Ollantaytambo, Perú
Ollantaytambo is a small town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru, about 60 kilometers northwest of the city of Cusco. It is known for its well-preserved Inca ruins and its role in Inca history and culture.
Venturing back in time to explore one of the most spectacular ancient Inca towns – Ollantaytambo, Peru – can be an unforgettable experience. From awe-inspiring sculptures and temples to vibrant markets, discover the secrets that Ollantaytambo has in store for visitors and plan your perfect trip now!
Facts About Ollantaytambo Inca Ruins
Ollantaytambo is one of the most important towns in the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo is the only place where you can see the ancient design of this town and you can also connect with its people in a unique way, the town of Ollantaytambo has many attractions that impress everyone who visits it over all its archaeological site which is located on the lower side of the town.
Ollantaytambo is the only Inca town that is still inhabited by the villagers, if you visit the town of Ollantaytambo you will see why it is considered the only living Inca town in all of Cusco, the town of Ollantaytambo still maintains its streets from the Inca era as well as its architecture and design of the town.
The inhabitants of Ollantaytambo still maintain their traditions inherited by their ancestors, their main tourist attraction is the Inca site of Ollantaytambo which is visited by about 2000 visitors every day, it is presumed that Ollantaytambo was built by the Inca Pachacutec in the years of 1438, Although specialists say that the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo dates back more than 5000 years, they believe it may have been discovered by the Incas 600 years ago because in the place you can appreciate different types of constructions from the finest to the most rustic which would be attributed to the Incas.
Things to do in Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley)
If you plan to stay in Ollantaytambo and the next day visit Machu Picchu by train then let me tell you that you take the best choice, this is a good way to prevent altitude sickness since Ollantaytambo is lower than Cusco and you will not have to get up very early to take the train, the town of Ollantaytambo is located just 10 minutes from the train station.
The town of Ollantaytambo is quite small but exploring its surroundings can be as entertaining as the best you can do to spend time during your stay in Ollantaytambo town, as a first alternative or activity to do we have the exploration to Pinkylluna Mountain (opening hours 7am to 16):30pm) climbing the mountain will take you from 30 minutes to 1 hour round trip, what you will be about to explore there are the granaries of the Inca era as well as the beautiful view of the village of Ollantaytambo and the ruins of Ollantaytambo,
The granaries or warehouses were places where food was stored, as well as corn, dried potatoes and some cereals such as quinoa and quiwicha. These food deposits have two levels which is divided by bamboo beams, this visit could take your breath away, but it is worth it.
Exploring the streets of the ancient Inca village can take you back in time as the streets still maintain their original name in the Quechua language. You will also see how the local people live in these old houses, many of the houses with their Inca doorways and amazing Inca water canals.
Ollantaytambo also has a local market where you can find everything from fresh fruits, juices, food, wheat bread, clothes, backpacks, slippers, clothes, sunglasses, etc. Ollantaytambo market can also be a good place to spend time and connect more with local people.
Where is Ollantaytambo ruins?
Ollantaytambo is located at the opposite end of the town of Pisac 80 kilometers from the city of Cusco, you can reach Ollantaytambo by the Chinchero-Urubamba road, the town of Ollantaytambo is 2710 meters above sea level, the Inca town of Ollantaytambo is quite recommended for acclimatization programs, if you have breathing problems due to altitude sickness in Cusco you can go to the village of Ollantaytambo and spend the night before your visit to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
What to see in the Inca site of Ollantaytambo?
The temple of the sun: this temple with 6 enormous blocks of granite stone would represent the temple of the sun according to archaeologists during the winter solstice the first rays of sun point to this temple as a symbol of respect and at the same time perhaps with astronomical purpose.
Cultivation terraces: these terraces in Ollantaytambo were purely for agricultural purposes as they were built in different layers and all have an irrigation canal.
The Inca’s baths or the temple of water: we know that for the people of that time water was an element of vital importance since the water came from the mountains or from the springs which were considered sacred.
Tours in Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley
If you are in the town of Ollantaytambo or have just arrived in Cusco and want to finish the tour in Ollantaytambo then we have some alternatives for you:
- Pisac Full day & Alpaca farm
- Sacred Valley Full Day
- Extended Sacred Valley tour
- Maras Moray & Salt Mines
How do I get back from Ollantaytambo to Cusco on my own?
You only have to wait for the buses or colectivos coming from the train station, this ride costs only 10 soles and the end of the ride will be in the Plaza San Francisco del Cusco.
How do I get to Ollantaytambo from Cusco on my own?
To go to Ollantaytambo on your own from Cusco just take a taxi in Cusco and get off at Pavitos street or Grau street there you will find many colectivos, the colectivos will not leave until they are full this sometimes takes 20 minutes to 1 hour so take your precautions but it is highly recommended to take a taxi shared with other people who also go to Ollantaytambo the taxi to Ollantaytambo costs 15 soles, if you spend a night in Ollantaytambo you can ask to be drop off at the Ollantaytambo plaza because the taxi usually goes to the train station.
We hope this information can help you with your trip and if you have any questions please contact us via whatssap.
