Archaeologists working at the Salapunku site near Machu Picchu in Cusco have discovered a new ceremonial platform or huaca.

The semi-circular area constructed in Inca times is located on the right-hand side of the Vilcanota river when going towards Machu Picchu, while Salapunku as a whole is located along one of the Inca trail networks in the area.

The huaca or holy site is pointed in the director of the Wakaywillka peak, which according to investigators suggests it was a sacred space in which to make offerings to the Apu (mountain-god/spirit) of that peak.

Salapunku has structures and walls similar to those of Sacsayhuamán which could have made it a secure military checkpoint to control access further into the Vilcanota valley.

Salapunku has been revealing other secrets of late, such as fountains and pre-Inca tombs. Recent excavations also uncovered a flute not blown since the fall of the Inca empire.

Tags: apu, cusco, incas, machu picchu, ruins, salapunku