Great Inca fortresses and cities sprung up in the Sacred Valley, as the Inca highly revered the valley’s agreeable climate and stunning landscapes, and among the more interesting is that found at Ollantaytambo. When the Spanish invaders arrived in the 1530's, the Inca would face years of battling to protect their empire. Ollantaytambo is hailed as the only place where the Inca were able to resist Spanish attacks. After suffering defeat at the hands of Francisco Pizarro and his troops at Sacsayhuaman, then Inca ruler Manco Inca, retreated with his forces to Ollantaytambo. From the fortress, whose ruins you can visit, the Inca reigned down arrows, spears and rocks on the modest Spanish army that had come unprepared for the task at hand. Though this initial stand by the Inca saved the city, it would only be a matter of time until the Spanish prevailed. Sacred Valley Peru history is best explored by visiting the ruins at places like Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo, and by visiting museums in the area that have exhibits based around Inca artifacts and accomplishments. You can begin your Cusco Sacred Valley explorations at Sacsayhuaman, whose ruins are easily reached from Cusco itself. The numerous tour agencies in the area can help you get a grasp of the Cusco Sacred Valley, as well as help you create an itinerary that fits your needs.