04/01/2025
Ollantaytambo is a must-see in Peru’s Sacred Valley, its impressive terraces and ancient temples are fulfilled with captivating legends and mysteries, and the background set of the central Andes is simply breathtaking.
These ruins are built with massive boulders (some weighing up to 50 tons), and the locals swear they were transported from the quarries that are located over 500 m above the valley and across the river – an impressive feat for the humankind.👽
Ollantaytambo also reflects the Inca’s cosmology and deep knowledge of astronomy, notably the Sun Temple which during solstices is perfectly aligned with the first sunrays over the Pinkuylluna hill. 🌄
The town is also linked to a profound love story. Ollantay, a general under the Inca emperor Pachacuti, fell in love with the Princess Cusi Coyllur, but both knew that their union was forbidden. As punishment, the emperor locked his daughter in Acllahuasi (house of the chosen women) and the general raided Ollantaytambo in his rebellion.
During our visit to this special place we had the privilege of reuniting with our friend Silvia, who we met in Portugal several years ago.✨
