How to Visit Ollantaytambo

How to Visit Ollantaytambo

Introduction

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.

Principal Attractions and Activities

While the main archaeological complex is the primary draw, Ollantaytambo and its surroundings contain numerous other points of interest.

 Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site

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.

Additional Archaeological Points of Interest

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.

Inti Punku Hike

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.

Plaza de Armas

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:

  • Chicha de jora: A fermented, lightly alcoholic beverage made from corn, with a flavor profile similar to strong kombucha.
  • Chicha de quinoa: A fermented quinoa drink, slightly sweet and served with a cinnamon garnish.
  • Chicha morada: A sweet, non-alcoholic drink made from purple corn.
  • Emoliente: A hot, herbal beverage thickened with boiled flax seeds, typically sold in the evenings from mobile carts equipped with gas stoves.
Avian Observation

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.

Accommodation Options in Ollantaytambo

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.

  • Earth Tones Tiny Homes: These are small, private homes set within a property with flowering trees, located a 10-minute walk from the main plaza.
  • El Arriero: This establishment is a traditional Andean home converted into a hostel and homestay. It is situated on a scenic street below the Pinkuylluna ruins.
  • El Albergue: A luxury hotel located directly within the train station complex. Its restaurant is noted for its use of organic, locally sourced ingredients.

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.

Dining and Gastronomy

Ollantaytambo features a diverse culinary scene.

  • Alqa: Recommended for coffee or drinks in its back garden. The main restaurant offers gourmet dining and requires reservations. The complex also includes a museum and a boutique shop.
  • Chuncho: Specializes in gourmet meals prepared with locally sourced Andean ingredients.
  • Apu Veronica: Offers high-quality versions of typical regional cuisine from Cusco, located at 3,399 meters (11,152 feet). The restaurant is named after the sacred mountain that overlooks the valley.
  • Sunshine Café: Known for its desserts and its view of the Ollantaytambo archaeological site. Main courses are standard fare.

Shopping and Local Crafts

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:

  1. Souvenir Market: Located adjacent to the main archaeological site, this is the largest market.
  2. Market Street: A street with various vendors located near the main site.

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.

Practical Travel Information

Train Transportation to Machu Picchu

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.

  • Note on Pronunciation: The name “Machu Picchu” is Quechua. “Machu” means old, and “Picchu” means mountain. Both ‘c’s in Picchu should be pronounced (peek-cho). The term “pichu” (pee-cho) refers to male anatomy in the Quechua language.
  • Station Procedures: Ticket checks are conducted at the entrance gate and again upon boarding. Both PeruRail and IncaRail issue tickets with assigned seating and carriage numbers. Passengers must arrive at the station at least 30 minutes prior to departure, as the companies enforce a strict policy regarding late arrivals. Food stalls selling sandwiches, snacks, and meals are located along the road leading to the station.
ATMs and Currency

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.

Tourist Information

A new tourist information booth was established on the main square, in front of the town hall, in September 2024.

Travel Insurance

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.

How to Get to Ollantaytambo

  • From Cusco: The journey by colectivo or taxi takes approximately 1.5 hours. Departures are from the Puente Grau area in Cusco.
  • From within the Sacred Valley: Travel time is approximately 30 minutes from Urubamba, at an altitude of 2,871 meters (9,420 feet), and 1.5 hours from Pisac, at an altitude of 2,972 meters (9,751 feet).
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