1.- WHAT IS PINKUYLLUNA?
The archaeological center of Pinkuylluna is a peculiar construction that is located at the top of the mountain 20 minutes walk from the town of Ollantaytambo, are a set of Qolqas or deposits where the inhabitants of the town of Ollantaytambo during the Inca period and even before took advantage of the climate in an exceptional way to keep food fresh without risk of spoilage.
The Pinkuylluna Incan Storehouses have a history probably much older than the Inca culture, since in the interior was found use of ceramics belonging to the Wari culture and these are related to the terraces found in the place. Although its use is associated mainly as a warehouse, the reality is that it also has another interpretation and that is where its name comes from, according to the archaeologist Victor Angles Vargas, the Pinkuylluna is the place where the Pinkuyllu sounded, which is a form of rustic flute made of bone, however it is not known for sure since when it adopted the name of Pinkuylluna.
The structure of the Pinkuylluna Incan Storehouses that can be seen today have a rectangular shape, in some cases have closed structures and in others have a much larger rear wall than the front, this with the intention that when the icy winds coming from the snowy and traveled throughout the valley can reach here, allowing food such as corn remained fresh for longer.
The Pinkuylluna is not only famous for the history it keeps, but also for the wonderful view it offers to all travelers who dare to visit it. It is one of the best views you can get on your visit to the Sacred Valley during your way to Machu Picchu.
2.- HOW TO GET TO PINKUYLLUNA
Getting to the Pinkuylluna is easy, the first thing you must do is to leave Cusco to the town of Ollantaytambo, for this you can make use of a private transport contracted directly with a travel agency like Auri Peru that ensures that your trip will be comfortable and safe or you can hire a cab, preferably from an application such as In Driver, avoid using street cabs at all times. This trip lasts in any case 2 hours and takes you to the main square of Ollantaytambo where it begins a walk first to the base of the mountain and then along a path to the slope of the upper part where the Pinkuylluna Incan Storehouses are located, this walk lasts between 30 to 45 minutes depending on the pace you have, you do not need to be an expert in the walk but you should consider having a little physical preparation.
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3.- THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PINKUYLLUNA
Although the Pinkuylluna is available to visit throughout the year it is always advisable to visit it when there is no presence of rain because you have to climb the mountain and on wet ground it is easy to have an accident. For this reason the best time to visit the Pinkuylluna is undoubtedly in the dry season (May to October). This time of year is ideal for hiking because there is no presence of frequent rains and the days are brighter.
On the other hand during the day there are 3 moments that are ideal to visit the Pinkuylluna, depending a lot on your time availability:
- The first is early in the morning, between 05:00 am and 06:00 am, to enjoy the sunrise with the first rays of sunshine directly to the archaeological center of Ollantaytambo.
- The second is at noon, at 12:00 pm, at this time the sun is at its best and you can enjoy the tour of the warehouses and at the same time enjoy the incredible view of the archaeological center.
- The last one is in the afternoon, at 16:00 pm, at this time you not only enjoy a space free of tourists but also you can appreciate how the sun gives its last rays on the incredible valley.
4.- WHAT TO TAKE DURING YOUR VISIT TO PINKUYLLUNA
For many people to visit the Pinkuylluna is a challenge and for others it is much easier than they expect, the best way to delight the experience is that you are comfortable and for this you should prepare before and know what to bring, here are some recommendations on how to prepare your luggage:
- Hiking shoes: Remember that it is a steep hiking experience, the ground contains pieces of stone that are easy for many to slip, wear shoes with rubber soles to prevent you from slipping.
- Water and Snack: Due to its location at the top of the mountain it is obvious that you will not be able to buy anything at the top, so bring a bottle of water and a light snack for your stay.
- Sun protection: During the dry season the sun is stronger so it is important to take care of yourself, bring a shade, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Light clothing: The weather is already hot during the dry season so wearing shorts and a polo shirt will be enough.
- Prevention: Take a windbreaker with you, as it is a valley area the wind can be very strong and annoying.
5.- PRICE AND SCHEDULES
Visiting the Pinkuylluna is more accessible than visiting the archaeological center of Ollantaytambo because you do not need to buy any income and also is available all day. You just need to plan your visit in advance so that you can organize the rest of the activities such as the train or visiting the archaeological center.
6.- A PIECE OF HISTORY
“In the year 1537, after the Spaniards obtained the city of Cusco, the last Inca known as Manco Inca, he set up his military base of operation in Ollantaytambo where he resisted arduously to the conquerors and in his way to protect the secrets that they still kept, he burned and hid the starting point of the traditional Inca trail that gave access to the citadel of Machu Picchu, the Spaniards never managed to reach what we know today as the world wonder.”
7.- FAQs ABOUT PINKUYLLUNA
- Is Pinkuylluna suitable for children?
The ascent to the Pinkuylluna Incan Storehouses is not very complicated, in case you have children, consider giving them a little more time on the hike and let them go at their own pace. In this case it is recommended that you seek help from a local guide who can help you along the way.
- Can I visit Pinkuylluna and Machu Picchu on the same day?
If it can be done in one day but it is too heavy, we recommend that you take one day in your visit to the Sacred Valley including the Pinkuylluna and a second day to visit the citadel of Machu Picchu. Consider that the experience of visiting the Pinkuylluna lasts about 3 hours between going, returning and stay time.
- Can I bring my dog or pet?
No, although you do not have to buy an entrance ticket, you must register in a notebook in a booth that is on the way and controls both the entrance and exit, in this way it is regulated that pets do not enter archaeological sites.
- Is there cell phone coverage or Wi-Fi available?
No, it is a place far from the town of Ollantaytambo so you will not find places to charge your cell phone or much less Wi-fi.
There are places that can make your experience even more incredible, consider a visit to Pinkuylluna as one of them. Auri Peru is a specialist in unique experiences for travelers like you, contact us now and find out what we can do for you.
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