The town is pronounced oy-yahn-tietahm-bo but everyone calls it Ollanta for short. It was named for Ollantay, the Inca general who expanded the frontiers of Tawantinsuyo as far north as Colombia and as far south as Argentina during the reign of the Inca Pachacutec. The general asked for the hand of the emperor´s daughter, a request Pachacutec refused. Accomplished though Ollantay was, he was atill a commoner. The general rebelled against the ruler and was imprisoned. Ollantay´s love may have met a bad end, but yours will not when you glimpse the stone streets and houses, mountain scenery, some of the most lush territory in the valley, and great ruins.
Fortress of Ollantaytambo Peru.
Walk above the town to a ormidable stone structure where massive terraces climb to the peak. It was the valley´s main defense against the anatis from the neighboring rain forests. Construction began during the reign of Pachacutec but was not mined in this part of the valley. The elaborate walled complex contained a temple to the sun, used for astronomical observation, as well as the Baños de la Ñusta (ceremonial princess baths), leading archaeologists to believe that Ollantaytambo Peru existed for more than defensive purposes.
The fortress was the site of the greatest Inca victory over the Spanish during the wars of conquest. The Manco Inca fled here in 1537 with a contingent of troops after the disastrous loss at Sacsayhuamán and routed Spanish forces under Hernando Pizarro. The victory was short-lived: Pizarro regrouped and took the fortress.
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.
Taxis from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, and from Cusco to Ollantaytambo generally charge USD 20 each way.
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 2020 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
In addition to the hotels, we make a list of more places where to stay 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.
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.
