La Horca del Inca

About

Despite its name, La Horca del Inca (literally “The Gallows of the Inca”) was neither a gallows, nor built by the Inca. But as was typical during the Spanish conquest of South America, the site was largely destroyed and renamed without any consideration to its true history. The rock crossbeam between two stone spires was actually one of seven trilithic structures (the other 6 were destroyed by the Spanish) that made up an astronomical observatory built by a pre-Incan civilization. La Horca del Inca’s true nature wasn’t discovered until 1978, when a researcher noticed that during the summer solstice, the sun shone through a different rock structure onto the Horca’s cross beam. A short hike brings you up to the archaeological site, with stunning views of Lake Titicaca and Copacabana the whole way. Please note: 10BOB entrance fee not included.