Peru | Ollantaytambo

Before and after visiting Machu Picchu, we spent some time in Ollantaytambo, a dusty town at 9,160 feet that dates back to the 15th century and has several Inca archaeological sites. According to Lonely Planet, it is the best example of Inca city planning.

Our first full meal in Peru was lunch at a little stand close to the train station. Matt, Dustin, and Andrea selected beef while I opted for chicken, along with rice and potatoes. It was all very flavorful and filling for $3 per person.

After visiting Machu Picchu, we trained back to Ollantaytambo to stay the night. The hostel was clean and comfortable. I loved the wood floor beams, but my favorite thing was looking out our window and seeing the old cobblestone streets.

We decided to take a short walk and uphill hike to some free ruins close to the hostel. It provided a bird's eye view of the quaint town.

Between the cobblestone streets, the water running just as it has for centuries, and seeing these old structures, it was like taking a step back in time. This was further confirmed the next morning as we sat in the plaza watching men, women, and children in traditional dress walking to church, while we waited for the colectivo to take us back to Cusco.

Earlier in the afternoon, we had learned that the hostel owner loved to cook, so Andrea convinced him to make dinner that evening for 10 sol per person  or ~$3 (he made a delicious breakfast the next morning too). We spent the night gathered around the table, talking life, and enjoying a delicious meal together before falling fast asleep to the sound of vehicles rumbling by.