Attraction Guide: Pinkuylluna Mountain Granaries, Ollantaytambo, Peru

Pinkuylluna Mountain Granaries Guide

Pinkuylluna: Ancient Storehouses Carved into the Cliffside Guide

Dominating the skyline above Ollantaytambo are the Pinkuylluna Mountain Granaries, a series of impressive structures built into the steep cliffs. These ancient storehouses, constructed by the Inca, served a vital purpose in preserving agricultural surpluses and ensuring food security for the region. Their strategic location, high above the valley floor, provided natural protection from moisture, pests, and temperature fluctuations, making them ideal for long-term storage. A visit to Pinkuylluna offers a fascinating glimpse into the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Inca civilization. The Pinkuylluna granaries were built during the Inca Empire, likely during the 15th century. Their primary function was to store crops, such as corn, potatoes, and quinoa, harvested from the surrounding agricultural terraces. The high altitude and constant airflow within the structures helped to keep the produce dry and prevent spoilage. The granaries were strategically located on the mountainside to take advantage of these natural conditions. The Inca carefully planned and constructed these storehouses to ensure a stable food supply for the population, particularly during times of scarcity or conflict. Exploring Pinkuylluna involves a relatively short but steep climb from the town of Ollantaytambo. The trail leads you up the mountainside, offering increasingly impressive views of the town and the surrounding valley. You can explore the various granaries, observing their construction and imagining how they were used centuries ago. The site provides excellent photo opportunities, capturing the dramatic landscape and the architectural ingenuity of the Inca. While there are no specific culinary traditions directly associated with Pinkuylluna, Ollantaytambo offers a variety of restaurants serving traditional Peruvian cuisine, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region after your exploration.