Located in the Sacred Valley 40 km away from Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo was a significant center for military, religious, and agricultural practices. The complex has its origins in the Aymara culture which is at least 800 years old. The establishment of the town dates back to the golden age of the Inca Empire which coincides with the reign of Pachacútec (1418-1471). Nevertheless, the Ollantaytambo Temple dates back to 3500 years ago. The complex also served as a fortress during a successful but bloody resistance against the Spanish invasion in 1536.
The architects of Ollantaytambo Temple discovered underground channels in the area and built an aqueduct system that still functions today.