Stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo?
Looking for the perfect destination in Peru? This guide compares Urubamba and Ollantaytambo to help you decide which one is right for you.
When planning a trip to Peru’s Sacred Valley, choosing where to stay can be a tough decision. especially if you are looking for a place where you can be safe from altitude sickness. Two popular options are Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, each with their own unique charm and attractions. To help you decide which town is right for you, we’ve put together a guide comparing the two.
Where to Stay in the Sacred Valley: Urubamba or Ollantaytambo?
Peru is a beautiful country with many amazing destinations to explore. Two popular options are Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, both located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. But which one should you choose?
Both Urubamba and Ollantaytambo offer a wealth of cultural and historical attractions for visitors to explore. Urubamba is home to the impressive Maras Salt Mines, where locals have been harvesting salt for centuries. The town also has a beautiful colonial church and a bustling market where you can find traditional handicrafts and local produce. Ollantaytambo, on the other hand, is known for its impressive Inca ruins, including the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Condor. The town itself is also steeped in history, with narrow cobblestone streets and traditional Inca architecture.
Let’s break down each of them to learn more about where you should stay Ollantaytambo or Urubamba?
Activities and attractions in Urubamba and Ollantaytambo
Urubamba
Urubamba is a beautiful town located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The town of Urubamba is located at an altitude of 2,870 m (9,420 ft). The village sits next to the mighty Urubamba River. It is one of the most visited places in the Sacred Valley by travelers looking for a place to stay to prevent altitude sickness.
Urubamba is also the gateway to Peru’s most famous treasure: Machu Picchu. There are so many fantastic things to do and see in Urubamba Peru that you should not miss if you choose to stay in Urubamba.
Geographic location
Urubamba is a town located in the Cusco Region of Peru. It is situated approximately 76 kilometers (47 miles) northeast of the city of Cusco, and has an elevation of 2,871 meters (9,420 feet) above sea level. Urubamba is surrounded by beautiful Andean landscapes and is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to many important archaeological sites and natural attractions. Urubamba town is crossed by the Vilcanota River, which upon entering this area takes its name from Urubamba. The Urubamba valley is one of the most productive places in the country. The town of Urubamba offers the best corn harvest in the world also in Urubamba there are plenty of fruits, such as peaches, cherry, quince, first quality strawberries.
Weather
Urubamba has a subtropical highland climate, which is characterized by mild to warm temperatures throughout the year, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The average annual temperature in Urubamba is around 12-13°C (53-55°F), with daytime temperatures ranging from 18-25°C (64-77°F) in the summer months (April – October) and 14-20°C (57-68°F) in the winter months (October to March).
Urubamba River
The Urubamba River, originally called in Quechua language “Willkamayu” passes through the town of Urubamba, reason why is called the Urubamba River. The Urubamba or Vilcanota River changes its name along its flow depending on the area it goes to. The Urubamba River is one of the main branches of the Ucayali River, which flows into the Amazon River. For the Incas this river was considered sacred, it represented the connection of two Andean worlds, also considered as the mirror of the Milky Way.
What to see in Urubamba
Urubamba offers some nearby tourist attractions that you can visit on your own or on a private tour departing from Urubamba. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Urubamba:
Salinas de Maras: These salt mines have been in use since Inca times and are still harvested by local families today. The salt mines are a beautiful sight, with their terraced pools of bright white salt against a backdrop of green mountains.
Ollantaytambo: This Inca fortress is one of the best-preserved examples of Inca architecture in Peru. It features a massive temple and fortress complex with impressive stone terraces and walls.
Pumahuanca Valley: This beautiful valley is a great place for hiking, with stunning mountain views and a variety of flora and fauna.
Huilloc Weaving Community: This small community offers visitors a chance to learn about traditional Andean weaving techniques and to purchase handmade textiles.
Puma Huanca Valley: Hike this 8.9 km round-trip trail near Urubamba – Cusco. The hike is considered a moderate-difficulty route and takes an average of 3 h 30 min to complete. This trail is ideal for walking and running, and enjoy the beutiful landscapes.
Urubamba River: This scenic river offers opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and other water activities.
Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is a town in the Sacred Valley of Peru, located about 60 kilometers northwest of the city of Cusco. It is known for its well-preserved Inca ruins, which are among the best examples of Inca architecture and engineering. The town is named after the Inca ruins that are located on the hills above it. However, apart from the impressive ruins, Ollantaytambo also offers beautiful views and landscapes.
Geographic location
Ollantaytambo is a town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru. Specifically, it is situated in the Urubamba province, in the Cusco region, about 72 km (45 miles) northwest of the city of Cusco. The town is located on the banks of the Urubamba River, which runs through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The area around Ollantaytambo is known for its agriculture, particularly the cultivation of corn, potatoes, and quinoa, and is a popular destination for tourists visiting Peru.
Weather
Ollantaytambo has a subtropical highland climate with cool temperatures throughout the year. The town has two distinct seasons: a dry season and a rainy season. The dry season runs from April to October, while the rainy season runs from November to March.
During the dry season, temperatures range from 5-22°C (41-72°F) during the day, and can drop below freezing at night. The weather is generally clear and sunny, with low humidity and little rain.
During the rainy season, temperatures range from 4-18°C (39-64°F) during the day, with higher humidity and frequent rain. The rain can be heavy at times, and can cause flash floods and landslides in the mountainous areas around Ollantaytambo.
Ollantaytambo ruins
The Ollantaytambo ruins are an important archaeological site located near the town of Ollantaytambo in Peru. The ruins of Ollantaytambo date back to the Inca time and are believed to have been a royal estate and a military stronghold.
The site is notable for its impressive stone structures, including a temple and a fortress. The temple, known as the Temple of the Sun is located at the top of the hill, and is made up of six massive monolithic stones, weighing more than 50 tons. The fortress is a series of terraces and walls built into the mountainside, and was designed to protect the valley from invaders.
Visitors can explore the structures and learn about the history and culture of the Inca Empire. The site is also a popular starting point for the Inca Trail, a multi-day trek to the famous Machu Picchu ruins.
The ruins of Ollantaytambo are open daily. You have to buy a ticket to be able to visit them. It is recommended to visit the site with a guide, who can provide insights and context about the ruins and the Inca culture.
What to see in Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo town has many interesting things to see and do in and around the town. Here are some of the top attractions:
Ollantaytambo ruins: As mentioned earlier, the Ollantaytambo ruins are a must-see attraction in the town. The impressive stone structures and terraces are a testament to the engineering and architectural skills of the Inca civilization.
Pinkuylluna: Pinkuylluna is a series of Inca storehouses built into the side of a mountain overlooking Ollantaytambo. The site offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding mountains.
Ollantaytambo town: The town of Ollantaytambo itself is charming and picturesque, with narrow cobblestone streets, traditional adobe houses, and colorful textiles and handicrafts for sale.
Inca Trail: Ollantaytambo is also a popular starting point for the Inca Trail, a multi-day trek to the famous Machu Picchu ruins. The trail offers stunning views of the Andes Mountains and takes hikers through diverse ecosystems and Inca ruins.
Altitude sickness
Either Urubamba or Ollantaytambo are the favorite places to acclimatize to the altitude. Both places are at a lower altitude than Cusco so staying in either of them is optimal to prevent altitude sickness in Cusco.
Conclusions
Urubamba or Ollantaytambo?
Both places offer the best of the area, they are the best places to acclimatize to the altitude before returning to Cusco. However, keep in mind that the best hotels are in Urubamba, while the train station is in the town of Ollantaytambo which you can even walk to from your lodging.
If you are staying or planning to stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo and want to make the most of your stay by exploring the Sacred Valley from Urubamba? contact us for information about our tours from Urubamba or Ollantaytambo. We have the perfect tour for you.
