Ollantaytambo

Extended along a steep river valley, Ollantaytambo functioned as a massive administrative, agricultural, and religious complex for the Inca Empire. Its most striking engineering feats are the immense, uneven steep agricultural terraces and the monumental unfinished Temple laid over a hill. This fortress-sanctuary showcases exceptional polygonal masonry unique style, employing a wide variety of finely worked stone types, interlocked fitted for seismic resilience. Its precise urban layout and the alignment of key structures anchored to PInkuylluna, like the Temple of the Sun, with solstices demonstrate a sophisticated integration of architecture, astronomy, and the impressive hydraulics. Displayed underground the whole narrow Patacancha ravine. Evidence of Inca’s mastery over their formidable environment.