Carved by the Urubamba River, a huge Valley stretches out in the middle of the Peruvian highlands, in the Andes. Over the ages inhabited by huge empires and greedy invaders, the mysticism of the Cusco Region still manages to grasp many tourists. As the mind-blowing home to the Inca civilization, the Cusco Region is high on the list of many travelers and backpackers. Not only because of the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Incredible panoramic sceneries and tons of ancient Inca sites and ruins. Add to this the spiritual retreat centers and rural jungle and mountain farmers. It is no wonder so many different types of travelers find their way to Cusco. Discover here what all the hype is about.

The building of Ollantaytambo was commanded by Pachacuti. He did this after raising the town present and thereby having conquered the valley. The size and effort made for the city and terraces to be put up in the mid-15th century are incredible. With its vast irrigation works, it clearly shows a focus on water worship. The city was well maintained for the Inca nobility of the Sacred Valley moving into this estate. Vast military, agricultural and religious deployment made the city a force on its own. Ollantaytambo was capable to stand a long siege as well as defend the northern border of the Valley. Despite so, after slaying a Spanish expedition coming from Cusco, Manco Inca chooses in 1537 to retreat to Vilcabamba, the lost city of the Inca. Ollantaytambo is still called ‘Living Inca City’ since its residents still live according to ancient traditions.

Today

Today Ollantaytambo is a very popular attraction for its huge assortment of ruins and terraces. Despite this, most people know it as a hub for going to Aguascalientes, Machu Picchu Pueblo. Make sure that when passing it for going to Machu Picchu, you take some time to look around. Enjoy the inspiring views and stories regarding its history and built.