Ollantaytambo and Sacred Valley Exploring
February 1, 2019
After flying into Cusco we descended directly into the Sacred Valley. We made Ollantaytambo our home base for a few days as we explored the area and made our way to Machu Picchu.
Ollantaytambo itself is a really quant and interesting town. I chose to stay there because the train station to Machu Picchu is in town and there are large ruins of an Incan fortress right in the town.
I loved walking around the tiny cobbled streets, watching all the stray dogs, eating the delicious and hardy Andean Peruvian cuisine, and adjusting to that mountain air.
Many people start/end their journey on the Incan trail to Machu Picchu in Ollantaytambo. I enjoyed overhearing all the intrepid tails of hiking through the mountains and dealing with various hardships.
Let’s talk about the food because (not that I need a reason) I had some really memorable and delicious mountain foods. I’m including some of the food we had in Aguas Calientes because I forgot to post about it as part of our Machu Picchu day and it’s worth mentioning.
Fancy causa with chicken crusted with seeds and a flower on top 
the most amazing roast duck and potatoes. Peruvian ducks are different than the ones we eat in Canada… main difference is that they’re bigger. The way they cooked the duck was unlike anything I’ve ever had, it was like pulled pork texture, smoky, and perfect. 
we found the local brewery of the sacred valley! 
yum. 
I had the best coffee at a shop at the train station. Unfortunately you can only get to it if you’re through the gates and catching a train. Worth it! this coffee powered my day at Machu Picchu.
This is at Mapucho Craft Beer and Peruvian Cuisine Restaurant. Right on the river in Aguas Calientes 
We had beer and pisco sours. 
teeniest causa, ceviche, and fried yucca 
John had the Aji de Gallina. Which I learned the hard way that it is made with walnuts. (obvs lived … I only had a small bite) 
I had grilled chicken with potatoes and salad! Best meal for after hiking around Machu Picchu.
On our first day in Ollantaytambo we took on the incredible ruins and archaeological site. We climbed all around Piramide Pakaritampu, explored the Templo del Sol, and Inca Watana.
Despite it being so cloudy John and I both got sunburns because of the altitude and the fact that clouds don’t actually protect you from the sun. Still going to shake my fist at Templo del Sol though.
Nice View! hahahahaha! John’s butt!amiright!? 
We took an auto rickshaw around for a bit. Terrifying, fun, touristic, and the driver tried to overcharge us after we agreed on a price. A true tourist experience. 
Ollantaytambo was such an amazing place to visit. If you ever get a chance I highly recommend taking a few days here to explore everything. It’s a perfect charming small town. Other than one driver trying to overcharge us we were treated with kindness while visiting. I mean I would go back just for the food!
~B~