Pinkuylluna, Archaeological site on hillside in Ollantaytambo, Peru.
Pinkuylluna is an archaeological site on the hillside of Ollantaytambo with stone structures spread across multiple levels that served as storage buildings with carefully built walls and passages. The site uses the steep terrain cleverly, with buildings built into or against the cliff face to maximize storage space.
The site was built during the 15th century Inca period and served as grain storage for the population of Ollantaytambo. These storage facilities were important strategic reserves that supplied the region with food.
The name comes from the Quechua language, referencing the traditional Inca flute and the sound of wind passing through the structures. Visitors can sense this connection today as breezes move through the passages and openings of the buildings.
Access is through a free walking trail about 1.1 kilometers long starting near Ollantaytambo's center. The terrain is steep and requires good footing and appropriate shoes, especially during wet weather.
The storage buildings feature an advanced ventilation system where wind circulates through specific wall openings and underground spaces to cool the food supplies. This cooling design shows the remarkable engineering skill of the Inca who created effective storage conditions without modern technology.
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