We are in the “cutest village in Peru”, at the heart of the sacred valley filled with ruins of Inca fortresses and still used stone buildings.

Ollantaytambo follows the original town layout, and at 8,000 feet is a better place to acclimate than Cuzco. We spent several days here exploring the impressive fortress (the site of one of the few battles where the Spanish conquerors were defeated), hunting for alpaca steaks (apparently out of season), and enjoying the tremendous views and constantly changing cloud cover.

Golden Hour at Ollantaytambo

Golden Hour

Inka Salt Pans

Inka Salt Pans

Ollantaytambo Water Fountain

Water Fountain

Ollantaytambo Stonework

Stonework

Andean Rainbow Bridge

Andean Rainbow Bridge

View from Apu Lodge

View from Apu Lodge