Citation :

Heydi Karina Hinostroza Maravi, Erick Oswaldo Gamboa Tolentino, Jefferson Aldair Huairi Moza, Maria Paz Sáez Pérez, "Review of the Incamisana Hydraulic System in Ollantaytambo: A Territorial, Functional, and Symbolic Approach," International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 13, no. 8, pp. 219-226, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I8P114

Abstract

This article presents a systematic review of the Incamisana hydraulic system, addressing three approaches: territorial, functional, and symbolic. Within this framework, it presents the importance of water in the Andean context as an important resource for agriculture, organization, and the practice of rituals. This review was conducted using the PRISMA 2020 methodology, considering studies related to water supply, terraces, channels, fountains, and their symbolic interpretation. The results show that Incamisana was supplied by the Patacancha River through channels. In addition, the terraces fulfilled agricultural functions as well as roles in territorial organization. The system also included underground conduits and drop structures. Thus, the evidence indicates that Incamisana was not only a hydraulic infrastructure for water distribution, but was also associated with landscape integration, rituality, and symbolism. This approach makes it possible to understand the system as a reference for interpreting traditional hydraulic solutions and their relationship with the planning of the Andean territory.

Keywords

Incamisana, Ollantaytambo, Hydraulic system, Water management, Water symbolism.

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