Image © Sally Lebwohl 2014

It’s always lovely to receive positive feedback from our guests, but perhaps no most rewarding is receiving a piece of artwork that has been inspired by one of our trips. Pictured above, Aracari guest Mrs. Sally Lebwohl captures the superb Inca ruin complex that looms over the town of Ollantaytambo in a pastel painting.

The archaeological complex is remarkable, and a site of great historical significance for the Incas during the Spanish Conquest. It was here that one of the greatest battles of the Conquest was fought, and one of the few where the Incas defeated the Spaniards. Most often referred to as a fortress, we now know that the site was likely considered a temple by the Incas. Well worth a visit, the temple sector is located at the top of the steep terraces and features enormous cut and fitted stones as well as spectacular views of Ollantaytambo town below.

Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, the quaint town of Ollantaytambo is often referred to as the ‘living Inca city’, and for good reason. Not only is the town surrounded by Inca ruins, the town is a ruin in itself! Located an hour and a half from Cusco and at an altitude of 2800m, the town of Ollantaytambo preserves its original Inca layout, including canals still in use by the current inhabitants. What’s more, many locals live in actual Inca structures and preserve age old traditions and customs.

Of her trip, Mrs. Lebwohl wrote “Dear Cecile, We want to thank you for planning an absolutely amazing trip for us. We were so fortunate to have Marco as our guide… everything was beyond our expectations. Thank you, we will recommend you without hesitation and would love to return someday.”