The small town of Ollantaytambo is the perfect base for exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Nestled in a beautiful valley, Ollantaytambo is a small Andean town with many restaurants, hotels and souvenir shops to cater to the large groups of tourists that visit here every day for touring the ruins in the village.
We stayed in Casa del Abuelo, a small B&B located on the street next to the ruins. Our room opened to the street and beautiful view of the moutains.
We started the morning with tour of the Ruins of Ollantaytambo. This was the last stronghold of the Incas during the Spanish invasion. The complex served as a Military Fort while offering spaces for Religion and Agriculture.
From the top of the ruins, you get to see the whole valley, with Ollantaytambo town at bottom.
There were clear sections for farming, religion, administration and military. All these had thatched roofs once, all gone now. Some more pictures in the Gallery below –
It is here we first noted the beauty of Inca Architecture. The huge stones are locked against each other as they have been welded together. They even withstood earthquakes! All this was done on hard stone without help of modern technology!
On our way down we came across some Quinoa plants. These were one form of staple food for the Incas. They were once harvested in these grounds. Extra grains were stored in granaries, like the one you see in the distance in the mountain.
After exiting the ruins, we walked around the old town a bit. The streets and houses have not changed at all. Many people still stay in the ancient stone houses that Incas built, just the roofs have changed.
Then we walked into the town square. The views from every corner of this town are just stunning!
That’s all Ollantaytambo has to offer. There are many shops where you can bargain and get some souvenirs. It is advised you buy them here, as the prices are cheaper than in touristy Cusco.