CASA INKA - MUSEO VIVO. House of the guinea pigs : info and guided tour

Overview of CASA INKA – MUSEO VIVO. Casa de los cuyes

CASA INKA – MUSEO VIVO, also called Casa de los cuyes, is a small museum in Ollantaytambo, Peru, located at Calle del Medio 309, in the heart of the historic village. The site highlights a very concrete aspect of Andean life, the domestic raising of guinea pigs, called cuyes, still present in local culture.

The visit stands out for its living character rather than for a traditional collection. Visitors discover a space organized around the cuyes, with simple arrangements that make it possible to observe these animals in a traditional setting. This approach offers a direct insight into the food and cultural uses associated with cuy in the Peruvian Andes.

The museum also appeals through its integration into the architecture of Ollantaytambo, known for its narrow streets and stone houses with Inca foundations. Casa de los cuyes fits into this heritage atmosphere, offering an intimate look at local daily practices, close to an Andean dwelling still visible in the urban fabric.

This place is best known for its original “living museum” concept, combining heritage, observation, and transmission. Among the most emblematic things to see, the presentation of the cuyes and the layout of the space are especially noteworthy, evoking the long-standing relationship between the animal, food, and regional culture.

Discover Ollantaytambo with a private guide

A private guide can help you better understand the place of this small museum in Ollantaytambo, explaining the role of the cuy in Andean culture, the use of the house, and the meaning of the features visible on site. The guided visit also provides useful context about the village and its living heritage.