Ollantaytambo
Peru
The small town of Ollantaytambo is one of the perfect examples of Inca urbanism. Its cobbled streets will leave you breathless as well as the Inca open draining system. You will also visit the archeological site, recognized as the only place that defeated the Spanish army during colonization for almost 50 years.
Contents
10 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Ollantaytambo, a breathtaking marvel nestled deep within the Urubamba Valley, often referred to as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. I am delighted to be your guide through this extraordinary site. …
Listen in the app2The Living Village and Ancient Water Channels
We begin our exploration not within the ruined temples above, but here on the vibrant, bustling valley floor, in the heart of the living village of Ollantaytambo. As we walk along these perfectly straight, narrow cobblestone…
Listen in the app3The Ceremonial Baths and Trapezoidal Fountain
Having departed the residential grid, we now stand at the foot of the immense archaeological complex, in an area deeply dedicated to the veneration of water. Before us lies a meticulously constructed aquatic feature known locally…
Listen in the app4The Monumental Agricultural Terraces
We now begin our physical ascent of Ollantaytambo, standing at the base of the spectacular agricultural terraces, locally known as andenes. Look straight up. …
Listen in the app5The Gateway of the Gods and Megalithic Enclosure
Having conquered the steep ascent of the agricultural terraces, we now arrive at a distinct plateau, and the architectural narrative undergoes a dramatic, undeniable shift. We are approaching a sector often referred to as the…
Listen in the app6The Temple of the Sun and the Six Monoliths
We have now reached the absolute pinnacle of the archaeological complex, standing in awe before the crown jewel of Ollantaytambo: The Temple of the Sun. Dominating the plateau before us is an astonishing, monumental wall composed…
Listen in the app7The Wall of the Living Rock
Let us now move slightly to the western edge of the temple complex, turning our attention away from the assembled granite blocks and focusing instead on the mountain itself. We are now facing what is referred to as the Wall of…
Listen in the app8The Inca Watana and the Temple of the Condor
Continuing along a remarkably narrow, precipitous stone path that clings tenaciously to the rock face, we arrive at a profoundly solemn sector known as the Inca Watana, intimately connected with the adjacent Temple of the Condor.…
Listen in the app9The View of Pinkuylluna and the Tired Stones
For our final designated stop before we begin our descent, turn your back to the magnificent Temple of the Sun and look directly across the valley. Dominating the skyline opposite us is the imposing Pinkuylluna mountain. …
Listen in the app10Closing
As we carefully make our descent down the steep stone stairways and return to the valley floor, let us take a moment to reflect on the immense weight of history we have just traversed. Ollantaytambo is not a site that can be…
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What is Ollantaytambo?
Ollantaytambo is a place in Peru with 10 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Peru |
|---|---|
| Type | Food |
| Story sections | 10 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | -13.2143, -72.3696 |
| Last updated |