I’ll admit I’m too lazy to wrote much about Monday’s hike from Pachar to Ollantaytambo, but I did get a few nice photos that to share.
Smoke from a large fire near km 82 where the famous Inca Trail begins covered the valley about halfway through the hike obscuring distant views. (Remember that this hike was almost completely along the same Inca Trail to Machu Picchu before access becomes controlled and restricted.)
Be sure to click on each photo to see a larger version!
With mountains rising on either side, the Rio Urubamba looks so beautiful in the western part of the Sacred Valley. 
This bridge is built upon original Inca foundations. 
This old part of Pachar is the last village you pass through until you reach Ollantaytambo. 
“Children fo the Corn” sheep style? 
The road quickly becomes a trail still heavily traveled by lcoal people. 
Almost all of the trail is lined by a wall on the left side with agricultural terraces above. 
In many places, the wall is still mde up of massive stones. 
Only the sound of birds and the wind accompany the traveler walking along the ancient road now. 
The Sacred Valley produces huge amounts of corn just as it has for centuries. 
I got one last aerial photo before the smoke of distant fires filled the valley. Ancient Inca terraces line both sides and are still used today. 
These terraces haven’t been used in a few years. 
The small Inca site of Choqana was likely used a ceremonial stopping place on the way to Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. 
While the high walls of Choqana remind one of a fort, its location makes it worthless as a defensive position. 
There is a trail that climbs the side of the mountain in the distance to the top. I hope to one day explore there as locals have told me that condors are sometimes seen drifting on the wind currents above. 
Another view of the main wall of Choqana built on top of the bedrock. 
This scene is probably the same as it was many centuries ago. 
One common feature of many Inca terraces are the “flying” staircases which stick out from the walls allowing workers to climb up. 
The current bridge crossing the river to Ollantaytambo is also built on Inca foundations. Notice that the more modern supports for a bridge are no longer in use. 
Smoke had filled the air by the time I reached Ollantaytambo and was starting to cause considerable eye irritation. 
This is the original Spanish colonial entrance into town. Almost everyone passes by in vehicles without even noticing. Even fewer people enter Ollantaytambo through the old arch.
As always, your photos and comments are delightful and full of interesting perspectives.
Never even knew a “spanish” entrance to Ollantaytambo exists!!! The land
looks green and willing to give forth its fruits. So beautiful and the trails beckon travel.
Thanks so much Philip!!
There is so much more here than most people know. The main tourist sites are just the icing on the giant cake here!
Thanks for sharing these great photos and taking us on the journey with you.
I was scheduled to make a two week trip to Ollantaytambo and the Cusco region the week travel to Peru was stopped. Fortunately, the trip host cancelled the trip on the Tuesday before flights were stopped.
I have appreciated all the updates in your posts. I especially have enjoyed visuals of the area and your observations.
Maybe I will again have an opportunity to visit. Regardless, you have shared wonderful first-hand experiences I would have missed.
Thank you.
I sure hope you get to make the trip soon. I promise it will be better than you expect!