Pumatallis Temple Door to Inca Trail, Peru Postcard

"Pumatallis Temple Door to Inca Trail" by Catherine Sherman An open door leads to a trail from an ancient Inca Temple in Ollantaytambo, Peru, called Pumatallis or Temple Hill. A series of elaborate terraces and walls climb the steep hill facing the town, which is in the Sacred Valley. Because of its massive size, the site is commonly known as the Fortress, but the main functions of the site were religious and ceremonial. During the Spanish conquest of Peru, Inca emperor Manco Inca did fortify the structure to fend off Spanish attack. Because of its history and Inca buildings, Ollantaytambo is an important Inca archaeological site. The town, agricultural terraces and Temple Hill were built in the mid-15th century, under the direction of the Inca emperor Pachacuti after his army conquered Ollantaytambo and this area became part of Pachucuti personal estate. Machu Picchu is also thought to be one of Pachacuti's estates. Only Inca royalty could own property. The town is in southern Peru, about 32 miles (60 kilometers) northwest of the city of Cusco. It sits at an altitude of 9,160 feet) (2,792 meters) above sea level in the district of Ollantaytambo, province of Urubamba, Cusco region. The city attracts many tourist because of its Inca history and as one of the most common starting points for the three-day, four-night hike known as the Inca Trail.