4 Best Sights in Ollantaytambo, Cusco and the Sacred Valley

Walk above town to a formidable stone structure, where massive terraces climb to a temple area honoring the sun god. Although the elaborate, walled complex was the valley's main defense against the Antis (jungle peoples) from the neighboring rainforests, the sun temple, used for astronomical observation, and the Baños de la Ñusta (ceremonial princess baths) lead archaeologists to believe that Ollantaytambo existed for more than defensive purposes, as was typical with Inca constructions. Construction, which began during the reign of Pachacutec but was never completed, incorporates rose-colored granite that was not mined in this part of the valley. The structure was the site of the greatest Inca victory over the Spanish during the wars of conquest. Manco Inca fled here in 1537 with a contingent of troops after the disastrous loss at Sacsayhuamán and routed Spanish forces under Hernando Pizarro. The victory was short-lived: Pizarro regrouped and took the fortress. If you come on your own, take the time to walk up above and through a wooden door at the back to see an Intihuatana ("hitching post of the Sun").

If you've made it to the Sacred Valley, you've likely seen your share of woven garments. But it's worth swinging by this fair-trade shop just down the road from the Plaza de Armas on the way to the ruins. All the extremely high-quality goods are produced as part of the Awamaki weaving project, which supports a cooperative of Quechua women from the Patacancha Valley. The organization also has a variety of cultural tours and other offerings, including homestays and weaving courses, all of which you can find out about at the shop.

The Old Town's distinctive appearance can be attributed to Inca organizational skills. They based their communities on the unit of the cancha, a walled city block, each with one entrance leading to an interior courtyard, surrounded by a collection of houses. The system is most obvious in the center of town around the main plaza. You'll find the most welcoming of these self-contained communities at Calle del Medio. A tourist information office on the Plaza de Armas can help direct you.

Most visitors only go to Ollantaytambo’s main ruins, but the 15th-century granary storages perched on the sacred mountain of Pinkuylluna, on the opposite side of town, are also interesting, and they afford awesome views. Best of all, visiting is free. The path here, which is steep in parts but can be managed in about 20 minutes, starts near the Apu Lodge in the old town. At the top are ruins of living quarters, which, it is believed, hosted privileged Inca women with textile weaving skills. The views from up at this level are stunning. The granaries, which are in poorer condition, are situated on the lower part of the mountain, connected by a well-marked circular hiking path.