All you need to know about Ollantaytambo Town

THE CITY OF INCA ARCHAEOLOGY

Ollantaytambo, located in the district of the same name, in the province of Urubamba, is a city that has one of the largest tourist attractions of Cusco: The Archaeological Complex of Ollantaytambo. You might think that it is because it is a mandatory step to reach Machu Picchu, but nothing could be further from the truth.

THE HISTORY OF OLLANTAYTAMBO

This wonderful archaeological site already existed before the Incas. And many academics believe that the complex had its origin in the Aymara culture which extended to the northwest zone of Cusco. Later, during the expansion of Cusco in the early 1400s, the Aymaras sought to build a series of checkpoints to protect this town against the Incas. However, a new warrior and a determinated sovereign Inca called Pachacutec reached the conquest of Aymaras and Ollantaytambo, and he was the one who ordered strengthening of the fortress complex with new buildings and watchtowers that we know today. With the death of Pachacutec, the town passed to the domain of its Panaka (family of Inca sovereign that included wives, uncles, brothers, and numerous sons) During the Spanish conquest, the Inca town was used as a fortress for Manco Inca Yupanqui (Inca’s king who was pushed, bit by bit, from Cusco until the jungle’s deep by the Spanish in 1537) Losing Cusco, he took refuge in Ollantaytambo which came to be a fortress of refuge against the frequent Spanish invasions. But, the Inca fortress destination would be resolved in one great battle between the Incas and the Spanish.

WHAT TO DO IN OLLANTAYTAMBO?

Ollantaytambo Main Square: The Main Square is surrounded by trees and stores that make your stop in town more lively before going to more destinations.

Ollantaytambo Ruins: It is a mandatory stop before reaching Machu Picchu, as the site still retains its ancient Inca urban design and promises to amaze more than one.

The Sun Temple: Once you reach the top after having climbed the 200 steps, you will be able to appreciate an unparalleled view of the Sacred Valley from the Temple of the Sun. This temple is made up of six colossal stone blocks of rectangular shape. These are located at the top of the site and appear as if they had been an unfinished construction. The largest monolith is over two meters wide and about four meters high.

Pinkuylluna: It is a 0.8 km trail that offers spectacular panoramic views where you can disconnect from everything while trekking and/or climbing.

Patacancha Valley: It is a small Quechua village located 45 minutes from Ollantaytambo. It is known for its beautiful textiles and traditional way of life.

Handicraft market: The market is located in the main square and gives visitors the opportunity to take a handicraft or textile souvenir of the area.

HOW TO GET FROM OLLANTAYTAMBO TO MACHU PICCHU

This mythical Inca town is the starting point of three important ways to get from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes town (remember that Aguas Calientes is the closest town to Machu Picchu and hosts the nearest train station to the citadel) Also, the distance between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu is 26 km, so depending of the transportation type that you are going to take, your trip can last from 2 hours to 4 days to Aguas Calientes. After, the traveler will have to get a Consettur Buses from Aguas Calientes to the Inca citadel (the bus trip lasts 45 min)

BY TRAIN: The train is the most common, fastest, and mostly considered the besr way to get to Machu Picchu (reality, to its modern town named Aguas Calientes). The train to Aguas Calientes is a day trip that lasts 1.5 hrs approximately, and the two Cusco train companies like Peru Rail and Inca Rail offer competitive prices, many frequencies per day, and good quality of service on board. The prices can vary depending on the class of train that the tourist take; Expedition, Vistadome, and the luxury Hiram Bingham (In the case of Peru Rail), and the Voyager, the 360º and the Luxury First Class (In the case of Inca Rail). However, the price in the case of the most basic class of service is around $70, one way.

BY HIKING THROUGH THE INCA TRAIL The Inca Trail to visit Machu Picchu is an unparalleled experience because is the same footpath that the Incas used centuries ago to get to the famous Incas citadel. In this sense, you will feel the same sensation of calm, and beauty that the ancient Inca people felt. Of course, this route is reserved for those adventurous tourists who want to strive themselves before getting their reward of getting to Machu Picchu. The trekking lasts 3 nights and 4 days. The advantage of doing it is that, during the route, you will find other unique Inca archaeological remains, amazing flora and fauna, and adventure. The disadvantage is that you cannot do it alone, you must always hire a travel agency authorized by the Peruvian government.

BY BUS AND TRAIN This way to get to Machu Picchu is the most recent and consists in take a bus from the town main square heading to Santa Teresa, 142 km northwest of Ollantaytambo, the road is not paved and the bus trip lasts around 3.5 hrs. Once in Santa Teresa, you will have to take another bus to the Hydroelectric train station (30 minutes of the trip) where finally, you’ll have to take the local train (not tourist class service) and head to Machu Picchu (30 minutes more of the trip)

FAQ

What is the best season to visit Ollantaytambo?

In rainy season October to March, temperatures range from 11 to 18°C (52 to 64°F). In dry season April to September, they can range from 5 to 23°C (41 to 73°F). However, there have been cases where the sun can show up in the low season.

What COVID protocols are required in Ollantaytambo?

Several establishments require double masks and vaccination cards, while others only require double masks and some even allow only one mask. While for the train trip you can check the following link for more information.

Can I get altitude sickness in Ollantaytambo?

If you have already been to Cusco and your next stop will be Ollantaytambo, it is very certain that you will not. However, the journey to reach this destination can make you nauseous and dizzy because of the bumpy route at times. If it is your first time, then you are likely to be affected by soroche, but the altitude in Ollantaytambo can be combated by making a gradual and leisurely ascent of the trip.

If I am a foreigner, what type of power adapter should I bring for my trip to Peru?

The voltage in Peru is 220v, you will need an adapter if the voltage in your country is 110v. The most common plugs are Type A, Type B and Type C.

What is the currency used in Ollantaytambo and the exchange rate?

The currency used is the Sol and the exchange rate, depending on the dollar, varies daily. To know the current exchange rate, click here.

Do you accept all means of payment?

For consumption and purchases, it depends on the establishment you enter. Smaller and more familiar establishments usually accept only cash. While, if you are buying your train ticket, we accept all means of payment: credit cards, debit cards, cash, transfers, among others. More information here

What should I bring for my visit to Ollantaytambo?

The temperature can reach up to 5°C/41°F in the dry season, remember to bring wool socks, gloves, hat and coats if you go on those dates.