Ollantaytambo, an Inca town and relevant archaeological site in the Sacred Valley in southern Peru, some 72 kilometres by road northwest of the city of Cusco, set on the Urubamba River amid snow - capped mountains, known for the Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside was recognized with the Hierarchy 4, the highest distinction of Peru’s national tourism system, in a ceremony held at its archaeological complex.
This Andean centre, a strategically located Inca site, exhibits a distinction of Hierarchy 4 and significant international projection due to its unique urban layout, impressive architecture, and role in Inka history and modern tourism. It was a site of both agricultural significance and defensive importance, and its well preserved state continue to draw international attention.
In Inca urban planning Olllantaytambo is classified as a Hierarchy 4 settlement, indicating its function as a regional centre with a complex administrative and ceremonial role. This level of hierarchy suggests a sophisticated level of organization and control, particularly in the management of agriculture and resources.
Ollantaytambo’s distinction is further highlighted by its international projection, fueled by its impressive terraces and well - preserved Inca architecture, including the Sun Temple, one of the most impressive monuments of the entire circuit of Ollantaytambo, containing a majestic and immese wall of six monoliths perfectly crimped in unique arrangements, plus smaller prominences.
The Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Desilú León Chempén, introduced the distinction to the District Mayor Paul Palma and the regional governor of Cusco, Werner Salcedo Álvarez, in the presence of the Secretary General of UN Tourism, Zurab Pololikashvili.
This distinction recognizes the outstanding archaeological, cultural and heritage value of the site, absolutely unique for preserving its original Inca layout and active community life.
This relevant recognition was delivered after a rigorous technical evaluation that included eight key criteria, including conservation, particularity, inclusion in the visitor experience and tourist flow.
Ollaytambo with this recognition joins a select group of eleven destinations with hierarchy 4, which includes iconic sites of Peru such as Macchu Picchu, the sacred city of Caral and the Nasca Lines among others.
Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Desilú León Chempén, stated that this recognition represents a commitment to sustainable tourism development, respect for the Peruvian heritage, and the improvement of the quality of life of the communities.
From his part the Secretary General of UN Tourism, Zurab Pololikashvili, highlighted that Ollantaytambo was one of the first sites selected in the Best Tourism Villages program of UN Tourism among almost 700 global applications and this achievement is the result of the work of the local community, and now the world will know even more about Ollantaytambo.
During the event, the Declaration of Ollantaytambo, the result of the 70th Meeting of theUN Tourism Regional Commission for the Americas, was officially adopted. The document establishes a roadmap to promote more digital, sustainable and inclusive tourism, and was endorsed by representatives of countries and public and private sector organizations.
Concerning that, the Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism stressed that this strategic document will set the course towards a tourism that is more connected to the Peruvian communities and to the future.
As part of the day, the Minister toured traditional areas of the town and held meetings with local authorities.
It should be noted that in the first half of 2025, Ollantaytambo, received almost 386.000 visitors, 4.1% more than in 2024., consolidating its international attractiveness.
In addition, Peru was elected to the Executive Council of UN Tourism for the period 2025 - 2029, reinforcing its regional leadership in sustainability and innovation.
Finally, Ollaytambo’s unique blend of Inca urban planning, architectural grandeur, its archaeological circuit, and strategic location, with this prestigious distinction has solidified furthermore its place as a site of both local importance within the Inca hierarchy and international renown as a major tourist destination.
Link
https://www.ollantaytambo.org/en/fortress
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Thanks a lot to read and note.