Ollantaytambo
Description.
Ollantaytambo is a historic Inca town and archaeological site located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in southern Peru. It sits at an altitude of 2,792 meters (9,160 feet) and is one of the best-preserved examples of Inca urban planning and architecture. The town itself is still inhabited, with original Inca streets and buildings that have been continuously used for centuries.
Ollantaytambo served as a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center. The site is famous for its massive terraces that ascend the steep mountainside and the impressive fortress that overlooks the town. The fortress played a crucial role during the Spanish conquest, as it was one of the few places where the Incas successfully repelled a Spanish attack.
The Temple of the Sun, a prominent structure within the complex, is particularly notable for its finely cut and fitted stones. The town also serves as a starting point for the Inca Trail, a popular trekking route leading to Machu Picchu. Today, Ollantaytambo is a major tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the Inca civilization and its enduring legacy in Andean culture.