The Ollantaytambo temple is built on a pyramidal elevation with the strategic location of the three valleys domain. In addition to these ruins, we have several sites that complement the expedition, such as the Pinkuylluna hill.
Ollantaytambo does locate between three valleys at a height as a defense. Ollantaytambo park is quite well known, but there are more places to explore that also belong to Ollantaytambo. In this expedition, we will visit Ñaupa, a sacred place of the Incas, the terraces of Ollantaytambo, the giant stones, Puma Marca, “puma’s fortress,” and more Inca terraces to provide food to the population of Ollantaytambo. The annexes are incredibly in perfect condition until today.
AT A GLANCE
Meeting point to start the tour: At your Sacred Valley hotel or anywhere near Cuzco city.
Pick-up Schedule: 7:30 am
Highlights:
Explore different unexplored archaeological sites not visited by traditional circuits Cusco. Visit with us the other sectors of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
We leave Cusco at 06:00 am in our tourist vehicle in the direction of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Note: The vehicles to use “see the photo in prices.”
Ollantaytambo, nicknamed Ollanta by locals, looks and feels like a town that only Disney could have dreamed up, but it is accurate.
There are cobblestone streets, plenty of trees, long-forgotten ancient sites, charming boutique hotels, and stylish little cafés and restaurants. Pachacutec built the fortress and much of the city, originally called Llacta, in the 15th century.
A significant train stop site has become one of the leading tourist bases in the Sacred Valley, along with Pisac and Urubamba. If entering Ollantaytambo from Pisac, notice the inclination of the wall on the stone road just before the town.
It was an Incan practice to build walls leaning toward the interior of buildings, but this one leans toward the street. Researchers have determined that the road must have been constructed inside several buildings.
The Plaza Mayor is small and not nearly as pleasant as most other Andean plazas. It seems to have quite a bit of tourist traffic, pedestrians, and vehicles and is not entirely enclosed. The few cobblestone streets north of the Plaza are much more enjoyable.
Most narrow streets were decorated with fine adobe brick and stone walls on both sides; many were part of Canchas – completely walled city blocks (except for one entrance).
The Canchas in Ollanta is an excellent example of Incan town planning. The stone city blocks are still intact. Perhaps that is why the pueblo is the only continuously inhabited Inca village. A small produce market is typical of Andean villages that sit on one side of the main square.
It will give you a good idea of the crops grown in the region. You can also buy local dishes here, such as Anticuchos or corn on the cob. Just make sure everything does cook. It is generally OK as long as you have a strong stomach. Below the entrance to the ruins is a craft market that sells various goods.
I’ve noticed that there tends to be a greater variety in stone carvings and jewelry here if you are looking for one. They also sell carved and decorated walking sticks, which aren’t a bad idea if you climb the ruins here and later head on to Machu Picchu. It is a bit livelier on Sundays, and locals in traditional dress come from miles around. But this is still far smaller than the Pisac market.
PRICES PER PERSON [USD] 2022 | We run this tour only as a Private Service
PRIVATE SERVICE / Private Guided Tours 🙂
1st. STEP
