Corihuasi
Corihuasi (Quechua for "golden house") is a historical site located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru. It is situated near the town of Ollantaytambo. The site is believed to have been a royal estate or country retreat used by Inca royalty, particularly during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti.
Corihuasi is characterized by its well-preserved agricultural terraces, irrigation systems, and stonework. The terraces were used for cultivation, likely for the production of crops to supply the Inca elite. The intricate irrigation systems demonstrate the advanced engineering skills of the Inca civilization. The stonework is of high quality, although less elaborate than that found in some other Inca sites like Machu Picchu.
Excavations at Corihuasi have unearthed pottery, tools, and other artifacts, providing insights into the daily life and agricultural practices of the Inca people who inhabited the site. While not as widely known as some of the larger Inca complexes, Corihuasi offers valuable information about Inca agricultural technology and the lifestyle of the Inca elite outside of the major urban centers. It is considered a significant archaeological site contributing to our understanding of the Inca civilization. Access to the site is typically included in tours of the Sacred Valley.