The fortified town of Ollantaytambo witnessed the last great battle between the Incas and the Spanish. A strategic point facing a splendid panorama, the site once hosted the Inca emperor and holds the Temple of the Sun of Ollantaytambo, considered by the Incas to be one of their most important ceremonial centers. The temple displays meticulously planned architecture and showcases some of the most refined stonework in the region.
Proud and distinctive, the town, nestled against the ancient fortress built to protect it, has remained relatively unchanged despite the Spanish invasion: Inca foundations can still be seen today, and the different parts of the city remain clearly distinguishable. The terraces and canals, which once carried glacier water to the village without eroding the soil, as well as the granaries and houses, are still standing. The plazas, the royal house, the site's center of gravity which also houses the observatory, and the enclosure with its imposing walls all recall a bygone glory.
This complex, rich in architectural diversity, is best explored through its charming maze-like streets, which let visitors appreciate the different styles and quality of stonework from the Inca era. The mysticism radiating from these ruins makes for a perfect introduction to the wonder of Machu Picchu.
