There is a wealth of Inca constructions within easy walking distance of Ollantaytambo. I had time to visit three major sites: the Fortress Hill with the Temple of the Sun, Pinkuylluna and Pumamarca.
Fortress Hill and the Temple of the Sun
Some people believe important Inca structures were built in the form of an animal or bird. The footprint of Machu Picchu, for example, suggests the shape of a condor. The Ollantaytambo Fortress Hill structures that surround the Temple of the Sun, appear as a llama.
The unfinished Temple of the Sun is situated on the head of the llama. It is the first place lit by morning sun rays on the summer solstice. Construction of the Temple of the Sun appears to have stopped around the time of the arrival of the Spaniards.
The Wall of the Six Monoliths that form part of the Temple of the Sun. The 14 ft high blocks of fitted stones weigh 50 tons or more. They were brought from a mountain quarry located 4 km on the other side of the Rio Vilcanota.
Pinkuylluna
The ruins of Pinkuylluna are located directly above Ollantaytambo. The granaries for storing food are the most prominent remaining structures. Environmental conditions for storing grains are better above the valley floor.
Pumamarca
The 6 km hike up to the ruins of Pumamarca was one of my favorite walks. A short way out of Ollantaytambo we passed the restored Media Luna terraces. We then began to climb, rapidly gaining altitude, with great views of the river valley below. We followed an irrigation canal above the 100 terraces, and from the terraces it was a short climb to Pumamarca.
The Pumamarca sites provides views of routes from the Amazon, and routes into Cusco. The entire site is surrounded by a wall.
View of the Media Luna terraces on our return to Ollantaytambo.
