Located in the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo Peru appears to travelers as a historical destination full of Inca remains. Known worldwide as the "living Inca town," it is the only place where residents still live in houses built on original foundations from pre-Hispanic times.
Therefore, when exploring the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo, you can discover a maze of stone streets and water channels that still work as they did centuries ago. On the other hand, the main attraction of the area is, without a doubt, the imposing Fortress of Ollantaytambo, an archaeological complex with majestic terraces that climb up the mountain.
In addition to its historical richness, its cozy local atmosphere, and its Inca ruins, this place marks the start of the trip to Machu Picchu. So, if you plan to spend your vacation in Cusco, this place cannot be missing from your itinerary. Below, we tell you everything you need to know about this important destination.
The Legend and the Name
Although its correct pronunciation is oy-yahn-tietahm-bo, locals and travelers affectionately call it “Ollanta”. Its name is no accident; it pays tribute to Ollantay, the legendary Inca general who, under the command of Pachacutec, expanded the limits of the Tawantinsuyo from Colombia to Argentina.
The town's history is colored with romance and rebellion. Legend says that Ollantay, despite his victories, was rejected by Pachacutec when asking for his daughter's hand because he was not of noble blood. After rebelling and being imprisoned, his spirit seems to have remained in the place. Today, that historical drama contrasts with the peace you will feel when walking through its original stone streets and looking at one of the most lush landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
Ollantaytambo holds a title that few places in Peru have: it was the setting for the greatest Inca military victory over the Spanish conquerors. In 1537, after the fall of Sacsayhuaman, Manco Inca took refuge in this fortress. From its imposing terraces, he managed to defeat the troops of Hernando Pizarro in an epic battle. Although the victory was temporary, as the Spanish regrouped and finally took control, the site remained for posterity as the last bastion of Inca resistance and pride in the valley.
The Ollantaytambo Fortress
When looking up over the town, a stone structure stands out where monumental terraces climb toward the sky. This fortress was not only the main defense against tribes from the nearby jungle, but also a marvel of Inca engineering. Among the most remarkable buildings in this site are:
- The Temple of the Sun: Located at the top, it was used for astronomical observation and sacred rituals.
- Flawless Construction: Although the work began under Pachacutec, what surprises archaeologists most is that there are no nearby mines, which suggests an epic transport of giant stones.
- The Baths of the Princess: These ceremonial fountains dedicated to the princess support the theory that Ollantaytambo was much more than a military barrack; it was a top-level spiritual and administrative center.
Getting there
By bus
To get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, you´ll need to change buses at the terminal in Urubamba. Buses from Cusco to Ollantaytambo drop passengers at the main square in the old town, about a kilometer (a half mile) from the ruins.
From Ollantaytambo to Cusco, buses depart from Avenida Estación, the main street leading away from the rail terminal. Colectivo cars will go directly from Ollantaytambo to Cusco for just a few soles more and are at the main square or outside the train station.
By taxi
Taxis from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, and from Cusco to Ollantaytambo generally charge USD 20 each way.
When is the best time to visit Ollantaytambo?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2026 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
Where to stay in Ollantaytambo Peru
- La Casona de Yucay. If you´re looking from where to stay in Ollantaytambo and what to learn something more about history, this is the place. The 1810 home of Manuel de Orihuela hosted South American liberator Simon Bolivar, and you can stay in Room 136 where he slept during his 1825 visit. Spacious rooms contain colonial-style furnishings and are arranged in blocks around four courtyards, lush with flowered gardens.
- Sonesta Posada del Inca Valle Sagrado. In the heart of the Sacred Valley is this 300-year-old former convent (monastery). The cobblestone walkways are the perfect complement to the well-preserved colonial era church on the grounds. The rooms, with tile floors, wood ceilings, and han-carved headboards, have balconies that overlook the gardens or the terraced hillsides. A few rooms have access for people with disabilities, a rarity in this part of the country, but they must be reserved in advance. The restaurant has excellent regional fare and a popular Sunday lunch prefer modern.
In addition to the hotels, we make a list of more places where to stay in Ollantaytambo:
- Hostal Las Orquídeas, which has clean and simple rooms with a shared bathroom around a courtyard for USD 20
- Hostal la Ñusta, carretera Ocobamba, a clean and friencly place with good views from the balcony. Rooms are USD10 per person with shared bathroom.
- Also worth a look if the town is getting full is Hostal Muna Tika, Av. Estación s/n, with pleasant, simple double rooms for USD 25, Seven of the nineteen rooms have private bathrooms, the others are USD 14 per person.
Best tours in Ollantaytambo
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
