The Ollantaytambo archeological site is my favorite in the Sacred Valley for the Sun Temple at the top and for its role in Inca history. During the Spanish invasion, Manco Inca won the only major Inca victory in Ollantaytambo.

The archeological site only partially qualifies as ruins, since the construction was still in progress when the Spanish arrived. They defaced the Sun Temple at the top, but otherwise didn’t much damage the site.

The massive stones above were brought from a quarry several miles away, requiring not only exact stone carving skills but also excruciating labor. Don’t fall for wacky alien theories online. They weigh up to 80 tons each but Inca had the technology and the people power to move these stones.

The town of Ollantaytambo is also worth visiting.

Practicalities