The site

Ollantaytambo is an Inca town and archaeological site in the Sacred Valley of southern Peru, about 72 km northwest of Cusco at nearly 2,800 metres above sea level. Built as the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti after the mid-15th century, it combined a planned town with a ceremonial centre and fortress. During the Spanish conquest it became a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui, leader of the Inca resistance, and now guards the start of the Inca Trail.

Field notes

civilizations

Inca

types

City

built

1,450 CE — 1,533 CE

occupied

1,450 CE — 1,540 CE

country

Peru

elevation

2,792 m above sea level