A Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo in Cusco 2025

Introduction to Ollantaytambo

This archaeological complex is a national park located in the Ollantaytambo province of Urubamba. The town is approximately 76 km (47.2 miles) from Cusco via the Chinchero-Urubamba road and about 68 km (42.2 miles) by railway at an altitude of 2700 meters (8856 feet). Utilizing a Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo ensures you make the most of your journey to this historic site.

Location and Accessibility

Ollantaytambo is situated in the central part of the Sacred Valley. Traveling from Cusco to Pachar, visitors will encounter numerous agricultural terraces that are integral to the complex. Downstream lies the Choqana fortress on the left side of the Urubamba River and Inkapintay, both part of the Inca protectionist system. A comprehensive Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo will help you navigate these significant landmarks.

Inca Bridges and Infrastructure

The base of the Inca bridges is impressively constructed with large stone blocks. Before reaching the central base, two massive chunks were laid to effectively protect the structure, resembling a mole breaking into the river’s waters. Additionally, the bridge has two solid lateral bases on both riverbanks. This suspension bridge was initially made with braided ichu fibers (wild grass) or maguey, materials that require annual renewal. A Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo provides insights into the engineering techniques used by the Incas.

Historic Entrance: Llaqta-Punku

Following the road for half a kilometer, visitors arrive at the old main door of Ollantaytambo. This entrance was part of a surrounding wall and is today known as “Llaqta-Punku” (People’s Fence). Using a Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo ensures you don’t miss this historically significant gateway.

Etymology and Cultural Significance

Ollantaytambo is a compound Quechua word derived from “Ollanta,” a personal name, and “Tambo,” the Spanish form of “Tanpu,” meaning a city that offers lodging, food, and comfort for travelers. “Ollanta” refers to Captain Inka, whose history has been preserved through oral and written traditions and dramatized in a play by Antonio Valdez, a priest of Urubamba, in the mid-18th century. The play, adapted for the stage and premiered in 1780, is considered a classic of Quechua literature. A Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo delves into these cultural narratives.

The Drama of Ollantaytambo

The drama tells the story of Captain Ollanta, an outsider to the Cusco nobility who served in the army of Inca Pachacutec. Known for his courage and skill, Ollanta fell in love with the monarch’s daughter, Kusi Qoyllur. Their forbidden marriage, due to social status differences, led Ollanta to incite a rebellion against the imperial army, resulting in a decade-long war. A Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo provides detailed context to this captivating story.

Ollanta was eventually captured through the treachery of Captain Rumiñawi, who, despite seeking asylum after being expelled from Cusco, allowed the Cusco army to enter overnight and seize Ollanta, who was then taken to Cusco after Inca Pachakuteq had already died. Ollanta’s son, the new sovereign, told the story of Ollanta and his sister, and with compassion, their marriage was allowed, resulting in a relationship that produced a girl named Ima Sumaq. A Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo explores the legacy of these historical figures.

Ima Sumaq

This story, with its happy ending, is popular in Peruvian schools and often performed in dramas. Ollantaytambo was a significant fortified city, built as a “tanpu” to facilitate roads to Antisuyo (La Selva). A Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo highlights the importance of understanding these historical developments.

Architecture and Urban Planning

Despite its name, “fortress,” Ollantaytambo did not primarily serve a military or protectionist purpose. It was a complex city with a broad urban sector and religious temples. The city featured protective elements, including a surrounding wall with numerous pukaras or fortresses and strategically located watchtowers. A Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo provides a comprehensive overview of its architectural layout.

Urban Layout

A sizeable urban sector was enclosed by important buildings designated for the noble population of Inca society. To the south of the village stands an impressive “Kallanka,” a colossal building completely covered, which served as both a residence and barracks for regional armies. The town occupies the same location as the urban sector during Inca times. Utilizing a Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo helps in appreciating the strategic design of these structures.

Ollantaytambo

Living Heritage

Ollantaytambo is unique as it is the only place where people still live in the same buildings that once housed the nobility of Inca society. Some of its narrow streets continue to have clean water flowing through the middle of the square. A Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo ensures you experience this living heritage firsthand.

Streets and Blocks

The streets retain their Inca names, and the village is divided into rectangular blocks with a well-planned geometric scheme, reflecting a town design by modern architects. Each block comprises two “kanchas” (apartments). The royal palaces feature wooden doors and multiple rooms surrounding a central courtyard. The lower parts of the buildings are original, constructed with “pirka” walls covered with clay and paintings. A Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo provides detailed maps and descriptions to navigate these historic layouts.

Ollantaytambo

Modern Day Ollantaytambo

Today, the straw roofs have been replaced with tiles, and modern air conditioning is available. Despite these changes—the town now has electricity and water—it retains an Inca flavor. A decade ago, Ollantaytambo was declared the “World Capital of the Indian” during a worldwide meeting with Indian representatives. A Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo highlights the blend of modern amenities with historical charm.

Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo

Conservation Efforts

Efforts were made to conserve the original structures. To the east of the village is Pinkuylluna Hill (Pinkuyllo = a musical instrument of the wind similar to the “quena” or Andean flute), where a large, imposing building stands out amidst many myths. A Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo includes information on these conservation projects and how visitors can contribute.

Speculations on Usage

Some imaginative scholars speculate that the structures on Pinkuylluna Hill served as a school, hospital, prison, or cliff. According to Inca archeology and architecture, it was a “Qollqa” or “Pirwa,” a barn or storehouse for food, clothing, and weapons for the local army. A Guide to Visit Ollantaytambo explores these theories, providing a deeper understanding of Inca multifunctional architecture.

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