Ollantaytambo is an Inca city located in southern Peru, in the Urubamba province of the Cusco department. It is believed to have been a fortress and religious site, built in the 15th century during the reign of Inca Emperor Pachacútec, but there is evidence of much older buildings from the Huari Empire (AD 600-1000), so it is most likely that the Incas built on top of, or expanded, existing buildings.
Ollantaytambo Center Arqueologyc is known as the “living Inca city” for preserving its medieval streets and buildings, referring to the Inca and colonial era. In this activity, we will take an early tour of Ollantaytambo to visit its main attraction, the complex located at the foot of a mountain, the terraces, and the Temple of the Sun.
At the base of the mountain, the Incas built agricultural terraces and a village that served a strategic function: not only did it oversee the most fertile part of the Vilcanota River Valley, but it also controlled access to the jungle.
The Inca terraces are pyramid-shaped platforms made by the Incas, which were used for agriculture, primarily to grow corn and various types of potatoes.
The terraces were also used for architectural and urban planning, as they provided a level surface for building construction, squares, and roads. In addition, the terraces were used for social and religious purposes.
The terraces are considered a wonder of engineering, where artisanal agriculture is still practiced and are an important part of Ollantaytambo’s cultural heritage.
The ruins include, in addition to these terrace-shaped platforms, several temples carved from megalithic rocks and from the same mother rock, solar calendars, and a complex system of irrigation canals and royal baths.
It is believed to have been a royal palace during the Inca Empire, and is one of the best-preserved structures on the site.
The temple stands out for its large monolithic stone blocks, some of which weigh over 100 tons.
After visiting the center arqueologyc, we will descend to the village itself, where we can appreciate its structure, canals, conservation of its heritage, and the way of life of the locals.
Those who are not staying in Ollantaytambo can take the train at the Ollantaytambo train station or the bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Among the tours to the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo is one of the visits that tourists cannot miss, as it is an excellent way to learn more about Inca culture and history. Ollantaytambo is considered one of the most important and best-preserved Inca sites, and is a place to learn more about the Inca civilization.
This activity can always be booked from here: Las Qolqas Eco Resort .
