Just an hour away from Cusco, the Urubamba Valley, or Sacred Valley of the Incas, is a setting of picturesque communities, impressive terraces and many important archeological sites. Dominated by the imposing peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range, the valley has been the storehouse for agricultural products for the city of Cuzco since Inca times, and today is famous for being home to maize cobs, the sacred food of the Incas, with the largest kernels in the world. The valley includes the area between the Inca communities of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Its mild weather and particular geography make it ideal for outdoor sports enthusiasts to practice rafting, mountain biking, hang-gliding and trekking.
A typical Inca community located 21 km from Urubamba at 2,800 meters above sea level, named in honor of the chief Ollanta, who was famous for courting an Inca princess, daughter of Pachacutec. One of its best-preserved areas, known as Hanan Haucaypata lies north of the main square and contains 15 estates built with elegantly crafted stonewalls. Ollantaytambo ruins (Lynessa Nelson)
Ollantaytambo Street
Ollantaytambo also features an extensive archaeological site located on the imposing hillside overlooking the town, containing structures such as the Temple of the Sun, and the Manacaray or Royal Hall, the Incahuatana and the Banos de la Princesa. Ollantaytambo is a nice place to stay while on a Peru tour. The area has hotels, restaurants and horses and mountain bikes for hire. A branch leading from Ollantaytambo to the Malaga mountain pass (4,200masl), goes through towns such as picturesque Huilloc, home to the renowned wayruros (porters).
Exploring Peru (Jodi Teeple)
History of Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is one of the best-preserved towns from the Inca Empire. It was built by Emperor Pachacuti as a royal estate and quickly became a center of religion, farming, and defense. The Inca designed the town with terraces, temples, and irrigation channels that still stand today.
During the Spanish conquest, it played an important role. The Incas won a rare victory here, using the strategic location of the valley and their stone terraces to hold off attacks. This made the town a symbol of Inca resistance and strength.
Today it remains both a historic site and a living community. Locals still use the streets and farming terraces that date back hundreds of years. Visitors see not only the ruins but also daily life continuing within this unique cultural heritage.
Ollantaytambo Ruins: What to See
The Ollantaytambo ruins are the main reason travelers stop in this town. The site shows how the Incas combined massive stonework with practical design for farming and defense. A visit here offers a mix of history, engineering, and scenic views.
Highlights include:
Temple of the Sun with its giant stone blocks and stepped terraces.
Royal Residence believed to house leaders and ceremonial gatherings.
Agricultural terraces that reveal advanced Inca farming and water control.
Irrigation channels running through the site, many still visible today.
Pinkuylluna granaries on the hillside that once stored crops and overlook the town.
Things to Do in Ollantaytambo Peru
The town has more to offer than just the ruins. Visitors can spend a full day or even a night enjoying the mix of history, culture, and local life. It is also a great base for exploring the valley.
Top things to do:
Take a guided tour of the ruins to learn the stories behind the temples and terraces.
Walk through cobblestone streets with stone houses still built on Inca foundations.
Visit the local market for textiles, food, and handmade crafts.
Go on short hikes around the valley for mountain and river views.
How to Get to Ollantaytambo in Peru
Ollantaytambo in Peru is easy to reach and often part of a larger Sacred Valley trip. Many travelers come from Cusco or continue onward to Machu Picchu. The town also serves as the main train station for the famous journey to Aguas Calientes.
Ways to get there:
From Cusco by train, car, or shared colectivo.
Direct train services from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu.
Travel tips include booking train tickets early in high season and allowing time to explore before your train departs.
Best Time to Visit Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo can be visited any month of the year. The experience depends on the season and local events. Many travelers plan their visit to avoid big crowds or to join cultural celebrations.
High season brings more visitors and higher demand for tickets.
Low season has fewer crowds, making the ruins quieter and easier to explore.
Festivals in the Sacred Valley offer traditional music, food, and dance.
Travel Tips for Visiting Ollantaytambo Peru
Planning ahead makes a visit much smoother. The ruins involve walking up steep terraces, so it’s best to prepare for uneven paths. Many travelers combine Ollantaytambo with a Machu Picchu trip for a full Sacred Valley experience.
Helpful tips:
Buy entrance tickets in advance.
Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and carry sun protection.
Expect many stairs and stone paths, so take your time.
Combine Ollantaytambo with Machu Picchu for a complete itinerary.
