Ollantaytambo is a town and an Inca archaeological site in southern Peru about 38 miles from Cusco and is at an altitude of 9,160 feet above sea level. During the Inca Empire, this was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti who conquered the region, built the town and the ceremonial center. During the Spanish conquest of Peru, it served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui, who was the leader of the Inca resistance. Today, it is a tourist attraction due to the great Inca buildings on the side and top of the mountain.

At the base of the mountain, the Ollantaytambo village is very cute. As you go up the mountain, you have to climb up and past numerous terraces that the Inca people built in the mid-15th century. And when you get to the top, the Inca temple buildings and walls are amazing. Thus they call it Temple Hill.

This picture is a 20-exposure panorama view from the top of the mountain between sets of terraces looking back at the valley with the village of Ollantaytambo in the center. This picture probably doesn’t do it justice….you’ll just have to trust me. It was an outstanding experience and view.

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