History of Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo was built in the late 1460s by the ninth Inca emperor, Pachacuti. Located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, about 60 miles from Cusco, it was intended to be a summer retreat for the emperor and his family. But it soon became much more than that. During the reign of Pachacuti's son, Tupac Yupanqui, Ollantaytambo served as a staging ground for military campaigns against rebel tribes. It also became an important religious center, with numerous temples and shrines dotting the landscape.

By the time the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Peru in 1533, Ollantaytambo was one of the largest and most important settlements in the Inca Empire. 

In the 15^th century, the Inca Pachacutec built Ollantaytambo and terraces for many purposes, like forming an irrigation system. These terraces look like temple Hills. This town is related to the Inca nobility. After his death, the town automatically came into the hand of Inca Mancos. Inca Mancos used Ollantaytambo as a hideaway from the Spanish's attack. The town's fortress is specially built for war purposes, one of the only successful ones against the conquistador. The Inca managed the holdback and decided to defeat the Spanish. In this war, the Spanish were beaten badly. After this, Inca Mancos retreated to the jungle of Vilcabamba because of knowing that the Spanish would come later with force.

Location

Ollantaytambo is a town in southern Peru, 72 km by the road northwest of Cusco. It is located at an altitude of 2,792 above sea level in the district of Ollantaytambo, province of Urubamba, Cusco region. Due to the location of the Ollantaytambo, the maximum temperature is 18' to 23'C, and the minimum temperature is 11' to 5'C throughout the year. The weather is dry from April to December, while the weather is rainy during January, February, and March.

Places to visit

Ollantaytambo is a stunningly beautiful tourist attraction on account of its location. There are many places to visit (Inca Quarries, Choqana, and Naupa Iglesias, etc.) Some of the beautiful spots include Archeological Park Ollantaytambo, a great site for exploring before heading to Machu Picchu and getting a feel of Incan beliefs, skills, etc. Pinkuylluna Mountain Granaries is a self-directed hiking opportunity to see the Inca granary's ruins on the hillside overlooking Ollantaytambo. The Pumamarca ruins are spectacular, lovely, and worth a wonderful hike, which offer beautiful views of mountains, agricultural terraces, and ruins.

Battle of Ollantaytambo

During the Spanish conquest of Peru, the Battle of Ollantaytambo occurred in January 1537 between the Inca monarch Mancos Inca army and a Spanish expedition led by Hernando Pizarro. Mancos Inca Yupanqui (a king and leader in the Inca resistance) had retreated to Ollantaytambo after losing at Sacsaywaman in 1537. Francisco Pizarro's younger half-brother, Hernando Pizarro, led an army of cavalrymen and foot soldiers to Ollantaytambo in an attempt to capture Mano Inca Yupanqui. From atop the high terracing, Mancos Inca's men pelted the oncoming Spanish with arrows, spears, and rocks, preventing them from scaling the castle. Mancos Inca used previously prepared channels for the fight to flood the plain below the stronghold in a clever battle tactic. The Spanish were forced to retreat due to their horses' inability to advance and were then pursued by tens of thousands of Manco Inca warriors.

The Archaeological Site

One of the Inca society's most enormous archaeological complexes, generally called a "fortress" due to its immense walls, was a "Tambo," or city property carefully positioned to dominate and safeguard the sacred valley. The architecture used, the quality of the stone, and how it was worked individually make Ollantaytambo a surprising one-of-a-kind work of art created during the Inca period, particularly the "Temple of the Sun."

Today's straight, tiny, quaint streets are fifteen blocks of residences positioned north of the population's central plaza, a truly historical legacy. Some colonial-style homes are built on well-polished Inca walls. The stone's tones are bright, with a dark pink petrified floral color. A massive block of perfect edges in a double row fits his fifteen angles terrestrial stars in the main square.

Ollantaytambo, the Present Town

The settlement was divided into rectangular blocks with a well-designed geometrical system, giving the impression that modern architects built it. Its winding streets lead to the Urubamba River. Every block is made up of a cluster of houses connected by a door to the central patio. From the Inca era, straight street distributions have been populated. While walking around the street, you can observe the fascinating scenery and people dressed in beautiful traditional dresses with colorful hats. Walking throughout town will expose you to a rich variety of live cultures that you will never forget.

Cachiccata Quarry

The Sacred Valley's Cachiccata is a small rural village. The ancient people of this region grew cereals, potatoes, barley, potatoes, and corn. The famed Cachiccata Cachiccata quarry near the settlement provided the pink granite stones used to construct the Ollantaytambo Fortress. Walking through the Intiwatana archaeological site before taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains and the famed Inca God Veronica (Snowy Peak) gives memories for the rest of life.

Ollantaytambo – A mystery

That's all there is to know about the wonderful town regarding truth and fiction. The one thing that can be claimed with certainty is that there is almost no information concerning the town itself available. Ollantaytambo is a fascinating place with a mystery.

What to expect?

Ollantaytambo is easily accessible from Cusco, with a great view of the mountains surrounding the area and an excellent follow-up to a visit to Machu Picchu. Small, well-preserved Inca dwellings can still be found inside the current city. You may also get a great view of the mountains and the surrounding area from here.

How to get to Ollantaytambo?

Not surprisingly, this beautiful city is considered a masterpiece of charming Inca architecture. Several routes can take you to Ollantaytambo, some of which are The Pisac Route, The Chinchero Route, etc.

If you are a mystery lover, then Ollantaytambo is the right place for you!

Unmissable Tours in Cusco

• Classic Inca Trail 4 days
• Short Inca Trail 2 days
• Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Tour
• 2-day Machu Picchu tour by train