Ollantaytambo
When we first entered Ollantaytambo, our gaze turned upwards to stare at the massive terraces towering towards the sky. There are plenty of Inca sites to visit around Cusco, and each one has their own historical significance or architectural marvel. The name of this site literally means “resting place of Ollantay”. Legend says that Ollantay was an Inca warrior who shared a forbidden love with an Inca princess.
Welcome to the Ollantaytambo Fortress. Originally designed for growing crops, these terraces were also what helped Inca Manco score a major win against the Spanish.
One of the ceremonial pools at the base of the mountain fed by the nearby river.
Beginning the long climb up.
Taller than a person and much wider than a walking path, these terraces and are definitely not small little steps cut into the mountainside.
The view from the top terrace overlooking the town of Ollantaytambo.
The mountain across the way holds storehouses on the right side and on the left...the face the creator god Waricocha carved into the side.
A prime example of Incan stone craftsmanship.
The doorway that leads to...
The Temple of the Sun. These 6 monoliths were quarried from another mountain across the river.
A close up at the unique pink granite from the Unfinished Wall of Six Monoliths.
A path called the Balcon Pata leads away from the Sun temple towards more terraces.
While this area used to grow crops, now scrub brush and cacti grow wild here.
When seen from the sky, all the terraces and buildings of Ollantaytambo form the shape of a llama.