Ollantaytambo, Majestic Inca Ruins Amidst Breathtaking Scenery

Casa de Mama, Estudiante Street, Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Cusco, 08676, Peru

Sun Temple and Granary

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Introduction

Ollantaytambo is a must-visit town in the Sacred Valley. Here you will find the largest and most majestic Inca ruins in the valley - the Sun Temple of Ollantaytambo. Most trains to Machu Picchu depart from here, so many tourists choose to stay overnight. In addition to the Inca ruins and Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo itself is a charming town. It is located in a small valley and has a layout similar to that of an Inca city. The streets are paved with large stones and the alleys are narrow and car-free, making it perfect for strolling. Cute animal statues representing the blessings of Mother Earth can be found on the roofs of houses in the town. The Sun Temple is a huge building located only 200 meters from the central square. It can be seen from every rooftop in town, but the true majesty of the temple can only be felt up close. The Sun Temple is climbable. Climbing to the top is the temple itself, but the bottom layers are platforms planted with flowers for sacrifices. Climbing to the top of the temple requires some physical strength, especially for tourists who are still affected by altitude sickness. However, do not give up because seeing the complete view of the temple is very worthwhile. When this temple was not yet repaired, Cusco fell under the invasion of the Spanish colonial army. The Incas here saw that the situation had gone and had to abandon the city. Therefore, large stones can be seen scattered throughout the scenic area. Ollantaytambo is one of the towns in the Sacred Valley with the most dining and lodging options. In addition, tourists can also purchase necessary items here.