🇵🇪 Ollantaytambo: The Living Inca City

📍 Where History Still Breathes Nestled in the Sacred Valley (72km from Cusco, ~2hr drive), this 15th-century marvel is more than just a train stop to Machu Picchu—it’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited Inca settlements on Earth! ⚔️ Why It Matters Military Stronghold: Prince Manco Inca’s last victory against Spanish conquistadors happened here. Royal Retreat: Inca nobles’ terraced palace still crowns the hills. Sacred Site: Temple ruins with giant pink granite monoliths (how did they move those?!). 🚂 Gateway to Machu Picchu Train Departure Point: Most PeruRail/Avon expeditions start here. Pro Tip: Arrive early to explore—the cobblestone alleys and original Inca irrigation channels still function! 🏰 Must-Sees 1️⃣ Terraced Fortress: Climb 200+ steps for valley panoramas. 2️⃣ Temple of the Sun: Unfinished megalithic walls (abandoned mid-construction during the Spanish invasion). 3️⃣ Pinkuylluna Storehouses: Cliffside granaries with engineering genius (perfect ventilation!). #PeruTravel #LivingHistory #IncaEngineering #SacredValley#Cusco