The Sacred Valley of the Incas is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru and Ollantaytambo is the most picturesque town in the region. In addition, it is the starting point for most travelers who visit Machu Picchu or even start the classic Inca Trail.
As you may already know, the town of Ollantaytambo has an authentic architectural style that follows ancient Inca design, including its open drainage system. Walking through this beautiful Andean city seems like a step backwards, especially since the impressive archaeological site is located in the heart of the city.
Located an hour and a half from Cusco, this popular town is easily accessible by bus or train (if coming from Aguas Calientes). Likewise, you can also explore this city with the Sacred Valley Tour, which allows you to visit the main archaeological sites of the circuit, as well as local markets and some textile museums.
If you want to know more about the Inca civilization and their way of life, this is the way to go! There are still many mysteries and riddles to be solved that we would like to show you. But first, we are going to explain why you should visit Ollantaytambo and how to do it so you don’t miss anything along the way.
Why visit Ollantaytambo
Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level, so it is best to take your time so that the body adapts to the altitude without problems. Visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the ways to do it, since it is lower than this imperial capital, but also because you can walk through it with total tranquility and without any unevenness.
Ollantaytambo is located at a height of 2,792 meters above sea level, making it the perfect place to rest before embarking on the Inca Trail or taking the train to Machu Picchu. In addition, the quiet life of this city offers the best opportunity to relax after a long trip through Peru before embarking on your next adventure.
Also, for those who do the Inca Trail, it is more appropriate to stay in this town since the starting point is 40 minutes away. This way you won’t have to get up too early to make the 2-hour drive from Cusco to the start of this strenuous hike.
As mentioned above, Ollantaytambo has a beautiful urban landscape of colonial mud houses and cobblestone streets and is surrounded by towering mountains and the Inca ceremonial fortress in the distance. So if you are looking for a quiet place near Machu Picchu, this could be the best option for you.
Things to do in Ollantaytambo
Although Ollantaytambo is a very small town, it offers a unique experience just by walking through its magical streets. We’ve rounded up the best things to do on foot before heading to the Inca Citadel here:
Archaeological Zone of Ollantaytambo
Located right in the heart of the city, this impressive structure is one of the most impressive structures in the Sacred Valley. The site served as an administrative and ceremonial center that was transformed into a fortress during the colonization process.
The ruins are surprisingly well preserved, although they were damaged during the Ollantaytambo War in 1537 and when the Spanish took control of the area. Today it is one of the most important pre-Columbian settlements in Peru.
If you want to visit this archaeological site, you must buy the Cusco tourist ticket. Lucky for you, this special ticket is included in all of our travel packages.
Colcas of Pinkuylluna
If you have seen the photos from the top of the Ollantaytambo ruins, you will surely have noticed a special structure built into the side of the mountain. Well, this ancient structure was also built by the Incas to preserve the crops that grew on the nearby terraces.
It was probably built during the reign of Pachacutec, around the same time the city was being rebuilt. Warehouses are strategically located at high altitudes to store and protect food.
The visit to this archaeological site is free, but you have to take into account that the path can be quite difficult if you are not used to heights or if you are not in good physical condition, since the path is very steep.
Ollantaytambo town
As mentioned, the city itself is a living museum, seamlessly blending colonial architecture with Inca structures. Surrounded by lush scenery, Ollantaytambo offers a relaxing experience around every corner.
If you are looking for an authentic experience on your trip to Peru and Cusco, be sure to add the Sacred Valley to your itinerary. Take your time exploring each city and make the most of your stay.
So… What is the best way to get to Ollantaytambo?
The way to travel from Cusco to Ollantaytambo depends on the type of experience you want to have. We’ve put together some tips and information on this here:
If you want to get there on your own, you should know that it is not that complicated. For those who want to go directly without stopping along the way, it is possible to take a bus for 10-15 soles from Pavitos street in Cusco.
Keep in mind that locals tend to overcharge tourists, so don’t be afraid to haggle if you find yourself in this situation, especially if you already know what the normal bus fare is.
You can also ask your travel agency or your hotel to find you a taxi from Cusco to Ollantaytambo at a favorable price. This would be the best option if you want to avoid long queues at bus stops and crowded buses.
If you prefer to walk, this is the best option to get to Ollantaytambo, since you can visit several towns and archaeological sites on the way before reaching this famous town. Plus, it only takes 4-6 hours to complete the route, giving you more time to explore Ollantaytambo and rest before continuing on your adventure.
There are two ways to experience this, whether you want to join a group tour or a private excursion to the Sacred Valley, we have both alternatives. Be sure to contact our team so we can design the perfect itinerary for you.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is undoubtedly one of the must-see attractions in Cusco. If you are planning a trip to the lands of Cusco, here we have a guide to the best day trips from Cusco to give you a broader perspective of the different things to do in the land of the Incas.
