In Ollantaytambo, we visited Pinkuylluna, an archaeological Inca site, built on a nearly vertical rocky mountain. Pinkuylluna was used by the Incas as a storage facility for agricultural products and other goods. The path to the ruins was really super steep. Luckily, at least the breathing at the altitude no longer bothered us, as we had already acclimatized for a while. The view down to the town of Ollantaytambo, into the valley towards Machu Picchu, and to the opposite main ruin site and terraces of Ollantaytambo was extremely impressive.

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Ollantaytambo, a charming little village, is located around half an hour from Urubamba, further down in the Sacred Valley. This village is a tourist spot and well known because there is the main trainstation to Machu Picchu.
We visited Ollantaytambo during our stay in Urubamba and loved strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets. Everywhere we met local people in their traditional clothing, sitting on the floor, making and selling handicraft items. Of course, there is also a very well-equipped and colorful artisanal market, from where we hade a wonderful view of the Andean peaks around, and from where we got a glimpse of the Inca ruins sticking in the green hills...

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How can you leave Ollantaytambo without purchasing a chullo from one of the vendors? Ollantaytambo, Peru 2017

"A chullo (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈtʃuʎo], from Quechua: ch'ullu; known as lluch'u in Aymara) is an Andean style of hat with earflaps, made from vicuña, alpaca, llama or sheep's wool. Alpaca fleece has wool-like qualities that help to insulate chullo-wearers from the harsh conditions in the Andean mountain region. Chullos often have ear-flaps that can be tied under the chin, to further warm the wearer's head.

Hats have been worn in the Andean mountain region by indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Wearing different types and colors has a significance among certain Andean natives. According to Peruvian historian Arturo Jiménez Borja, the chullo has its origins in the cultural exchange between Spaniards, who incorporated elements of their birretes and the original hat of the Andeans.

Compare the so-called "sherpa hat" associated with the Himalayas." --- Wikipedia


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