After an incredible time on the Lares Trek and Machu Picchu, we were ready for some down time and the town of Ollantaytambo was exactly what we needed. The area is the best example of what Incan towns used to be like. Thankfully, the Spanish never bothered with Ollantaytambo and as a result, it was not damaged or looted like many of the other Incan cities. We were able to walk down the cobblestone streets and steal away into the courtyards. In fact, we were able to go into one of the homes as they were selling souvenirs and guinea pigs for dinner:)
There is a lovely main square and a lively market where one can purchase fresh fruits and veggies, meat, bread etc….
The main draw of Ollantaytambo are the ruins right above the city. During the Incan times, it was thought to be used as an astrological observatory. Since the Incans were so in tune with the night sky, the astrologists used this area to plan all of the farming, harvest, etc…. In fact, there are kilometres of terraces built during Incan times that are still used for farming today!
There are storehouses built right into the mountains which allowed ventilation for the collected food so that it could last much longer than if kept in barrels or containers. There is also evidence of fountains and bathing pools on the grounds.
However, after the Incas tried to revolt against the Spaniards in 1536 under the leadership of Manco Inca Yupanqui, the farming and ceremonial structure was transformed into a military fortress. The Incas did quite well in their resistance, but eventually the Spanish forces seized Ollantaytambo and quartered Manco in 1544 in Cusco’s main square – Plaza des Armes.
One of the most exciting part of the ruins is the sun temple where enormous smooth pink granite rocks tower over everyone.
Our guide Jose Louise, said he believes one of the earlier tribes worked on the sun temple because of the 5 step carvings into the rocks. These are not the same as the Incan 3 step chakanas that we have seen elsewhere.
We had been somewhat reluctant to hire a guide for these ruins, as we had already done extensive touring of other Incan sites. Jose Louise convinced us that we needed to hire him so that we could finally find out how the Incans built these structures and transported the rocks. We were convinced and wanted to know the answers – you’re hired Jose Louise!
Jose Louise pointed to a mountain across the river and indicated that it was the quarry the Incans used to access the rocks. He said the workers would cut the rocks and then roll them down the mountain and across the river via an Incan bridge.
There is a ramp on the side of the mountain of the Ollantaytambo ruins which Jose Louise said the Incans used to bring the rocks up to the builders. Again, this is speculation but it did remind me of the ramp the Romans built and used to reach and conquer Masada in Israel.
Furthermore, Jose Louise showed us how the Incans transported the rocks across the site. Throughout the ruins, there are large slabs of rocks placed on ramps. Since the Incans had to flee from the site due to military attack by the Spanish – they never had the chance to complete Ollantaytambo which is why these ramps and slabs still remain to this day.
Did this tour solve the mysteries behind the Incas? Are we satisfied that the construction of all of these amazing sites is nothing more that human strength and ingenuity? Or is there something more? I don’t think any of us are truly content….we love these types of mysteries. In fact, all of this theorizing and speculating just made us hungry…..
So of course, it wasn’t a surprise that our day ended at Ollantaytambo’s Choco Museo where we decided to “try on and model” some chocolate clothing” and talk about the Incans over some hot chocolate. What a sweet way to end the day!
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