City Guide for: Ollantaytambo, Peru

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Ollantaytambo, Peru Guide

Ollantaytambo is a charming town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, known for its well-preserved Inca ruins and traditional Andean culture. The town is a popular starting point for treks to Machu Picchu, as well as a destination in its own right.

Transportation

Visitors can reach Ollantaytambo by taking a bus or taxi from Cusco, which is approximately a 2-hour drive away. The town is small enough to explore on foot, with many attractions located within walking distance of each other.

Airport

The closest airport to Ollantaytambo is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, approximately a 2-hour drive away. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or arrange for private transportation to Ollantaytambo.

Attractions

Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo Ollantaytambo is a well-preserved Inca archaeological site with impressive terraces and stone structures. It is also a charming town with cobblestone streets and traditional Andean architecture.

Pinkuylluna Mountain Granaries

Pinkuylluna Mountain Granaries Pinkuylluna Mountain Granaries are ancient Inca storage buildings located on the mountainside overlooking Ollantaytambo. Visitors can hike up to the granaries and explore the well-preserved structures while enjoying panoramic views of the town and valley below. This hiking attraction offers a unique glimpse into the agricultural practices of the Inca civilization.

Patacancha Valley

Patacancha Valley Patacancha Valley is a picturesque valley near Ollantaytambo known for its traditional Quechua communities and stunning mountain scenery. Visitors can hike or drive through the valley, visit local villages, and experience the rich culture and traditions of the Andean people. This scenic attraction offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Inti Punku

Inti Punku Inti Punku, or Sun Gate, is a ceremonial gateway located on a hill overlooking Ollantaytambo. Visitors can hike to the gate, enjoy panoramic views of the town and valley below, and learn about its significance in Inca religious ceremonies. This historic attraction offers a peaceful and spiritual experience for those seeking a connection to the ancient Andean culture.

Lares Trek

Lares Trek Lares Trek is a multi-day hiking route that starts near Ollantaytambo and passes through remote Andean villages, hot springs, and stunning mountain scenery. Visitors can trek through the rugged landscape, interact with local communities, and experience the beauty of the Andes. This hiking attraction offers a challenging and rewarding adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.

Inca Store

Inca Store Inca Store is a boutique shop in Ollantaytambo selling handmade textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. Visitors can browse the unique and high-quality products, learn about traditional Andean craftsmanship, and support local artisans. This shopping attraction offers a chance to take home a piece of Peruvian culture and heritage.

Moray

Moray Moray is an Inca archaeological site located near Ollantaytambo, known for its circular terraces that served as an agricultural laboratory. Visitors can explore the terraces, learn about Inca farming techniques, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This historic attraction offers a unique insight into the agricultural practices of the Inca civilization.

Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas Plaza de Armas is the main square of Ollantaytambo, surrounded by colonial buildings and a church. Visitors can relax on the benches, people-watch, and admire the architecture while soaking in the atmosphere of this charming Andean town. This landmark attraction is a great place to experience the local culture and history.

Pumamarca Ruins

Pumamarca Ruins Pumamarca Ruins are a lesser-known Inca archaeological site located near Ollantaytambo. Visitors can explore the terraces, walls, and structures of this ancient complex while enjoying a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path experience. This historic attraction offers a glimpse into the Inca civilization outside of the main tourist sites.

Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site

Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site is a well-preserved Inca ruin complex that served as a fortress, temple, and town. Visitors can explore the terraces, temples, and ceremonial baths while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This historic site offers a glimpse into the Inca civilization and its impressive architectural achievements.

Inca Bridge

Inca Bridge Inca Bridge is a historic stone bridge built by the Inca civilization to cross the Urubamba River. Visitors can hike to the bridge and admire the engineering feat of the Inca builders while enjoying scenic views of the river and surrounding mountains. This hiking attraction offers a glimpse into the ancient infrastructure of the Inca civilization.

Patacancha Weaving Community

Patacancha Weaving Community Patacancha Weaving Community is a traditional Quechua village near Ollantaytambo, known for its textile weaving traditions. Visitors can visit the community, watch local weavers at work, and purchase handmade textiles. This cultural attraction offers a unique opportunity to support local artisans and learn about the ancient art of Andean weaving.

Ollantaytambo Waterfall

Ollantaytambo Waterfall Ollantaytambo Waterfall is a natural attraction located near the town, offering a refreshing escape into nature. Visitors can hike to the waterfall, swim in the crystal-clear pool, and enjoy a picnic in the scenic surroundings. This scenic attraction is a great place to relax and unwind amidst the beauty of the Andean landscape.

ChocoMuseo Ollantaytambo

ChocoMuseo Ollantaytambo ChocoMuseo Ollantaytambo is a museum and workshop dedicated to the history and production of chocolate. Visitors can learn about the chocolate-making process, participate in chocolate-making workshops, and sample a variety of chocolate products. This museum attraction offers a fun and educational experience for chocolate lovers of all ages.

Salinas de Maras

Salinas de Maras Salinas de Maras are ancient salt mines located near Ollantaytambo, still in use today by local communities. Visitors can hike to the salt pans, learn about traditional salt production methods, and purchase locally-made salt products. This cultural attraction offers a glimpse into the centuries-old salt mining tradition of the Andean people.

Chinchero

Chinchero Chinchero is a traditional Andean village near Ollantaytambo, known for its colorful markets, Inca ruins, and textile weaving traditions. Visitors can explore the village, shop for handmade textiles, and learn about the cultural heritage of the Andean people. This cultural attraction offers a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of the Quechua communities.

Ollantaytambo Train Station

Ollantaytambo Train Station Ollantaytambo Train Station is a historic train station that serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu. Visitors can take a scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the base town for Machu Picchu, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Andean landscape. This transportation attraction offers a convenient and memorable way to reach the famous Inca citadel.

Ollantaytambo Market

Ollantaytambo Market Ollantaytambo Market is a bustling market in the town center, selling a variety of local produce, handicrafts, and textiles. Visitors can browse the stalls, shop for souvenirs, and sample traditional Peruvian dishes. This food and shopping attraction offers a vibrant and authentic experience of Andean culture and cuisine.

Day Trips

Machu Picchu

Take a day trip to the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the ancient Incan ruins, marvel at the breathtaking mountain views, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Travel Time

1.5 hours by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes

Activities
  • Explore the ruins of Machu Picchu
  • ,
  • Hike to the Sun Gate for panoramic views
  • ,
  • Visit the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Condor

Moray and Maras

Discover the fascinating archaeological sites of Moray and Maras on a day trip from Ollantaytambo. Explore the circular terraces of Moray, believed to have been an agricultural laboratory for the Incas, and visit the salt mines of Maras, where salt has been harvested since pre-Incan times.

Travel Time

1.5 hours by car from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

Activities
  • Explore the circular terraces of Moray
  • ,
  • Visit the salt mines of Maras
  • ,
  • Learn about Incan agricultural practices and salt harvesting techniques