Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo is a town and archaeological site located in the Urubamba Province of the Cusco Region in Peru. It lies at an altitude of approximately 2,664 metres (8,750 feet) above sea level, in a valley between the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Urubamba River. The site is renowned for its well-preserved Inca agricultural terraces, stone walls, and an impressive military fortress called the Mita.

The town was founded by an Inca noble named Ollantay, who resisted Spanish conquest in the early 16th century. His legendary resistance, commemorated in an unfinished ceremonial palace, remains a symbol of indigenous pride. The archaeological zone was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, alongside Machu Picchu, as part of the "Sacred Valley of the Incas" group. The designation recognises the site’s exemplary representation of Inca urban and agricultural engineering, as well as its testimony to pre‑modern farming techniques on steep landscapes.

Tourism constitutes a major part of the local economy. From the middle terrace, visitors can view the dramatic stairways carved into the cliff face, the vaulted K'usillu Changay, and the ruins of the Temple of the Sun. In the town proper, few colonial structures remain, but the historic Plaza and the Church of San Thomas draw pilgrims and tourists alike. Annual festivals, such as the Inti Raymi celebrations, integrate contemporary Quechua traditions with the town’s historical legacy.

Transport links include shuttle buses from Cusco and Machu Picchu, and a narrow‑gauge train line that traverses the Urubamba valley. Hiking routes, notably the Inca Trail, begin here, providing a gateway for trekkers heading to Machu Picchu. Local crafts and agricultural products, especially maize and quinoa, supply both the local markets and the influx of visitors. The preservation of the terraces, the maintenance of traditional agriculture, and the ongoing archaeological research ensure that Ollantaytambo remains a living testament to Inca ingenuity and cultural resilience.