The Storehouse In Machu Picchu
The Colcas or Qollqas in Machu Picchu were designed as storage facilities for food such as corn, cereals, dried potatoes (chuño), quinoa, and salted meat (chalona). They were built in a unique manner, positioned in a staggered arrangement along the hillsides. These large warehouses were essential for storing surplus agricultural produce.
The construction of these structures was intricate, with careful attention paid to ventilation and drainage systems to ensure optimal conditions for food preservation. Each Inca settlement had its own set of Colcas strategically positioned to maximize airflow and maintain the freshness of stored food.
Things To Know
- Baby llamas spend the night in store houses because they have roofs.
- The last picture of Machu Picchu, you can take from the storehouse before leaving Machu Picchu.
- When it rains, those storehouses protect you from the rain.
Visiting Hours
This site is open the whole day you can visit from 6 am until 5 pm.
Where is it located?
When you enter Machu Picchu, the first building that you will see is the storehouse. Basically it is located at the exit of Machu Picchu so all people who visit Machu Picchu will visit the store house too.
My name is Abel, and I am the co-founder of AB Expeditions, a local travel company based in Cusco. I was born in Chinchero, in the community of Chusso. My journey began working as a farmer, then later as a porter on the Inca Trail. After that, I studied to become a tour guide, learned English, and spent 20 years guiding different treks around the Cusco region.
Over the years, I began writing blogs about the treks I’ve done and sharing useful tips about traveling in Cusco. Eventually, I founded AB Expeditions to offer authentic travel experiences with a strong commitment to supporting local communities and creating unforgettable adventures for our guests.
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