Nestled in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of why Ollantaytambo is a significant gem in the Sacred Valley. From its rich Inca heritage to practical travel tips, this guide has everything you need to plan your visit.
Ollantaytambo is often described as a living Inca town, where ancient traditions and modern life blend seamlessly. Located about 60 kilometers northwest of Cusco, this picturesque town is a popular stopover for travelers heading to Machu Picchu. However, Ollantaytambo is more than just a transit point; it is a destination worth exploring in its own right.
Ollantaytambo stands as a unique blend of history and modernity, where the echoes of the ancient Inca civilization resonate through its cobblestone streets. The town is renowned for preserving its original Inca layout, with streets and buildings that date back centuries. This preservation offers visitors a rare glimpse into the past, allowing them to walk the same paths as the Incas once did. The local population continues to uphold many traditional practices, making Ollantaytambo a living museum of Inca culture.
Strategically positioned at the northern end of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo is accessible and well-connected, serving as a key transit hub for tourists. Its proximity to Cusco, the gateway city to Machu Picchu, makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the region. Despite its accessibility, the town retains a sense of tranquility, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Its location between the Patakancha River and the Andes mountains provides a stunning natural setting that enhances its appeal.
The Sacred Valley is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures. Ollantaytambo is perfectly situated to offer travelers an immersive experience in this mystical region. The valley’s fertile lands have been cultivated for centuries, and its towns are steeped in history. Visitors to Ollantaytambo can explore the broader Sacred Valley, discovering its myriad attractions, from ancient ruins to bustling markets, all while enjoying the warm hospitality of the local people.
The history of Ollantaytambo is deeply intertwined with the Inca Empire. The town served as a royal estate for Emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region and built the town’s impressive structures. The town’s archaeological site is one of the best-preserved examples of Inca city planning, with its terraces, stone buildings, and intricate waterworks.
Emperor Pachacuti, a pivotal figure in Inca history, left a lasting legacy in Ollantaytambo. Under his reign, the town was transformed into a royal estate, showcasing the architectural genius of the Incas. His influence is evident in the town’s grand structures, which reflect the empire’s power and sophistication. Visitors to Ollantaytambo can witness firsthand the ingenuity of Inca engineering, from the precisely cut stones to the advanced agricultural terraces that continue to awe architects and historians alike.
Ollantaytambo is renowned for its impressive ruins, which stand as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Incas. The town’s fortress-like structure dominates the landscape, offering insight into its dual role as a military stronghold and religious center. The Temple of the Sun, with its massive stone monoliths, is particularly striking, showcasing the Incas’ astronomical knowledge and spiritual beliefs. These architectural marvels attract scholars and tourists alike, eager to unravel the mysteries of Inca construction techniques.
The intricate waterworks and terraces of Ollantaytambo exemplify the advanced engineering skills of the Incas. The town’s irrigation system, which continues to function today, highlights the Incas’ understanding of hydraulics and sustainable agriculture. The terraces not only served as agricultural platforms but also as a means of erosion control, ensuring the town’s prosperity. Exploring these features offers a deeper appreciation for the Incas’ harmonious relationship with their environment, a relationship that modern societies continue to learn from.
by Ming Chen (https://unsplash.com/@chenmk33)
Today, Ollantaytambo retains much of its Inca charm, with narrow cobblestone streets and traditional adobe houses. The town is a vibrant community where locals still practice traditional farming and craftsmanship. Visitors can experience local culture through the bustling markets, vibrant festivals, and interactions with the friendly residents.
Ollantaytambo’s residents maintain a close connection to their ancestral roots through traditional farming and craftsmanship. The fertile lands surrounding the town are cultivated with ancient techniques, producing a variety of crops that sustain the local economy. Craftsmanship, particularly in weaving and pottery, is a cherished skill passed down through generations. Visitors can observe these artisans at work, gaining insight into the meticulous processes that result in beautiful, handcrafted items that serve as meaningful souvenirs.
The town’s markets and festivals provide a vibrant glimpse into the local culture and traditions. Ollantaytambo’s markets are a sensory delight, offering everything from fresh produce to handmade textiles. These markets are not just places of commerce but also social hubs where locals gather. Festivals in Ollantaytambo are lively affairs, filled with music, dance, and traditional costumes. Participating in these events allows visitors to experience the joy and communal spirit that define the town’s cultural identity.
The people of Ollantaytambo are known for their warmth and hospitality, making visitors feel welcome and at home. The town’s close-knit community is characterized by a strong sense of identity and pride in their heritage. Interacting with the locals offers a deeper understanding of their way of life, as well as the challenges and triumphs they face. Whether it’s sharing a meal or participating in daily activities, visitors often leave Ollantaytambo with cherished memories and newfound friendships.
Planning a trip to Ollantaytambo? Here are some practical tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Ollantaytambo is accessible by road and rail. Buses and colectivos (shared taxis) frequently run between Cusco and Ollantaytambo, offering a cost-effective travel option. Alternatively, you can take a train from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, which is part of the scenic route to Machu Picchu.
The journey to Ollantaytambo is part of the adventure, with several transportation options available to suit different preferences. Buses provide a budget-friendly way to travel, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque landscapes along the way. For those seeking comfort, trains offer a more luxurious experience, with panoramic windows that frame the stunning scenery. Whether you choose road or rail, the journey is a memorable part of your Sacred Valley exploration.
Ollantaytambo offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. From cozy hostels and guesthouses to luxurious hotels, you’ll find a place that fits your needs. Staying overnight allows you to experience the town’s unique charm after the day-trippers have left.
The town’s accommodations cater to a variety of tastes and budgets, ensuring every traveler finds a suitable place to stay. Hostels and guesthouses provide a warm, communal atmosphere for budget-conscious travelers, while boutique hotels offer more privacy and comfort. For those seeking indulgence, luxury resorts provide top-tier amenities and stunning views. Regardless of where you stay, the hospitality of Ollantaytambo’s lodging options adds to the overall travel experience.
The best time to visit Ollantaytambo is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is sunny and mild. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so consider visiting in the shoulder months (April or November) for fewer crowds.
Understanding the seasonal variations can enhance your visit to Ollantaytambo. The dry season offers ideal weather for exploring, but it also attracts the most visitors. The shoulder months provide a balance of good weather and fewer crowds, allowing for a more intimate experience. The rainy season, from November to April, sees fewer tourists, and while some trails may be muddy, the landscape is lush and vibrant, offering a different kind of beauty.
Peruvian cuisine is a highlight of any visit to Ollantaytambo. Be sure to try local specialties such as quinoa soup, alpaca steak, and trout from the nearby rivers. The town’s restaurants range from casual eateries to fine dining establishments, offering a taste of both traditional and modern Peruvian dishes.
Ollantaytambo’s culinary scene is a delightful exploration of traditional and contemporary Peruvian flavors. The town’s eateries offer a diverse range of dishes, showcasing fresh, local ingredients that highlight the region’s agricultural bounty. Dining in Ollantaytambo is not just about the food; it’s an opportunity to experience the warmth of Peruvian hospitality. Whether enjoying a meal at a bustling market stall or a refined restaurant, the flavors of Ollantaytambo are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Ollantaytambo holds a special place in the Sacred Valley for several reasons. It is a living museum of Inca architecture and culture, providing invaluable insights into the life and times of this ancient civilization. Its strategic location and well-preserved ruins make it an essential stop for anyone interested in the history and heritage of the Incas.
The town’s spiritual significance is evident in its temples and ceremonial sites, which continue to attract visitors seeking a deeper understanding of Inca spirituality. Ollantaytambo’s festivals and cultural events also play a crucial role in preserving and promoting traditional practices and beliefs.
The architectural and historical significance of Ollantaytambo cannot be overstated. The town’s ruins are among the best-preserved in Peru, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated urban planning of the Incas. Its strategic location served both military and ceremonial purposes, underscoring its importance within the Inca Empire. As an archaeological site, Ollantaytambo provides valuable insights into the technological advancements and cultural practices of the Incas.
Ollantaytambo’s position within the Sacred Valley makes it a perfect base for exploring the region’s many attractions. Its proximity to other historical sites, such as Pisac and Moray, allows for easy day trips. The town’s role as a gateway to Machu Picchu further enhances its importance, offering travelers a chance to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Inca history. Exploring Ollantaytambo and its surroundings is a journey through time, revealing the enduring legacy of one of history’s greatest civilizations.
On the approach to OLLANTAYTAMBO from Urubamba, the river runs smoothly between impressive Inca terraces that gradually diminish in size as the slopes get steeper and rockier. The rail tracks reappear just before the town, and the road climbs a small hill to an ancient plaza.
The backstreets radiating from the plaza are lined with well-built stone water channels that still come in handy during the rainy season. They carry the gushing streams tidily away from the town and down to the Urubamba River. Ollantaytambo was built as an Inca administrative center rather than a town, and was laid out in the shape of a maize cob.
It’s one of the few surviving examples of an Inca grid system, with a plan seen from vantage points high above it, especially from the hill opposite the fortress. An incredibly productive sector of the Urubamba Valley, at 2800m above sea level and with temperatures of 11–23°C (52–73°F), with good alluvial soils and water resources, this area was also the gateway to the Antisuyo (the Amazon corner of the Inca Empire) and a center for tribute-gathering from the surrounding valleys.
Beyond Ollantaytambo, the Sacred Valley becomes a subtropical, raging river course, surrounded by towering mountains and dominated by the snowcapped peak of Salcantay; the town is a popular base for rafting groups.
Steep and very high mountains, many with snow-capped peaks, hem in the valley. As one of the region’s main hotspots and a well-used overnight stop en route to Machu Picchu, it can get bustling here in high season, making it hard to escape being around scores of other travelers.
At heart, though, it’s a small but very traditional settlement. Many local women still wear traditional clothing, and it’s common to see them in the central plaza with their intricately woven manta shawls, black and red skirts with colorful zigzag patterns, and red and black hats.
The valley here was occupied by several pre-Inca cultures, notably the Chanapata (800–300 BC), the Qotacalla (500–900 AD), and the Killke (900–1420 AD), after which the Incas dominated only until the 1530s when the Spanish arrived.
Ollantaytambo Sacred Valley Travel Guide Peru
Legend has it that Ollantay was a rebel Inca general who took arms against Pachacutec over the affections of Lord Inca’s daughter, the Nusta Cusi Collyur. However, historical evidence shows that a fourteen-kilometer canal that still feeds the town today was built to bring water here from the Laguna de Yanacocha, probably Pachacutec’s private estate.
The latter Inca Huayna Capac is thought to have been responsible for the trapezoidal Plaza Maynyaraqui and the largely unfinished but impressive megalithic temples.
This was the only Inca stronghold to overcome persistent Spanish attacks as strategic protection for the entrance to the lower Urubamba Valley and an alternative gateway into the Amazon via the Pantiacolla Pass. After the unsuccessful siege of Cusco in 1536–37, the rebel Inca Manco and his die-hard force withdrew here, with Hernando Pizarro (Francisco’s brother), some seventy horsemen, thirty-foot soldiers, and a large contingent of native troops in hot pursuit.
As they approached, they found that the Incas had not only diverted the Río Patacancha, making the valley below the fortress impassable, but they had also joined forces with neighboring jungle tribes, forming a massive army.
After several desperate attempts to storm the stronghold, Pizarro and his men slunk away in the darkness, leaving much of their equipment behind. However, the Spanish returned with reinforcements, and in 1537, Manco retreated further down the valley to Vitcos and Vilcabamba. In 1540, Ollantaytambo was entrusted to Hernando Pizarro, brother of the Conquistador leader.
During the next four hundred years, Ollantaytambo remained a predominantly agricultural town, little more than a quiet marketplace and nodal point for a wide-ranging peasant population.
Since the agrarian reform in 1968, Ollantaytambo has been divided into five rural communities, each with an elected president and a committee of regidors representing peasant interests within the local government.
Outside of bus and train connection times for Machu Picchu, it’s still a quiet town today, though the peace was shattered once or twice by terrorist raids on the police station in the plaza during the late 1980s and early 1990s
The train station is a few hundred meters down Avenida Estacion (also known as Avenida Ferrocarril), on the left after the Hotel Sauce as you come down from the plaza towards (but well before) the Cathedral or Templo de Santiago Apóstol.
Tourist information can be obtained from the CATCCO Museum, one small block from the plaza, or T204024 or 204034. There are a few internet cafés in town, but the best, like Cyberpath, is opposite the cathedral. Money exchange is available in the small shop on the corner of the plaza and Calle Ventiderio.
The telephone and post office are on the central plaza. From Ollantaytambo, afternoon taxis ($20–30) and buses ($3.50) return daily to Cusco and regularly leave the small yard just outside the train station, often coinciding with the train timetable. In the mornings, the buses depart mainly from Ollantaytambo’s central plaza.
The center of activity is the central plaza—the heart of civic life and the scene of traditional folk dancing during festive occasions—the Inca fortress, the market below it, and the train station. The worthwhile Ollantaytambo Heritage Trail helps you find the most important sites with a series of blue plaques around town.
Ollantaytambo City Tour
Close to the central plaza, there’s the CATCCO Museo (Tues–Sun 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2–4 p.m.), which features interpretive exhibits in Spanish and English on local history, culture, archeology, and natural history. It also has a ceramic workshop where you can buy some good pottery.
Downhill from the plaza, just across the Río Patacancha, is the old Inca Plaza Mañya Raquy, dominated by the fortress. Market stalls, a few artisanal shops, and coffee shops are mainly opposite the beautiful but small church, the Templo de Santiago Apóstol. Built in 1620, it has an almost Inca-style stone belfry containing two great bells supported on ancient timber. The church’s front entrance surrounds a simple yet attractive mestizo floral relief painted red and cream.
Climbing up through the fortress (daily 7 a.m.–5.30 p.m.; entry with a Cusco Tourist Ticket), the solid stone terraces and the natural contours of the cliff remain frighteningly impressive.
Above them, huge red granite blocks mark the unfinished sun temple near the top, where, according to legend, the internal organs of mummified Incas were buried. A dangerous path leads from this upper level around the cliff towards a large sector of agricultural terracing that follows the Río Patacancha uphill.
At the same time, you can still make out the shape of a large Inca Plaza at the bottom, through which stone aqueducts carried the water supply. Below the ruins are the Andenes de Mollequasa terraces that look like a pyramid from the other side of the Urubamba Valley (a 20-minute walk up the track from the train station).
High over the other side of the Río Patacancha, behind the town, are rows of ruined buildings, initially thought to be prisons but now considered likely to have been granaries. In front of these, it’s pretty easy to make out a gigantic, rather grumpy-looking profile carved into the rock, possibly an Inca sculpture of Wiraccochan, the mythical messenger of Viracocha, the major creator god of Peru.
According to sixteenth- and seventeenth-century histories, such an image was indeed once carved, representing him as a man of great authority. This particular image’s frown implies presence, and this part of the mountain was also known as Wiraccochan Orcco (“peak of Viraccocha’s messenger”).
Looking back towards the main Ollantaytambo fortress, the mountain, rocks, and terracing form the image of a mother llama with a young llama, apparently representing the myth of Catachillay, which relates to the water cycle and the Milky Way.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas: Myths and Symbols (available in most Cusco bookshops), written by Cusco archaeologists Fernando and Edgar Salazar, is a helpful companion for identifying and interpreting the sites in this valley.
For a decent meal, it’s hard to beat El Albergue Ollantaytambo. It is only open to residents, except by prior reservation, but its great cooking betrays a North American influence.
Ollantaytambo food
Several good cafés are also closer to the town center, particularly around the bridge at the top of Avenida Estacion (Ferrocarril) and in the central plaza.
If you want to try the local chicha maize beer, pop into any private house displaying a red plastic bag on a pole outside the door. The beer is cheap, and the hosts are usually amiable and fun. In the old days, they used red flowers rather than plastic bags to indicate which family in the village had enough chicha beer to share with friends and neighbors.
Stunning countryside, skyscraping mountain peaks, and attractive day-trip options surround Ollantaytambo. The Inca quarries of Cachiqata can be reached in four hours on horseback with one of the tour companies listed in Cusco or Ollantaytambo. It’s also possible to camp here and visit the site of an Inca gateway or Intihuatana.
There are the nearer ruins of Pinkuylluna, less than an hour away by horse, or the Pumamarca Inca ruins about half a day out.
The area around this town is also an excellent spot to begin trekking into the hills. One possibility is to head along the main down-valley road to Km 82, where a bridge over the Río Urubamba is becoming an increasingly popular starting point for the Inca Trail and the SalKantay route. There’s a hard-going two-day trail to Yanacocha’s beautiful and remote lake.
Alternatively, traveling up the Río Patacancha will take you to the little-visited Inca ruins of Pumamarca, on the left, where the Yuramayu River merges with it under the shadows of the Nevada Helancoma. The main track carries along the right bank of the Río Patacancha through various small peasant hamlets—Pullata, Colqueracay, Maracocha, and Huilloc—before crossing the pass, with the Nevada Colque Cruz on the right-hand side. It then follows the Huacahuasi River and Tropoche down to the valley and community of Lares, just before which are some Inca baths.
Beyond the village are several more ruins en route to Ampares, from where you can either walk back to Urubamba, go by road back to Cusco, or head down towards Quillabamba. It’s at least a two-day walk one way, and you’ll need camping equipment and food as there are no facilities on the route.
Contact the South American Explorers’ Club in Cusco for recent trip reports and good maps. It’s also possible to do it on horseback via most tour companies here or in Cusco, or organize a guided trek with an agency in Cusco.
The local Museo CATCCO (T204024) also has information on the Ancestral Routes of Ollantaytambo, as they promote it. This adventure consists of a list of walking circuits linking essential points related to the area’s archaeology or history.
Cusco-based adventure tour operators have developed three main trekking routes in response to the desperate over-demand for the Inca Trail. The most popular of these is Choquequirao, which, like the Inca Trail, ends at a fabulous ancient citadel. Hikes around the sacred, glaciated mountain of Salcantay are also well developed and, to some extent, overlap with and link to the Inca Trail itself.
Much less walked but equally breathtaking is Ausangate, another sacred, snow-covered peak (with a convenient looping trail) dominating the southern horizon from Cusco on a clear day.
Ollantaytambo is more than just a gateway to Machu Picchu; it is a destination in its own right, offering rich history, stunning landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences. Whether you’re an avid history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the charm of a traditional Andean town, Ollantaytambo has something for everyone. Plan your visit today and discover the timeless allure of this sacred valley gem.
Peru is home to two of the most iconic landmarks in the world: the Sacred Valley and Machu…
Ultimate Sacred Valley Guide Best Experiences and Sights The Sacred Valley of the Incas, nestled in the Andean…
Maras and Moray Food Tour Embark on a journey through the heart of Peru with the Maras and…
Peru is a treasure trove of historic sites, with Machu Picchu often stealing the spotlight. However, the lesser-known…
Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley in Peru, the ancient sites of Maras and Moray offer…
Sacred Valley of the Incas Best Complete Guide The Sacred Valley, also known as the Urubamba Valley, is…
Maras and Moray are two of the most fascinating and unique sites in Peru’s Sacred Valley. While they…
Planning Your Visit to the Sacred Valley The Sacred Valley of the Incas, nestled in the Peruvian Andes,…
Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, the ancient sites of Maras and Moray offer a glimpse…
Chinchero Best Travel Guide Nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Chinchero is a destination rich in…
Exploring the Sacred Valley Nestled in the heart of the Andes, the Sacred Valley is a treasure trove…
Conquering Maras and Moray a Travelers Guide Visiting Maras and Moray is a must for anyone traveling to…
