Ollantaytambo: The Perfect Stopover in the Sacred Valley

I had booked myself into a small hotel in a village called Ollantaytambo (Ollanta), of which I had no knowledge and few expectations.

Low expectations constitute a favourable starting point for any village hoping to exceed them but are entirely wasted on Ollantaytambo. This village, and its surroundings, are brimming with Inca fortifications and constructions that rival nearby Machu Picchu.

To others who might find themselves similarly lacking in knowledge, I willingly stake my reputation (albeit of modest value) that it would take a hard soul not to find Ollantaytambo a worthwhile stop on the itinerary to Machu Picchu – and it would take a sad one to regret it afterwards.