Pinkuylluna Mountain Granaries Ollantaytambo
Ancient Inca granaries offering breathtaking panoramic views of Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley. Free to enter!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Pinkuylluna Mountain Granaries Ollantaytambo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Inca granaries offering breathtaking panoramic views of Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley. Free to enter!
"Stunning mini-trek with Inca charm & epic views! The payoff is amazing."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is steep and uneven. Good hiking shoes are a must for safety and comfort.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated during the short but steep uphill climb. It's a quick trip, but the sun can be intense.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inca Granaries
Mountainside
Impressive ancient Inca storage structures clinging to the cliff face, offering a glimpse into history.
Panoramic Valley Views
Top of the hike
Breathtaking vistas of Ollantaytambo town and the lush Sacred Valley below. Perfect for photos!
Llama-Shaped Town View
From the granaries
Appreciate the unique llama-shaped layout of Ollantaytambo town from this elevated vantage point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Steep Climb
Best Views & Photo Ops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is steep and uneven. Good hiking shoes are a must for safety and comfort.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated during the short but steep uphill climb. It's a quick trip, but the sun can be intense.
📸 Capture the Views
This spot is a photographer's paradise! Don't forget your camera for stunning panoramic shots.
📝 Sign In at Entrance
Entry is free, but you need to sign your name in the visitor logbook.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is steep and uneven. Good hiking shoes are a must for safety and comfort.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated during the short but steep uphill climb. It's a quick trip, but the sun can be intense.
📸 Capture the Views
This spot is a photographer's paradise! Don't forget your camera for stunning panoramic shots.
📝 Sign In at Entrance
Entry is free, but you need to sign your name in the visitor logbook.
🚶♀️ Go Early for Solitude
Arrive early to enjoy the granaries and views with fewer people around.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views and the impressive Inca granaries at Pinkuylluna, all accessible via a short, free hike. While the climb is steep and safety precautions are advised due to the lack of railings, the breathtaking scenery and historical significance make it a highly recommended experience for anyone visiting Ollantaytambo.
"About a 15-30 minute uphill hike with beautiful views. You just need to sign in to enter - no payment. Make sure to watch your step and be mindful of holding onto the railings since they’re not as stable. When you head back down, you can take a separate route to view other ruins (you eventually loop back to the entrance). Highly recommend!"
Naomi Yocum
"Stunning mini-trek with Inca charm & epic views!
Our hike to Pinkuylluna was a highlight! The trail is steep but doable—just a short, well-marked climb—and the payoff is amazing. At the top, the dramatic Inca granaries perched on the mountainside were even more impressive in person.
The panoramic views over Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley were breathtaking—ideal for memorable photos. We took our time, soaking in both the history and the landscape."
Adrian Hediger
"This little site is incredible and free. It’s easy to miss the entrance because it doesn’t look like much. I was there at 7:30 and was the only visitor. It was absolutely stunning."
Kim Fankhauser
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pinkuylluna is easily accessible from Ollantaytambo town. Head towards the front of the main Ollantaytambo archaeological site, and you'll find the entrance on your right, just before the market. It's a short, steep hike up the mountain. +1
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the Pinkuylluna trailhead, Ollantaytambo town has parking facilities. You can park in town and then walk to the trailhead.
The trailhead is located on a paved street just before Ollantaytambo's Plaza de Armas. Look for an open passage leading up the mountain with stone stairs.
Yes, it's a walkable distance from the train station to the trailhead in Ollantaytambo town. It's a great way to stretch your legs after your journey.
The hike is described as steep but short, typically taking 20-30 minutes. It's manageable for most with good footwear, but can be challenging for some.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The best part? Pinkuylluna is completely free to visit! You just need to sign your name in the visitor logbook at the entrance.
No advance booking is required. Entry is free and on a first-come, first-served basis. Just show up and sign in.
There are no official opening hours posted, but it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Visiting early in the morning is recommended to avoid crowds.
No, there is no entrance fee. The site is free to access, making it a fantastic budget-friendly activity in Ollantaytambo.
Yes, you can easily visit Pinkuylluna independently. The trail is well-marked, and the site is straightforward to explore on your own.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The top of the hike offers incredible panoramic views of Ollantaytambo town and the Sacred Valley. The Inca granaries themselves also make for dramatic and historic photos.
Absolutely! The combination of ancient ruins, dramatic mountain scenery, and the charming town below makes it a prime location for photography enthusiasts.
Expect breathtaking views of Ollantaytambo, the surrounding mountains, and the Sacred Valley. You can also see the main Ollantaytambo archaeological site across the valley.
Yes, from Pinkuylluna, you get a great vantage point to see the main Ollantaytambo archaeological site across the valley.
Definitely! Even if you're not a history buff, the stunning panoramic views alone make the short hike worthwhile.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
A visit to Pinkuylluna typically takes about 1 hour round trip, including time to explore the granaries and enjoy the views.
Unfortunately, there are very few safety railings. Visitors should be cautious, watch their step, and wear appropriate footwear.
Comfortable walking or hiking shoes are essential due to the steep and uneven terrain. Layers are also recommended as the weather can change.
Yes, you can explore the granaries up close. Be mindful of the ancient structures and the steep drops.
The main trail leads up to the granaries. Some reviews mention taking a separate route back down to see other ruins, looping back to the entrance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Purpose of Pinkuylluna
While the primary function was storage, Pinkuylluna also offered a commanding strategic viewpoint. From this vantage point, Inca sentinels could monitor the valley and the town of Ollantaytambo below, providing early warning of any approaching threats. The site's accessibility, though steep, was likely managed by trained individuals. Today, visitors can marvel at the ingenuity of the Inca civilization and imagine the bustling activity that once took place here, connecting with a rich historical past.
Navigating the Hike and Safety
Travelers often recommend bringing water to stay hydrated, as the climb can be strenuous, especially under the Andean sun. Going early in the morning is a popular tip to avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds, allowing for a more peaceful experience. Some reviews mention that the entrance might be easy to miss if you're not looking carefully, so keep an eye out for the passage leading up the mountain.
Photography and Unforgettable Views
To capture the best shots, consider visiting during the golden hour – early morning or late afternoon – when the light is soft and casts a beautiful glow over the landscape. Many visitors find that the views from Pinkuylluna are a highlight of their trip to Ollantaytambo, offering a different perspective than the main archaeological site. The combination of natural beauty and ancient history makes it a truly memorable spot for capturing stunning images.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit