Ollantaytambo, typical Inca town, located 93 km northeast of Cusco, was so-named in honor of local chieftain Ollanta, who according to legend fell in love with one of the daughters of Inca ruler Pachacútec and was punished for daring to set his sights on royalty.

The complex of Ollantaytambo, perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, features buildings such as the Temple of the Sun, the Mañaracay or Royal Chamber, the Incahuatana and the Princess' Baths.


The upper section os Ollantaytambo features a fortress made up of a series of carved stone terraces built to protect the valley from possible invasion by warring jungle tribes.


One of the best-preserved areas lies north of the Hanan Huacaypata square: an area of 15 blocks of houses built on top of carved stone walls.