Moonstone Trek: Part 5 - Ollantaytambo

An exciting exploration of the ancient city of Ollantaytambo in Peru's Sacred Valley. Believed to have been reconstructed in the 1400s by the 9th Inca King (Pachacutec), the origin of this site is likely much older. Sometimes called the "City of the Watchtower," it may have once defended Cusco from the armies of the Amazon, or perhaps it was a temple for worshipping the earth-sky connections. In any case, it is one of the finest examples of Inca city planning that still exists. Together, we will climb the massive, terraced citadel to examine the diverse styles of masonry that blend megalithic, fine-cut stonework with the smaller scale, cruder approach of what seems to be a more recent age. Some of the stones at Ollantaytambo weigh hundreds of tons, are joined together with mind-blowing precision, and are cut in baffling shapes such as stairs and crosses. If you enjoy ancient mysteries, you'll love this investigation of one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in Peru.