The Ollantaytambo Peru Ultimate Guide

Are you thinking about visiting Ollantaytambo Peru, but are still wondering how to plan your trip? Then you’ve come to the perfect place.

This mountainous town is one of the most popular to visit within the Sacred Valley region, which is just a stone’s throw away from Cusco. This means it’s possible to visit either as a day trip, or to stay here as you explore all of the unique and unforgettable attractions on offer here.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore everything you need to know about Ollantaytambo Peru, why you should visit as well as how to plan your trip here. We’ll also answer any other questions you may have in our FAQ section later on in this guide.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Ollantaytambo Peru?

Located deep within the ancient Sacred Valley region, Ollantaytambo is steeped in both history as well as epic, mountainous views. 

First built in the early 15th Century as a checkpoint town into the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo was an important focal point for the Inca civilization. As well as providing extra security for those passing in and around the region, here they also grew Maize in abundance which grows into Corn – and was one of the most important staple foods for the Incas at this time.

Like many other towns in the region such as Pisac, and that of Urubamba, Ollantaytambo is also set along the crashing Urubamba River. This means we can enjoy beautiful scenic views of both fertile green plains, as well as high altitude snow-capped mountain peaks in the nearby distance. Also nearby we can visit epic sites such as the Maras Salt Mines and various Inca Ruins, all of which we’ll explore later in this guide.

The History Of Ollantaytambo 

As already mentioned, this ancient town was first built over 500 years ago in the mid 15th Century by the Inca empire, although previous settlements here suggested that pre-Incan cultures also once resided in the area.

Whilst Ollantaytambo Peru mostly functioned as a security and gateway checkpoint for those who travelled through the Sacred Valley region, it also served as the royal estate for Emperor Pachacutec. It was he who built-up the town after conquering it, and remains one of the most important Inca leaders since he also developed agriculture, road systems and built the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.

The town then faced an attack from the Spanish in 1537 which the Inca won, however then slowly fell into Spanish rule the subsequent years after. Ollantaytambo would then be visited by Hiram Bingham some 400 years later in 1911, during his search for the ruins of Machu Picchu.

How To Get To Ollantaytambo Peru

Given Ollantaytambo is located in the remote mountains, there is no major airport here yet so you can only get here by road transport. Below we’ll explore your different options of getting to Ollantaytambo Peru.

Colectivo From Cusco To Ollantaytambo 

From Cusco you have a few different options you can take to get here. The first is by colectivo, which is the cheapest. A one-way trip costs around 10-15 Soles and will take 2 hours to arrive. You can hail one from Calle Pavitos, although you will need to wait until the colectivo more or less fills-up before it will leave.

Taxi From Ollantaytambo To Cusco

The most comfortable and quickest way to make the trip is to head here with a taxi. This is especially ideal for those who want to come directly from the airport, or who prefer a private ride without any delays. A one-way taxi ride will take around 1.5 hours to arrive from Cusco, and you can expect to spend between 120-200 Soles.

Taking A Private Taxi From Cusco To Ollantaytambo

Private Day Tour Of Ollantaytambo From Cusco

Another great option is to take a private tour of Ollantaytambo from Cusco. Not only will you have all logistics sorted there and back on the same day, you’ll also have a knowledgeable local guide show you around. On our private Sacred Valley Day Tour you’ll also get to visit other highlights such as Pisac and Chinchero, as well as seeing the very best sites of Ollantaytambo Peru.

Train From Cusco To Ollantaytambo 

Next we have the option of taking the train from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, with either PeruRail or IncaRail that serve the route. In total travel time is just 1.5 hours, however you’d have to spend 200 Soles on the full route from Cusco to Aguas Calientes – and get off halfway to visit Ollantaytambo. For this reason it’s not such an ideal option, however you can combine this option with a bus or colectivo if you then want to head to Aguas Calientes afterwards.

Which Is The Overall Best Transport Method?

It really depends on your budget and preferences, however a day tour of Ollantaytambo from Cusco ticks all the different boxes and is the very best method in our opinion. Not only will you have private transport and minimal time spent getting here, you’ll also have plenty of time to explore the town with an expert local guide who will teach you about all of the different sites and ruins.

Our second most recommended option would be a taxi, and especially so if you’re in a rush. This way you can get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo in just 1.5 hours with no hassle, which is also nice as it will be a private ride with no stops along the way. Taking a taxi is also ideal if you want to visit Ollantaytambo directly from the airport or bus station once you arrive into Cusco.

What To See And Do In Ollantaytambo Peru

There are all kinds of incredible sights and activities to be experienced in Ollantaytambo. Below we’ll now cover the very best which you’ll want to add to your own travel itinerary.

Explore The Ollantaytambo Ruins

If you only had time to visit one attraction when in Ollantaytambo, then it would hands-down have to be the ancient ruins here. Built by the legendary Inca civilization in the 15th Century, it’s known for its steep stone steps which eventually lead up to a superb lookout point over the surrounding valley. Once an important strategic point to warn of any impending attacks, nowadays we can visit highlights such as the Sun Temple, whilst also spotting the face of Wiracocha carved out of a nearby mountain face (who was known as the Inca creator deity). Inside the ruins we can also get up and close with the Wall of the Six Monoliths – which are six giant stones that each weigh 50 tonnes.

Ollantaytambo Ruins Peru

Stroll Around The Plaza De Armas

The beating heart of Ollantaytambo, the Plaza de Armas is the main square and focal point of the town, and is the perfect place to soak in the local atmosphere. Here we can go for a stroll and enjoy the beautiful architecture and incredible mountain scenery, whilst also having some food in one of the many restaurants here. It’s also possible to see local festivals and dances here, where both national and regional celebrations take place right in the square. The great thing is that many of these are also performed by local communities and aren’t yet that well-known – so there’s a good chance you could have a nice surprise when visiting Ollantaytambo Peru!

Try Local Foods In The Mercado San Pedro

Not to be confused with the giant San Pedro Market in Cusco, in Ollantaytambo we can also find a great market of the same name. Inside we are met with strong aromas of different Peruvian dishes and spices, and is the perfect place to buy different local produce if you want to try and cook up some native dishes. On the second upper floor we can also sit down and try local food prepared right then and there. This usually consists of menu ejecutivos, which are a two-course local meal that also includes a drink. The great thing about this local food market (which is the same for the one in Cusco), is that it’s great to visit any day of the week where it will be in full flow. Arguably one of the very best things to do in Ollantaytambo, and a must on your itinerary.

Visit The Local Artisanal Market

If there’s one thing you’ll find refreshing here in Ollantaytambo (and the rest of the Sacred Valley), it’s the open-air markets. Whilst back in Cusco it’s standard to see the same things being sold by every adjacent stall, here instead we can find a giant range of unique handmade and local goods from around the region. The main artisanal market in Ollantaytambo is located right outside the main gate of the Ollantaytambo Ruins, and so is very easy to stop-off by when wandering the site. Here we can find colorful ponchos, socks and gloves for a great price, as well as all kinds of typical Andean hats which are perfect for preventing sunburns from the intense sun here.

Walk Around Qosqo Ayllu

The oldest part of Ollantaytambo, Qosqo Ayllu is made up of main ancient streets which have still preserved their architecture and marvellous features back from the Inca period. Here we can wander through narrow stone-laden streets, whilst enjoying the towering mountain views (which is the perfect place to get your iconic Ollantaytambo Peru photo). Similar to the architectural design in the town of Pisac, here we can also find an open-drain system which runs down the middle of the streets. If heading during the rainy season, then you can expect this to roar when it rains as water is conveniently transported throughout the neighbouring streets and alleyways.

The Best Day Trips To Take Around Ollantaytambo Peru

As well as exploring the best sights in town, don’t forget about these incredible day trips that can easily be taken from Ollantaytambo.

Explore The Maras Salt Mines

One of the most iconic Sacred Valley sites for anyone heading to Cusco, the Maras Salt Mines are located just 37km away from Ollantaytambo. Entering into the valley from above, we’ll get our first glimpse of the hundreds of different colored salt pools which range from a bright white to darker browns. Each of these pools belong to different families and communities who are native to the region, and each year they harvest the pools in order to make use of the collected salt. As well as being able to buy bags of authentic salt here to take home with us, here we can also try some really delicious chocolate varieties too!

Maras Salt Mines From Ollantaytambo

Visit The Circular Ruins Of Moray

Another iconic sight that is just a stone’s throw away from Ollantaytambo, the ancient ruins of Moray are unique in both their design and original function. Also built by the Inca civilization back during the 15th Century, each site is made up of dozens of circular platforms – with each one gradually lowering down until we get to the lowest in the middle. The Inca were very knowledgeable and knew that different angles would affect sunlight intensity, and as such the water temperatures on each level differed and allowed them to cultivate a range of different crops such as potatoes and quinoa. You can also visit both Moray Ruins as well as the Maras Salt Flats with our Moray and Maras day tour from Cusco if you prefer a more cultural experience with an expert local guide.

Moray Ruins From Ollantaytambo

Go Hiking In The Inca Quarry

For those who want both an outdoors and cultural experience, then hiking through the Inca Quarry will be a must-do during your time in Ollantaytambo Peru. Officially known as the Cachicata Inca Quarry, here we can explore the very beginnings of what made the Inca civilization so formidable – which was this stone forest where many of their most iconic constructions began from. Along the hike we can also see various designs that were left behind such as the giant stone wheel. The Inca Quarry is located roughly 9km from Ollantaytambo, and as such it’s best to plan a full day for exploring this sacred site without rushing around. Here at AB Expeditions we also operate a multi-day Inca Trail Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu if you are up for a real adventure.

Inca Quarry Trail From Ollantaytambo

When Is The Best Time To Visit Ollantaytambo Peru?

Once you’ve decided you’ll visit Ollantaytambo and have planned what sites and trips you’ll explore, you’ll next want to consider when is the best time for a visit.

Similar to Cusco and all other Andean towns within this region, there is both a dry and wet season for Ollantaytambo which we’ll need to consider. The dry season runs from May until October, and is the most popular given there is virtually no rainfall. The wet season continues from November until April, and whilst wetter with infrequent showers, is better for scenery and has less crowds.

Daily temperatures will follow a similar pattern for all months of the year, where during the daytime it will get quite hot (of course cloud cover can temporarily reduce these). In the evening temperatures will drop and get chilly, and even more so during the dry season. For this reason it’s important to bring a few extra layers ready.

It’s also vital to note that regardless of when you visit, the sunlight here is very intense and as such you’ll want to wear sunscreen and a hat in order to prevent sunburns. Also make sure to keep drinking lots of water throughout the day in order to avoid getting dehydrated.

Ollantaytambo Peru FAQ

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about visiting Ollantaytambo Peru and how to plan your trip here, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

What Is Special About Ollantaytambo?

One of the true original Inca-created towns of the Cusco region, Ollantaytambo maintains its true identity despite hundreds of years of advancements elsewhere in the valleys. Here we can see original ancient architecture and perfectly-preserved ruins, as well as locals that hail directly from the Incas who keep their same traditions alive today for us all to see.

How Much Time To Spend In Ollantaytambo?

This really depends on how much time you have available during your trip to Cusco, and how deep you want to explore Ollantaytambo and the surrounding area. If you just want to see highlights such as the Ollantaytambo Ruins, Face of Wiracocha and Moray Ruins, then you can easily see these with a day tour. If you want to see more or relax around town, then you can spend between 2-4 days in Ollantaytambo Peru.

Is It Worth Going To Ollantaytambo?

If you are planning to explore the surrounding Sacred Valley region from Cusco, then we think it’s definitely worth visiting Ollantaytambo Peru. Not only is the mountainous scenery perfect for photos and for hiking around, there’s also many incredible ancient ruins to explore. It’s also easy to visit Ollantaytambo from Cusco, given it’s just a 2 hour bus ride away.

Overview Of Ollantaytambo Peru

One of the must-visit towns within the Sacred Valley region of Peru, there are tons to see and do in Ollantaytambo.

Here we can explore many Inca creations such as The Sun Gate and the legendary Wiracocha Face carving, and also enjoy the more rural and authentic mountain town vibe here. Nearby to Ollantaytambo we can also find many worthwhile day trips to embark on, such as to the Maras Salt Mines as well as to Moray Ruins.

Are you looking to explore Ollantaytambo Peru? Here at AB Expeditions we operate an unforgettable Sacred Valley Day Tour where we will explore the very best highlights of Ollantaytambo. As well as including all transport and meals, we’ll also get to see other towns and sites such as Chinchero and Pisac.

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