As you plan your Sacred Valley Tour, Ollantaytambo might appear as another stop on your itinerary. However, this enchanting town offers much more than meets the eye.
Ollantaytambo is not just an archaeological site. It’s a living Inca town. You can walk on the very same stone paths that the Incas once trod.
Ollantaytambo was a strategic point in the Inca Empire. It was a military, religious, and agricultural hub. You can still see the impressive terraces that were used for farming. The town’s layout was designed with a purpose, a testament to Inca planning and architecture.
The fortress in Ollantaytambo was the site of a significant Inca victory over the Spaniards. It was here that Manco Inca Yupanqui managed to resist the Spanish conquest, a rare feat in the history of the Inca Empire.
At the top of the terraces lies the unfinished Temple of the Sun. It features a wall with six giant monoliths. How the Incas transported these massive stones remains a mystery.
The Incas were master hydrologists. You can still see the functioning water channels they built. This ancient water system continues to provide water to the town.
Look up the hills. You’ll spot some peculiar buildings. These are the ancient storehouses, or Qollqas. The Incas cleverly built them high up to keep the grain cool and dry.
Ollantaytambo’s streets form a neat grid, dividing the town into canchas – blocks with a central courtyard. You can explore this grid during your Sacred Valley Tour. It’s a rare insight into the Incan urban planning.
The Patakancha River running through the town has a mythological significance. According to Inca mythology, the river is the earthly manifestation of the Milky Way.
Just like other Inca sites, Ollantaytambo has an astronomical alignment. During the winter solstice, the sun shines directly through a doorway of a building on Pinkuylluna Hill.
Ollantaytambo hosts the ancient Festival of Choquekilla. It’s a traditional event to honor the mountain spirits. If you’re lucky, you might witness this vibrant celebration on your Sacred Valley Tour.
Ollantaytambo is not just another Inca ruin. It’s a living, breathing testament to Inca civilization. From ingenious architecture and hydrology to its rich cultural traditions, Ollantaytambo is brimming with lesser-known facts and hidden gems.
When you embark on your Sacred Valley Tour, take the time to delve deeper into the mysteries of Ollantaytambo. You might discover secrets that transcend time, leaving you with a richer, more profound travel experience.
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