Ollantaytambo sits at the western end of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Considered by archaeologists to be the best surviving example of Inca “town planning”, this village attracts tourists who are interested in viewing excellent examples of intact Inca construction, visible by visiting the town’s four canchas – or blocks – which are in incredible condition.

Stones to build the town were brought down from a quarry up above by thousands of workers and Ollantaytambo was still under construction when it was defeated by the Spaniards in the 16th century, with troops led by Hernando Pisarro, brother of explorer Francisco Pisarro. The city’s pink granite Sun Temple – virtually untouched by the Spanish – sits at the top of the complex up a steep set of steps.