Ollantaytambo ... Saturday, 4/14/18

I think that when many people think of Peru, Lima and Machu Picchu are all they can relate to.  After lunch, our Road Scholar group began to discover there is so much more!  Located In the southern sector of Peru, and the northern end of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo holds an Incan ruin masterpiece.  There is Ollantaytambo the town, and Ollantaytambo the ruins ... this post will dwell on the ruins.  These ruins are of largely religious significance, but they did function as an Incan retreat from the Spanish in the 1500's.  I won't go into more detail, because there is so much more, but you can find information on the link above or Google it. 

During the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region, built the town and a ceremonial center around 1440 AD. 

Above and below -- viewing the Temple Hill ruins from the bottom.  We didn't climb the stairs to the top, though we saw people (tiny dots!) on all the terraces and ranging along the very top.  You simply cannot believe how large this structure is.  These agricultural terraces are taller than the average man and much wider than you can imagine.  Reaching the topmost terrace would require sturdy legs and acclimated lungs!  

This looks like part of the fortress, but I actually took this photo because of the Bromeliads covering the hill.  The air was warm and dry, and we were dressed just right for the day.  In the shade, we were glad we wore overshirts.

The Incas were marvels at irrigation and water features.

Pinkullyuna Hill with Inca Storehouses (right) and the Giant Carved Head of Viracocha (Inca God of Creation), just visible at left.  This image shows little detail because I had to zoom-in to the max, it was that far away.  Apparently you can climb (oh my, what a climb) to the storehouses for an incredible view, but this was not part of our program, thank goodness!  Even Jimmy and I don't have that level of fitness.

Running water still flows through the town in aqueducts and the agricultural terraces in the town are still being used.  Jimmy allowed as how the water was cold!

With narrow cobblestone streets and continuously inhabited since the 13th Century, Ollantaytambo is one of the best surviving examples of Inca city planning.  As you can see, cobblestones can make for hazardous walking ... it's good to have a walking stick as Jimmy (above) and I both do.

Our Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay room was typical Andean (I think) and the bed looked very inviting to two tired people.  This lovely hotel is in the heart of the Sacred Valley at the foot of a mountain ... a remodeled eighteenth-century monastery that retains its original spartan charm.  Notice the old wooden beams.

Well, it was a long day that bordered on overwhelm for many in the group, but, at the same time, it was an exciting day.  I'm sure you know that after dinner, we retired to our room and slept like logs.  

The bus rides from place to place were wonderful, with awe-inspiring mountains and lush terraces, gushing rivers, and all-over-green.  I loved the faces of the Incan descendants, brown and resolute, their dress so different from western clothes. It suits them.  The Sacred Valley belongs to them.  As travelers, we admire and tread lightly on their land.

Tomorrow, we check out of our beautiful hotel for another early-morning, eye-popping day ... the train to Machu Picchu!