Ollantaytambo&& trekking...

       On Wednesday, we were the first tourists to enter the ruins of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is located in the Sacred Valley near the Urubamba River, which seems to be a very relaxing and calm area compared to the atmosphere of Cusco.  The ruins we saw one this site were constructed with terraces, large stones, and irrigation canals. This is again very typical of the Inca’s architectural style. This area was used for its great amount of farmland and agricultural systems. It is situated right next to a nearby quarry, whose stones were used by the Incas for the construction of this site.

      One focus in the Inca’s architectural characteristics from this particular site was how they managed irrigation and drainage. We saw several examples that would have been incomplete parts of irrigation canals and possibly even baths or Inca pools. A canal was also seen running straight through the middle of the town near the Urubamba River. Even examples of drainage were seen in partial ruins, that were potentially used to distribute the water. Widespread agricultural terraces lie on the surrounding hills and valleys of this area.  These terraces in particular have higher walls and larger stones, which show that the Incas constructed these at a higher standard.
               

      These irrigation canals clearly demonstrated the Inca's traditional agriculture techniques and methods. The canals here once distributed the waters to elaborate terrace systems. The agricultural terraces were used to cultivate the land and provide food for the inhabitants in the Ollantaytambo area.  Some people living in this area have rediscovered the techniques that have been worth preserving, partly because these older methods are more beneficial for their use.

      These ruins were broken up into three different areas, one of my favorite including the Bano de la Musta. These were ceremonial baths used by the Incas.
                                       

      We attempted to climb a different set of ruins later Wednesday afternoon that have not been maintained and preserved. Most of these ruins seem to be unknown, although some of these appear to be Inca storehouses. The Incas were said to have built these on the hills nearby Ollantaytambo. They were known for storing the production of the agricultural terraces that were mentioned earlier. Later in the day we walked back up to get a view of the sunset. We caught a glimpse of a small shadow which was from the top of the temple on the other side, which seemed to be glowing.

      Yesterday consisted of a LONG traveling day...but we made it! The time has really flown by during these past  few weeks in Peru. I have felt a combination of emotions while on this trip away from home. Homesickness, excitement, exhaustion, and amazed at times, I will definitely miss being on this trip when I return. I will definitely try to enjoy every minute of this opportunity and all that it has opened me up to while we spend our last days here.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ollantaytambo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incan_agriculture
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urubamba_River