Ollantaytambo is one of the most remarkable Inca archaeological sites in Peru, located in the Sacred Valley about 37 miles northwest of Cusco. The site is known for its impressive stone terraces that climb steeply up the mountainside, as well as its precisely engineered stone walls, water channels, and the massive Temple of the Sun, which features some of the finest Inca stonework in existence.

What makes Ollantaytambo unique is that it is both an active town and a preserved ruin—locals still live in original Inca dwellings along ancient streets and canals, making it one of the few places in Peru where Inca urban planning is still in use. The site also served as a fortress, and it was one of the few locations where the Inca achieved a rare victory against Spanish forces. Today, Ollantaytambo is a popular stop for travelers heading to Machu Picchu, either by train or via the Inca Trail, offering stunning Andean scenery.