Shopping at Manay Raqay (Square of the Request)

Hotel

By V!VA user

Nearly all visitors to Ollantaytambo pass through Manay Raqay as it's the only entrance to the fortress and in addition, it's a designated stop on the Heritage Trail. The Incan square's most unique feature (aside from the looming fortress obviously) is the water element, a forceful channel of water flowing openly through the square from the ruins just up the valley.

With so many tourists taking the walk through Manay Raqay to enter the fortress, tourism officials have, of course, taken full advantage of the wide open space to erect several rows of market stalls. From afar, it looks like there's more shopping to be had than you'll actually find, as the stalls are sparsely occupied and those that are open for business hawk the same collection of books, jewelry, bags and walking sticks. However, the square is the most shopping you'll find in one place, and it is a great place to buy a book to self-guide you on your way in to the fortress.