Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo is a small town and archaeological site in southern Peru, 72 km by road northwest of the city of Cusco. Situated on the shore of the Urubamba river and surrounded by magnificence mountains, it is a surviving example of Inca city planning with its narrow straight cobblestone streets and its ancient stone walls, perfectly fitted together.

Ollanta, as the locals call it, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in Peru. In the surrounding communities lives the last descendants of the Inca civilization, many of them only speaks quechua and their habits and customs have been practically the same for centuries.

The local market of Ollantaytambo is the best place to start the day, fresh coffee, mate (tea) or a variety of juices with eggs, avocado or cheese sandwiches, sweet corn cake, you name it.

But this is not for the local hard working people of this mountains. Because this is the most important meal of the day there is no better way to start it than with a hot thick broth made with vegetables and some meat, it can be diced tripe, chicken or ram head among other types, but always very spicy.