Inka Misana, Archaeological site in Ollantaytambo, Peru
Inka Misana is an archaeological site in Ollantaytambo with niches, false doorways, and caves carved into the cliff face. The site includes water channels and fountains that still function today, directing water from the nearby river through the stone structures.
The site was built in the 15th century under Emperor Pachacuti as he expanded Ollantaytambo into a major fortress. The project was part of a larger transformation of the region to strengthen Inka control over the valley.
The water systems here show how the Inka built water management directly into their architecture. Residents used these structures for daily tasks, demonstrating their practical skill in working with nature.
The site is best explored on foot, connected by pathways that link to the terrace systems throughout Ollantaytambo. Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours here depending on how much time they want to spend exploring the different structures.
The water flowing through the channels comes from the Patacancha River and still fills the fountains today. This makes the site one of the few places where you can see Inka water engineering still working as it did centuries ago.
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