Ollantaytambo ruins.

Ollantaytambo is a picturesque town set in the Sacred Valley of Peru with intriguing Incan ruins and a vibrant population. It was incorporated into the Incan Empire and the personal estate of the great emperor Pachacuti  (aka Pachacutec) around the mid 15th century at which time it was rebuilt with sumptuous lodging for the Inca nobility and extensive terracing for farming. During the Spanish conquest of Peru Ollantaytambo served as a temporary capital for the resistance.

The Incas were brilliant engineers and builders. Walls built of huge boulders without mortar were perfectly fitted and have lasted for centuries.

Ollantaytambo has charming cobblestone streets and many restaurants and hostels for young tourists (American,European and Asian) to hang out.

Despite being a Mecca for tourists, most of the people you encounter in the streets are  indigenous from the surrounding villages.

This was an interesting establishment that served as both a store and home.

Keeping the grass clipped short is not a problem.

We were in Ollantaytambo for the Festival of Señor de Choquekillka, the patron saint of the town. 

“The Lord of Choquekillka is credited with a hundred miracles, in favor of his devotees, from the healing of diseases, to the acquisition of houses, land, vehicles.“