The Inca ruins of Llactapata and the Patallacta are the same structure .
Both of these trail segments meet above the Inca ruins of Llactapata ( also called Patallacta ) , a site used for religious and ceremonial functions , crop production , and housing for soldiers from the nearby hilltop site of Willkaraqay , an ancient pre-Inca site first inhabited around 500 BC.The trail undulates , but overall ascends along Rio Cusichca ( aka River Kusichca or `` happy river '' ) .
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu