Start the climb at sunrise to see how the first rays of light hit Ollantaytambo's Fortress.

As you climb along the ridge above the Urubamba river you will be treated to the gorgeous geometry of Ollantaytambo's agricultural pyramid.

The first and second Quarries are full of carved rocks in pink granite that were meant to be used in the main temple of Ollantaytambo. They are called 'Piedras Cansadas' (Tired rocks) because they were left behind as construction was abruptly stopped.

There are also many Chulpas (funerary towers), possibly to honor all the stone masons that must have perished over the centuries that it took to build Ollantaytambo.

Beyond the second quarry there is an Inka settlement and perched on the ridge above it there is a magnificent shrine (Inti Punku) from which you can see many of the surrounding sacred Apus (mountains).

One of the most physically demanding hikes in the area. It is an 18km hike with a 1,250 meter vertical climb. The starting point is at 2,808 meters and the highest point is at 3,905 meters. Make sure to bring plenty of water, a good hat, nuts, fruits and energy bars. If you are not fit consider going on horse-back.

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