail of the 1998-99 archaeological exploration is the continuation of the main trail
which joined Cusco with Machu Picchu and which continued to Mandor Pampa, joining with the Inca Trail
on the right bank of the Vilcanota River in such a way that one could continue on downriver as far as the
deepest part of the jungle. Likewise, one could return to the upper part of the valley as far as Cusichaca,
Ollantaytambo or Cusco by another route.
The Inca Trail which joins Conjunto 11 (Qolqas) in Machu Picchu with the left bank of the Vilcanota River
has several branches like the one leaving from Conjunto 4, which went toward Conjuntos 1, 2 and 3, and
the entrance, which faced the trail on the east flank. One also sees other small branches that connected
the main trail, by means of stairways, with several sectors of each of the conjuntos of terraces.
It also fulfilled a ceremonial and sacred role since it joined the Machu Picchu urban sector with two burial
groups. The first group was located northeast of the point where the east flank trail begins at the
stairway to the qolqas, where Hiram Bingham found tombs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 45, 47
and 48. Mr. Bingham found the second group to the southeast of this same former point. The second
group was made up of tombs 28 through 40 (Figure 5). The caves, which are found along the trail, may
correspond to the structures of some of these tombs.
By way of example, Eaton indicates in regard to tomb 1: “The first burial site visited was an artificial cave
below a large cliff, near the trail descending from the side of the mountain and to the northeast of the
ruins. . . .” (Eaton, 1990 [1930]: 5.) This undoubtedly refers to the beginning of the trail which we have
documented. The structure was a cave found below a large rock, whose entrance is in the form of a
triangle, protected by means of a rock wall. The skeleton (found in a flexed position) was that of a
woman approximately 35 years old. The associated burial goods consisted of two pots with pedestals
that Mr. Bingham described as beaker shaped (Bingham, 1930: 119). The pots were stained with pot
black—evidence of their use in cooking.
This trail filled an important economic function by connecting the six large conjuntos of agricultural
terraces and other smaller ones, assuring the cultivation and harvest of useful food plants such as corn,
potatoes, and likely beans. It also assured the provision of water by means of five springs along the main
trail and its branch trails located in Conjuntos 1, 3, 4, and 6 and by providing easy direct access to the
river below.
10.0 AUTHORITY, PERSONNEL, AND PROCEDURE
10.1
Authority
The authority for the archaeological exploration is represented by the four attached documents as follows:
Figure 31—Ceremony to the "Inca gods" at the conclusion of the exploration and mapping of the ZegarraWright Trail.
1.
1994 Permit.
2.
Letter from Gustavo Manrique Villalobos, Director General of the Instituto Nacional de Cultura.
3.
1998 Pollen Permit.
4.
Opinion No. 129-99-INC-C/CTCPAA dated October 6, 1999.
Page 21
10.2
Personnel
1.
Consult with knowledgeable biologists and ecologists concerning the Spectacled bear (Andean
bear) forest habitat on the east flank of Machu Picchu. It may be important to the wildlife officials
of the Peruvian government that the Spectacled bear (that avoids people) population be protected.
In that case, the 1999 Inca Trail should be kept closed to tourists, and access would be made
available only to limited parties for scientific research.
2.
Conduct additional archaeological research along and adjacent to the trail to define additional
terraces, buildings, and hydraulic works.
Personnel included the following:
10.3
Kenneth R. Wright
Director and Chief Engineer
Dr. Alfredo Valencia Zegarra
Chief Archaeologist
Ives Bejar Mendoza
Deputy Archaeologist
Christopher M. Crowley
Engineering Surveyor
3.
Conduct botany, zoological, and ecological studies of the east flank.
Scott A. Marshall
Engineering Surveyor
4.
Examine the geotechnical characteristics of the east flank Inca Trail and its terrace infrastructure.
Ruth M. Wright
Historian and Photographer
5.
Patricia A. Pinson
Document Control
Consider restoration of the Inca Trail and its fountains. The terrace walls, for the most part, are in
good condition and would require little or only modest work in regard to restoration.
Dr. Gordon McEwan
Scientific Advisor
6.
In the event that maintenance of the east flank Inca Trail environment in a continued pristine
condition was not considered crucial to the wellbeing and preservation of the Spectacled bear and
its habitat, the 1999 Inca Trail should be analyzed for the potential of a new tourist route and
attraction at Machu Picchu.
Procedure
The methodology employed for the archaeological exploration included the systematic search for
archaeological evidence through the study of aerial photographs and maps from the INC, examination of
the specialized bibliography, physical exploration and confirmation on the ground from evidence
presented by the Inca Trail. The written archaeological record consisted of graphics (sketches and survey
maps), photography (color photographs and slides), and video. This group of techniques is included
under the method of archaeological observation as well as the later analyses of the data, formulation of
the results, and recommendations. Fifteen soil samples were collected from five sites. One site was on a
lower east flank terrace. Four sites were on the Inca terraces in the urban center of Machu Picchu,
including two from the high agricultural sector, one from the low agricultural sector, and one from a small
terrace next to a stairway where the Inca Trail begins on the northeast flank of Machu Picchu.
The exploration was first carried out on the right bank of the Vilcanota River, with the object of locating
remains of an Inca bridge that likely existed in Inca times. The exploration was near the point on the left
bank of the river at the lower terminus of the eastern flank trail. There was no evidence of an Inca
bridge, likely due to floods of the Vilcanota River.
The exploration work was comprehensive, consisting of archaeological exploration and topographic
surveying of the trail. The Inca trail was explored and cleared from the stairway that begins in the qolqas
sector in Machu Picchu descending to Conjunto 4 of the lower terraces of the east flank of Machu Picchu.
Concurrently, similar work commenced from the left bank of the Vilcanota River and ascended to
Conjunto 4 in the middle.
The archaeological exploration proceeded concurrently with engineering and surveying in a manner that
produced synergistic benefits and thorough documentation. Such teamwork can be successfully used as a
template for future archaeological exploration.
11.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
The recommendations of the Wright Paleohydrological Institute and Wright Water Engineers, along with
Dr. Alfredo Valencia Zegarra and Licenciado Ives Bejar Mendoza, are as follows:
The east flank Inca Trail is a pleasant walk with impressive vistas and sights from end to end.
Potable water supplies exist along its route. It would be a significant attraction to many tourists.
7.
Further field archaeological exploration should be conducted from the foot of the long granite
staircase at Conjunto 13 to the zigzag outer wall below the row of qolqas and residences of the
Lower Agricultural Sector. Historian Ruth Wright postulates that the long granite stairway is too
narrow and steep for the upper end of the main Inca Trail of the east flank and that a yet
unknown route from the base of the stairway to the outer wall is likely to connect into the wide
stairway that exists near the base of the row of buildings in peripheral area E. The authors may
submit an application to the INC Director General to perform supplemental archaeological
explorations for this potential route along with that of the Sacred Rock area.
12.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The INC of the Cusco department headed by Sr. Architect Gustavo Manrique Villalobos is responsible for
this archaeological exploration via its assistance, cooperation, and general support. The authors express
sincere appreciation to the entire INC staff and, in particular, the following people.
•
Sr. Architect Gustavo Manrique Villalobos
•
Sr. Wilfredo Yeped Valdez
•
Sr. Ferdinand Astete
•
Srta. Lorena Alvarez Saavedra
•
Sr. Carlos Ivan Barrio Vargas
•
Srta. Sabino Hancco
•
Srta. Amelia Valencia
•
Pedro Ortiz
Page 22
Appreciation is expressed to the remarkable couple (Lorenzo Alagon Santos and Angelica Jawregu de
Alagon) of Mandor Pampa for their hospitality and assistance in finding the 1911 Arteaga dwelling place
where Hiram Bingham learned of Machu Picchu. The authors are indebted to them for a fine lunch of
avocado and bread, coupled with an informative discussion.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Balick, Michael J. and Paul A. Cox, 1999, Plants, People, and Culture—The Science of Ethnobotany
Scientific American Library.
Special thanks are given to the elected officials of the Municipal District of Machu Picchu for their
encouragement, hospitality, and assistance. In particular, we thank: Mayor Jose Soto Vera and Vice
Mayor Fermin Diaz.
Bingham, Hiram, 1953, La ciudad Perdida de los Incas, La expedicion peruana de 1912. Universidad de
Yale y la National Geographic Society, Editorial Zig-Zag: Santiago de Chile.
Special acknowledgement is made to Srta. Arminda Gibaja Oviedo of the INC for her long and unwavering
support of the work of the Machu Picchu paleontological survey project and for sharing her vast
knowledge of Machu Picchu and the Inca Empire.
Made in 1911, 1912 and 1915 Under the Auspices of Yale University and the National Geographic
Society. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
We thank Sr. Carlos Milla of Milla Tourisma for his assistance on travel arrangements and
accommodations.
Finally we thank the fine, capable, and energetic workers of Aguas Calientes who probed the floor of the
forest with their machetes, cleared the forest, assisted us in all ways, and were primarily responsible for
the success of this archaeological exploration. These people, listed below, are to be highly complimented:
Bingham, Hiram, 1930, Machu Picchu, a citadel of the Incas. Report of the Explorations and Excavations
De Esquirrel, Dina Pantigozo, 1995, Yachasun—Experienceas en Medicina Tradicional Andina. Cruz Rosa
de Alemania
Duke, James A., 1997, The Green Pharmacy. Rodale Press.
Dunmire, William W. and Gail D. Tierney, 1995, Wild Plants of the Pueblo Province. Museum of New
Mexico Press
•
Daniel Huillca Huillca
•
Freddy Carbajal Francisco
•
Julio Huillca Huillca
•
Angel Quispe Cruz
•
Luis Quispe Salazar
•
Teófilo Huaman
•
Leónidas Huari Chuquisaca
Kolff, Helen and Kees., 1997, Flores Silvestres de la Cordillera Blanca. The Mountain Institute.
•
Epifanio Molina Cáceres.
Rowe, J.H., 1997. Personal Correspondence to the Authors, January 1997.
Eaton, George F., 1916, The Collection of Osteological Material from Machu Picchu. Memoirs of the
Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences, Volume V, May.
Herrera, Fortunato L., 1941, Sinopsis de la Flora del Cuzco, Tomo 1 Parte Sistematica. Peruano Gobierno
Publicacion.
Joyce, David, 1998, The Perfect Plant. Stewart Tabori and Chang.
Submitted by,
Rowe, J. H., 1990. “Machu Picchu a la luz de documentos de siglo XVI.” Historica, 14(1), pp. 139-154.
________________________________________
Kenneth R. Wright, P.E.
Director, Machu Picchu Paleohydrological Project
Smith, James Payne, Jr., 1997, Vascular Plant Families. Mad River Press Inc.
________________________________________
Alfredo Valencia Zegarra
Chief Archaeologist
Squier, George, 1973, Un Viaje por Tierras Incaicas, Crónica de una expedicion arqueologica (1863-1865).
Editorial Los Amigos de Libro: La Paz-Bolivia.
Valencia Zegarra, Alfredo and Arminda Gibaja Oviedo, 1992, Machu Picchu, La investigación y
Conservación del Monumento Arqueológico despuès de Hiram Bingham, Municipalidad del Qosqo:
Cusco, Perú
Weber, William A. and Ronald C. Wittmann, 1990, Colorado Flora—Eastern Slope. University of Colorado
Press.
Wright, K.R., R.M. Wright, and L. Scott-Cummings, 2000, “Machu Picchu: Pollen Study and Update On
the New Inca Trail” presented at The Institute of Andean Studies 40th annual meeting in Berkeley,
California (January 7)
Page 23
Wright, K.R. 2000. “Inca Trail Discovery at Machu Picchu.” South American Explorer, Winter.
Wright, K.R., A. Valencia Zegarra. 1999. “Ancient Machu Picchu Drainage Engineering.” ASCE Irrigation
and Drainage Journal, Vol. 125, No. 6, pp. 360-369.
Wright, K.R., K.A. Loptien. 1999. “Machu Picchu Soil Stewardship.” Erosion Control, Vol. 6, No. 2, March
1999, pp. 60-67.
Wright, K.R., R.M. Wright, M.E. Jensen, and A. Valencia Zegarra. 1997a. “Machu Picchu Ancient
Agricultural Potential.” Applied Engineering in Agriculture, Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 39-47.
Wright, K.R., G.D. Witt, and A. Valencia Zegarra. 1997b. “Hydrogeology and Paleohydrology of Ancient
Machu Picchu.” Ground Water, vol. 35, No. 4, July-August, pp. 660-666.
Wright, K.R., J.M. Kelly, and A. Valencia Zegarra. 1997c. “Machu Picchu: Ancient Hydraulic
Engineering.” Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, Vol. 123, No. 10, October, pp. 838-843.
F:\East Flank Report\EastFlank2.rpt 11X17a.doc
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Denver, Colorado
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DRAWINGS

completion report archaeological exploration of the inca trail

Transcrição

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