Ollantaytampu Inca ruins

These are the extensive ruins above the town of Ollantaytampu. The stone for the temple came from across the valley on the mountain opposite this site and was dragged up three ramps which was amazing because the temple needed to be in a certain place, to face the rising sun and have the light directed to sacred spots, on the dawn of the summer and winter solstice. This is all above 3000 m and at this height above sea level one certainly can feel the exertion of climbing up the steps to these terraces. Way below, outside the precints of the ruins is a busy craft and souvineer market.