Located at the northwest end of the Sacred Valley on the banks of the Urubamba River is the great fortress of Ollantaytambo. These ruins were once a place of great spiritual and military importance for the Incas. Ollantaytambo is also one of the best preserved sites, with the old walls of houses still standing and the water still running through channels that date back to the 15th century. The village around the great fortress is one of the most pleasant places to visit in the region.

Because of the fertile soil of the valley, the area made the perfect place for the early tribes of Peru to shift from a nomadic society to settlements of farmers. The first settlements in Ollantaytambo area date back to 800 BC with the Chanapata civilization. Legend has it that the village's brave and most famous general of the Incas, Ollantay, fell deeply in love with Kusi, the daughter of King Pachacutec. The love was forbidden because Ollantay, however accomplished he was as a leader, was a commoner and was not allowed to marry out of his social class. Today the story is celebrated theatrically and although the story is tragic, audiences can be assured of a happy ending.

A steep stairway leads to a group of buildings, the best known called the Temple of the Sun, which is an unfinished construction in front of a wall of huge boulders. It is amazing that these structures were ever even started, much less completed, considering the amount of work in manipulating the huge stones. Ollantaytambo fortress also has plazas with sacred shrines, an area where prisoners were kept and ritual shower areas call the Princess's Bath. Ollantaytambo is also a place shrouded in mystery. It is unknown, for example, how the seven rose-colored granite monoliths were created, since that type of stone is not mined in the valley.

The village of Ollantaytambo itself has its own highlights aside from the Inca ruins. With the nearby La Veronica mountain range, rainforests, and the Forest of Clouds, there are many opportunities for outdoor adventures such as mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and a connection to the Inca Trail en route to Machu Picchu. Just recently, Ollantaytambo is now able to offer visitors all the conveniences of a modern city.
Ollantaytambo Further Information

The village has hotels and hostels to choose from, if you choose to stay the night. Pakaritampu Hotel has brand new facilities and is surrounded by gardens overlooking the nearby mountains. It is located 50 km from the train station. The El Albergue Hostel and Bed and Breakfast is in the traditional style of Peruvian haciendas and is one of the coziest and most romantic establishments in the area. Machu Picchu is also only one hour away.
Pakaritampu Hotel Website
El Albergue Hostel Website

Map of The Sacred Valley

  Sacred Valley

    Machu Picchu

    Ollantaytambo
    Pisac
    Urubamba
    Chinchero
    Moray & Salinas
    Llama Farm