Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru, is a significant Andean town renowned for its well-preserved Inca-era urban planning and architecture. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,792 meters (9,160 feet), the town serves as a common transit point for travelers heading to Machu Picchu. Beyond its archaeological importance, Ollantaytambo is characterized by its compact layout, traditional stone streets, and extant Inca water channels. These channels, which carry glacial water from adjacent mountains, were integral to the village’s historical water supply system. A notable environmental characteristic is a strong wind that typically moves through the narrow canyon daily between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The town offers a considerable number of high-quality restaurants and hotels for its size.
While the main archaeological complex is the primary draw, Ollantaytambo and its surroundings contain numerous other points of interest.
This is the most visited attraction in the town. For an optimal experience, it is advisable to visit the site in the morning hours. This strategy helps to avoid the strong afternoon winds and the larger tourist crowds that typically arrive later in the day. A comprehensive visit can be planned by consulting dedicated guides for the site.
According to archaeologist Óscar Montúfar, who has conducted research in the area for over a decade, there are forty documented archaeological sites within Ollantaytambo. Apart from the main complex, the primary site developed for public access is Pinkuylluna. Access to Pinkuylluna is free of charge. Visitors should also remain observant when walking through the town, as many smaller, unmarked archaeological features, such as original 700-year-old Inca trapezoidal doorways, are integrated into the modern structures.
For individuals interested in trekking, the hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) offers expansive views of the town and valley from a high-altitude vantage point. Proper preparation and information gathering are recommended before undertaking this hike.
The central plaza is a focal point for observing local culture. Residents can often be seen wearing traditional attire, including distinctive round hats for women and waist-length ponchos for men. During the high season (May through September), the plaza is also frequented by international visitors.
Street vendors frequently sell traditional snacks and beverages in the plaza. Available options include:
The Ensifera Hummingbird Gardens are located approximately 30 minutes from Ollantaytambo and are recognized as a premier location for observing hummingbirds in the Sacred Valley. The site is a habitat for species such as the Sword-billed hummingbird, . The area also offers facilities for camping. Adjacent to this location is a butterfly garden.
The town provides a range of lodging, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Due to the compact size of Ollantaytambo, most accommodations are conveniently located within a 5-to-15-minute walk from the train station.
For bookings, it is observed that many local establishments utilize Booking.com more frequently than Airbnb, as the former tends to charge a lower commission to hosts. Booking directly through an establishment’s website is also a common option.
Ollantaytambo features a diverse culinary scene.
Numerous shops throughout the town sell handwoven textiles featuring designs of Inca origin. These goods are often crafted by women from remote mountain communities and supplied to the town’s retailers.
Two primary open-air markets serve as central points for commerce:
These markets are suitable for Browse a wide selection of goods and comparing prices. It is a cultural note that extensive bargaining is not a common practice in Peru; sellers may offer a minor discount. For guaranteed fair-trade artisan goods, the boutique at Alqa is a recommended retailer.
The Ollantaytambo station is a primary departure point for train services to Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu). It is often recommended to depart from Ollantaytambo rather than Poroy to allow for time to explore the town.
It is advisable to bring a sufficient amount of cash from Cusco. As of October 2024, there is only one operational ATM in Ollantaytambo, located next to the Stone Grill restaurant and marked on Google Maps as “Distributor BCP.” ATMs are widely available in both Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
A new tourist information booth was established on the main square, in front of the town hall, in September 2024.
Travel in Peru can be subject to unpredictable events, including political protests that may lead to road closures. It is recommended to secure travel insurance that covers unexpected itinerary changes and related travel disruptions.