The Sacred Valley of the Incas is definitely one of the most sought after destinations in Peru and Ollantaytambo is undoubtedly the most picturesque town within the region. Besides, it is the starting point for most travelers visiting Machu Picchu or even starting the Classic Inca Trail.
As you may know, the town of Ollantaytambo has an authentic architectural style, following the ancient distribution left by the Incas, including their open drain system. Walking through this beautiful Andean village feels like a back in time journey, especially since its towering archaeological site is located right at the heart of it!
This famous town is located about 1.5 hours away from Cusco and it’s easily accessible by bus or train (if you’re coming from Aguas Calientes). Likewise, you can also stop by this town with the Sacred Valley Tour, which allows you to visit the main archeological sites of the circuit, as well as local markets and textile museums.
If you’re looking to know much more of the Inca civilization and their way of living, this is the way to go! There are so many secrets and enigmas yet to be solved that we’d love to show you about. But first, let us tell you why you should visit Ollantaytambo and how you should do it so you don’t miss anything on the way.
Reasons to Visit Ollantaytambo
As you may know, Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level, which is best for you to take some time so your body can get used to the altitude without problem. Visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the ways to do so since it is lower than this imperial capital but also because you can experience it calmly and slowly without increasing in altitude.
Ollantaytambo sits at an elevation of 2,792 m.a.s.l. which makes it the perfect location to rest before heading to the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu by train. Besides, low-paced life in this village grants the best opportunity to disconnect after a long itinerary through Peru before starting with your next adventure.
Also, it will be more suitable to stay in this town for those taking the Inca Trail since the starting point is located 40 minutes away from there. That way, you won’t have to wake up really early to make a 2-hour trip from Cusco to the beginning of this strenuous trek.
As we mentioned above, Ollantaytambo has a beautiful urban scenery with adobe colonial buildings and cobblestone streets, besides being surrounded by towering mountains and the Inca ceremonial fortress looming from a distance. So, if you’re looking for a quiet place near Machu Picchu, this could be the best option for you.
What’s there to do?
Although Ollantaytambo might be a very small town it offers a unique experience as soon as you step into its magical streets. Here we have gathered the best things to do in a walking distance before heading out to the Inca Citadel:
1. Ollantaytambo Archeological Site
This massive structure is located right at the heart of the town, it is one of the most imposing constructions of the Sacred Valley. The site served as an administrative and ceremonial center, which turned into a fortress during the colonization process.
The ruins are surprisingly well preserved though they suffered some damages during the Ollantaytambo war in 1537 and when the Spaniards gained control of the land. Nowadays, it is one of the most important pre-Columbian settlements in Peru.
If you wish to visit the Ollantaytambo Archeological Site, you must purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket. Luckily for you, we include this special entrance in all our travel packages.
2. Pinkuylluna Storehouse
If you’ve been looking at the pictures from above the Ollantaytambo ruins, you surely have noticed a particular construction built on the cliffside of a mountain. Well, this ancient structure was also built by the Incas to help the conservation of the crops cultivated in the nearby terraces.
The site was presumably constructed during the Pachacutec reign, about the same time as the city was being rebuilt. The storehouses are strategically positioned at a high altitude to preserve and protect the food.
It is free to visit this archeological site though we must highlight that the hike could be quite difficult if you’re not used to the altitude or don’t have a good physical condition since the trail is very steep.
3. Ollantaytambo Town
As we mentioned before, the town itself is a live museum where colonial architecture merges perfectly with the Inca structures used as their foundations. Ollantaytambo is surrounded by a flourishing scenery and offers a relaxing experience in every corner.
If you’re looking for an authentic experience during your trip to Peru and Cusco, make sure to add the Sacred Valley in your travel itinerary. Take your time to explore each town and make the most of your stay!
So.. what’s the best way to get there?
As you will be making your way to Ollantaytambo from Cusco, it will depend on the type of experience you’d like to have. Here we have gathered some tips and information on how to do so:
- If you would like to get there on your own, you should know that it isn’t so complicated as long as you know basic Spanish. For those looking to get there directly, without stopping on the way, you can get a bus ride for 10-15 soles from Pavitos Street in Cusco.
Keep in mind that locals tend to overcharge their prices to tourists, so don’t be afraid to bargain when you get caught in the middle of these situations, especially when you already know what the regular bus fare is.
Likewise, you can ask your travel agent or hotel to arrange a taxi from Cusco to Ollantaytambo for a reasonable price. This would be the best option if you’re looking to avoid long lines at the bus stop and crowded buses.
- If you rather take a tour, it will be the best option to get to Ollantaytambo since you’d get to visit different towns and archeological sites on the way before arriving at this famous village. Besides, it will only take around 4-6 hours to complete the circuit, allowing you to have more time to explore Ollantaytambo and to have some rest before continuing with your adventure.
There are two modalities for this experience, either you’d like to join a group tour or a private excursion to the Sacred Valley, we have both alternatives. Make sure to contact our team so we can organize the perfect itinerary for you!
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is certainly one of the unmissable attractions in Cusco. If you’re planning a trip to the Cusqueñan lands, here we have a guide about the best day trips from Cusco so you can have a broader view of the different things to do in the ancient lands of the Incas.