The Inca Aqueducts, Irrigation Systems

Location: Rediscover Machu Picchu > The Inca Civilization > The Inca Aqueducts, Irrigation Systems

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The Aqueducts - Wonders of Inca Civil Engineering

Impressively well constructed aqueducts are located at multiple archaeological sites in southeastern Peru.

These systems were primarily used for the irrigation of the agricultural terraces and for bringing fresh drinking water from fountains and clear mountain streams to the Inca cities.

Most of these aqueducts were built close to mountain sides. They collected the water coming from the mountains and helped in distributing it across the wider areas where it was needed.

Irrigation and drinking water systems, but even baths were built.

Thanks to the combination of terraces and efficient waterways, the Incas have managed to improve the agricultural production on this part of South America. In fact, even today, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is Peru's most productive area (from the agricultural point-of-view).

Interestingly, many of these waterways are carved into whole rocks instead of being put together from multiple components (individual bricks). This was done to minimize possible leakage.

The aqueducts have been providing water during drought for centuries and they are extensively used today.

We can conclude, the Incas were great masters of water systems, just like the Romans were.

To see functioning waterways, irrigation systems used for agriculture, then go to Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu. One of the most beautiful and most well-preserved and restored Inca aqueducts its located in Tipón or, you may want to see a fountain-complex at Tambomachay.

The most beautiful aqueducts are at Tipón, though.