YOUR GUIDE TO OLLANTAYTAMBO
Ollantaytambo: The Living Inca Town Every Traveler Should Explore
Nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Ollantaytambo is more than just a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu—it’s a destination in its own right. Known as the “Living Inca Town,” Ollantaytambo is the only place in Peru where you can still see families inhabiting ancient Inca stone houses, walking the same cobblestone streets their ancestors did centuries ago. For travelers, it offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, stunning landscapes, and practical convenience.
Whether you’re passing through on the train to Machu Picchu, staying overnight, or using it as a base for Sacred Valley exploration, Ollantaytambo deserves a spot on your Peru itinerary.
A Brief History of Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo’s roots stretch back to the 15th century, when it was built by Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the ninth Inca emperor. He expanded the settlement into a royal estate with temples, terraces, and granaries.
Later, during the Spanish conquest, Ollantaytambo became one of the last strongholds of the Inca resistance under Manco Inca Yupanqui. In 1536, Manco Inca famously defeated a Spanish force here by flooding the valley, making Ollantaytambo one of the few places where the Inca won a major battle.
Today, the town is both an archaeological treasure and a living community, where you’ll find a rare continuity between the Inca past and modern life.
Top Things to See and Do in Ollantaytambo
1. Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site
The main attraction is the monumental fortress and temple complex towering above the town. Highlights include:
The Temple of the Sun: Massive, precisely cut monoliths of pink granite that were never completed.
The Terraces: Built for defense and agriculture, they offer panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.
The Storehouses (Qollqas): High on the mountainside, these structures once stored food, preserved by cool winds.
The Battle Site: Standing on the fortress, you can imagine the Inca warriors facing down Spanish forces.
Tip: Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds from tour buses.
2. The Old Town of Ollantaytambo
This is what makes Ollantaytambo unique. The town is laid out in the original Inca grid plan, with narrow cobbled streets, canals of running water, and trapezoidal doorways. Families still live in ancient Inca homes, some with traditional courtyards. Walking through feels like stepping back in time.
3. Pinkuylluna Mountain Storehouses
Directly across from the fortress, a steep hike leads you to the Pinkuylluna ruins. These were Inca granaries, strategically placed to catch mountain breezes and keep food cool. The hike is free, offers amazing views of the fortress, and is less crowded than the main ruins.
4. Local Markets and Handicrafts
At the foot of the ruins, you’ll find a lively artisan market selling alpaca textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and souvenirs. Prices are generally lower than in Cusco, and you can support local artisans directly.
5. The Train Station to Machu Picchu
Ollantaytambo is the main departure point for trains to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). If you’re heading to Machu Picchu, you’ll likely pass through here. Staying a night before your train ensures you’re well-rested and avoids rushing from Cusco.
6. Nearby Sacred Valley Attractions
Ollantaytambo makes a great base for exploring:
Maras Salt Mines – Terraces of ancient salt pans.
Moray – Circular agricultural terraces that acted as Inca “laboratories.”
Pisac – Another stunning archaeological site and market.
Chinchero – Famous for weaving and textiles.
Festivals and Culture
Ollantaytambo is deeply rooted in tradition, and festivals here are vibrant and authentic.
Ollantay Raymi (June 29): A historical re-enactment of the Inca drama “Ollantay,” performed against the backdrop of the fortress.
Inti Raymi (June 21): Winter solstice festival dedicated to the Sun God.
Local fiestas: Almost every month, smaller religious and cultural festivals fill the streets with music, dances, and parades.
Practical Travel Information
Getting There
From Cusco: 1.5 to 2 hours by road (shared colectivos, taxis, or private tours).
From Urubamba: 30 minutes by car.
To Machu Picchu: Trains depart frequently (PeruRail or IncaRail).
Where to Stay
Budget: Hostels and guesthouses around the plaza (many family-run).
Mid-Range: Boutique hotels with Inca-style courtyards and mountain views.
Luxury: Sacred Valley lodges just outside town.
Staying in Ollantaytambo is quieter and more atmospheric than Cusco, especially for travelers wanting to acclimate to altitude before hiking or visiting Machu Picchu.
Where to Eat
Local eateries: Try trucha frita (fried trout) or a hearty quinoa soup.
Tourist-friendly restaurants: Many offer pizza, pasta, and vegetarian options.
Coffee shops: Great for relaxing before your train, with locally sourced beans.
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (May – September): Clear skies, best for hiking and photography.
Rainy season (November – March): Fewer tourists, greener landscapes, but muddy trails.
Shoulder months (April & October): Good balance of weather and lower crowds.
Safety and Tips
Ollantaytambo is generally safe, but take normal precautions.
Altitude: At 2,792 meters (9,160 feet), it’s lower than Cusco but still high; take it easy the first day.
If hiking Pinkuylluna or the ruins, bring water, sunscreen, and good shoes.
Why Visit Ollantaytambo?
For many travelers, Ollantaytambo is simply the “train stop to Machu Picchu.” But to rush through is to miss one of Peru’s most magical towns. Here, you don’t just see Inca history—you walk through it, live among it, and feel its presence in every stone and stream.
Whether you’re gazing down from the fortress, wandering the labyrinth of Inca streets, or sipping coffee before your train, Ollantaytambo offers a rare glimpse of a world where the ancient and modern coexist seamlessly.
If you’re exploring the Sacred Valley, don’t just pass by, stay a night (or two) in Ollantaytambo, and let the Living Inca Town leave its mark on your journey.
