Incan terraces

Incan terraces, such as those at Moray and Pisac, are agricultural engineering feats that turned steep Andean slopes into fertile farmland.

About this subject

Incan terraces are one of the most impressive legacies of pre-Columbian agricultural engineering. Built on the slopes of the Peruvian Andes between the 15th and 16th centuries, they allowed cultivation at altitudes up to 4,000 meters. Each platform was supported by dry stone walls, a technique that uses no mortar, and filled with layers of gravel, sand, and topsoil for drainage and moisture retention. The system not only prevented erosion but also created microclimates: temperature differences between levels could reach 15 °C, enabling tests of maize, potato, and quinoa varieties. The most iconic site is Moray, a set of concentric circular terraces that functioned as an agricultural laboratory. Meanwhile, the terraces of Pisac and Ollantaytambo show how Inca architecture blended with the landscape, with walls following contour lines. Unfortunately, after the Spanish conquest, many were abandoned, and today only a fraction remains in use, though restoration projects are reviving the technique for sustainable farming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main purpose of Incan terraces?

They enabled farming on steep slopes, preventing erosion, retaining water, and creating microclimates that allowed the cultivation of diverse crop varieties.

Where are the most famous Incan terraces located?

The most famous are in Moray, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Cusco, Peru.

Are Incan terraces still in use today?

A small portion is still cultivated by local communities, and restoration projects are reviving the technique for sustainable agriculture and tourism.