Written by:
peru.travel
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
The international magazine Time drew up a list of the 50 extraordinary places to visit in 2023, and a destination in Peru could not be missing. This is how the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park, in Cusco, one of the country's tourist treasures, was included. The publication highlights, among its different qualities, that this mystical and ancient attraction has an endless number of activities that surprise its visitors.
“No longer just a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu, this vibrant village in the Sacred Valley is a destination in its own right,” reads the publication of Time magazine, emphasizing the fortress or ceremonial center, sustainable accommodation, gastronomy and its local inputs, as well as the beautiful landscapes that can be seen from different spots.
In addition to the accessibility of hotels and restaurants, Time magazine also details the coexistence between nature and visitors in this sacred valley. For example, it is explained the balance between tourists' walks to different destinations, such as Pumamarca, and how local fauna can be observed at each step.
This is a new recognition for the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park. In 2022, the prestigious publication Condé Nast Traveller included this Peruvian destination in the list of the best places in the world to visit in 2023.
Historical value
According to various researchers, the origins of this destination go back to Aymara culture, and the meaning of its name corresponds to “see down” or “viewpoint.” Later, with the predominance of the Quechua language in the area, it was given the name “Ullantay.” At this stage, when a tambo (inn) or lodging was built on the site's terrace, the name was adapted to Ullantay Tampu.
Its construction took place 3500 years ago, and it is believed that this place served as a fortress against the arrival of the Incas. One of the most visited and surprising attractions is the Ñusta Fountain, made of a single stone and decorated in the shape of a portal.
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