Ollantaytambo, my charming little town, has plenty to offer both within its limits and in the surrounding areas. If you choose Ollanta as your base, here are my top recommendations for day-trip activities, with some price details (as it is a tourist town).

1. Stroll through the Market at Plaza de Ruinas (Free): This bustling market is a must-visit, with five rows of stalls brimming with statues, clothing, and various souvenirs. The cost here depends on your bargaining skills. If you have enough time, you might even meet some artisans selling their wares directly to the stores. For example, I purchased lovely purses for s/.10 each from the woman who crafted them. However, if you buy from a stall, it might be hard to get a price lower than s/.20. If you’re interested in common items like hats or statues, compare prices from different stalls to ensure you get the best deal. Just make sure the stalls you negotiate with are not next to each other, to avoid everyone quoting the same price. Note that the market does not offer edible items, so if you’re looking for coca powder, teas, or traditional snacks, you’ll need to find a woman with a basket of snacks or head to the main food market.
2. Embrace the Natural Beauty (Free): Explore the mountains surrounding Ollantaytambo or simply take a leisurely walk around the town, basking in the breathtaking Peruvian landscape. Witness the enchanting sunset or sunrise over the mountains—a truly captivating experience.
3. Visit the Strawberry Fields (Free): Discover a hidden gem in town by visiting a working strawberry farm. Despite the altitude, Ollantaytambo is capable of cultivating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. One such crop is strawberries, which are grown on vines planted in rows and placed on tarps for easy spotting. The friendly family that operates the farm will likely allow you to handpick your own berries if you wish. While the farm probably produces berries year-round due to the altitude and proximity to the equator, the peak season is from October to February during Peruvian summer. To find the farm and its delightful strawberries, follow a path parallel to the one leading to the train station. Take the road to the left of the main archaeological park until it curves right. Instead of following the curve, continue straight on a separate dirt path. After a gentle downhill slope, the path will level out, and you’ll keep going straight. After half a kilometer, the path almost ends, but you’ll spot a wooden door on your left with the sign “Se Vende Fresas” meaning “Strawberries Sold Here.” Behind those doors awaits a treat—fresh, juicy strawberries for s/.9 per kilo. Enjoy!

Ollantaytambo offers a delightful array of experiences for visitors, allowing you to immerse yourself in its rich culture, natural wonders, and vibrant markets.

When visiting Ollantaytambo, it’s important to pack the essential items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Here are some things you should consider bringing with you:

1. Weather-appropriate clothing: Ollantaytambo experiences varying weather conditions, so it’s recommended to pack layers of clothing. During the day, temperatures can be warm and sunny, while nights tend to be colder. Bring lightweight and breathable clothes for the daytime, and warmer layers such as sweaters or jackets for the evenings.
2. Comfortable walking shoes: Ollantaytambo is a walkable town with uneven streets and cobblestone paths. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes that provide good support and are suitable for walking longer distances and exploring archaeological sites.
3. Rain gear: As Ollantaytambo can experience occasional rain showers, it’s advisable to carry a waterproof jacket or poncho to stay dry. Additionally, consider bringing a small umbrella or a waterproof cover for your backpack to protect your belongings.
4. Sun protection: The sun in Ollantaytambo can be strong due to its high altitude. Pack sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
5. Insect repellent: While not a major issue, it’s always a good idea to have insect repellent handy, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors or visit nearby areas with more insects.
6. Travel adapter and chargers: Ensure you have the appropriate travel adapter to charge your electronic devices as the electrical outlets in Peru might differ from what you’re accustomed to.
7. Medications and toiletries: If you have any specific medications or personal toiletries, be sure to pack an adequate supply for the duration of your stay. It’s also wise to carry a basic first aid kit with essentials like band-aids, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications.
8. Cash and cards: While there are ATMs and places that accept credit cards in Ollantaytambo, it’s recommended to carry some cash in the local currency (Peruvian soles) for smaller establishments or emergencies.
9. Travel documents: Don’t forget to bring your passport, necessary identification, and any travel documents or tickets required for your trip to Ollantaytambo. Keep these items secure in a waterproof and easily accessible pouch or bag.
10. Camera or smartphone: Ollantaytambo offers breathtaking landscapes and historical sites, so don’t forget to bring a camera or smartphone to capture those memorable moments.

Remember to pack light and prioritize essential items based on your specific needs and the duration of your stay. It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast closer to your travel dates to ensure you’re adequately prepared.

The Sacred Valley, also known as el Valle Sagrado, refers to the region in the Peruvian Andes surrounding the city of Cusco. Cusco was the capital city of the ancient Incan empire and remains the economic center of the area. The Sacred Valley is renowned for its living Inca culture and breathtaking natural scenery.

The stunning landscapes and the abundance of remnants from the once-powerful Inca Empire attract a large number of tourists and contribute to the prevalence of the Spanish language. However, it is heartening to note that children in the region are still taught the Inca language of Kichwa (as well as English) in schools. It is not uncommon to hear locals conversing in Kichwa while going about their daily lives.

During my two-month stay in Ollantaytambo, a city well-known as a stopover for visitors on their way to Machu Picchu, I experienced the constant influx of tourists. The town sees a high volume of visitors every day, and there is no real low season to speak of. Although rain showers were frequent during the Peruvian summer, the days were mostly bright and sunny, while the nights were cold. On clear nights, the stars shone brightly, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

If you are in the region to visit Machu Picchu and are looking for a restful stopover that is not Cusco, I highly recommend Ollantaytambo either on your way to or back from the famous site. Other nearby towns and cities such as Urubamba, Maras, Cusco, and Pisaq also have their own attractions and reasons to visit.

My coworkers, many of whom grew up in Ollantaytambo, were quick to correct me when I referred to the ancient sites as “ruins.” They emphasized that these sites are not ruined but remain sacred. They prefer to call them “archaeological parks” (parques arqueológicos), and as visitors, we should make every effort to respect that designation. Additionally, if you’re fond of llamas, birds, or puppies, you’ll find them in abundance here, but remember not to touch the llamas.

Getting around the Sacred Valley

Once you arrive in Cusco, whether by bus or flight, you have a few transportation options. However, if you have luggage, I would only recommend taking a taxi or colectivo (shared van). From the airport or anywhere else in the city, you can easily find shared or private taxis. To reach Ollantaytambo, the fare should range between 35-40 soles in total.

If you are sharing the taxi with three other people, the cost per person would be around 10 soles ($3.10 USD), though the fare will be lower if you’re traveling to a nearby city like Urubamba or Pisaq. It’s advisable to negotiate if you are quoted a significantly higher price.

A colectivo, which is a shared van, costs 8-10 soles per person to Ollantaytambo, depending on the size and quality of the vehicle. However, you can only catch a colectivo from an area called Pavitos on Avenida Grau. If you’re arriving from the airport, you’ll need to hire a taxi to take you directly there or to Plaza San Francisco.

From Pavitos, it’s a 15-minute walk to the main plaza or the train station in Ollantaytambo. The taxi ride from Pavitos should cost no more than 8 soles, although you may encounter people shouting out exorbitant prices like 35 or 40 soles right in front of the airport.

Discover the captivating history of Ollantaytambo and find all the essential information you need to plan your visit to this unique town in the Sacred Valley. Learn about the top attractions and how to reach this fascinating destination.

Situated as a crucial transit point between Cusco and Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo often gets overshadowed by more renowned destinations. However, those who choose to delve into the charm of this historic town are treated to an authentic glimpse of everyday life in modern-day Peru.

While the Spanish pronunciation of Ollantaytambo, “Oh-yahn-tai-tam-boh,” flows melodically, the locals often shorten it to “Ollanta,” while English speakers prefer the simpler “Olly.” In Ollantaytambo, the enigmatic history merges with deep-rooted local culture, creating a place of undeniable charisma.

Historical Significance Ollantaytambo was among the many settlements conquered by Pachacutec, the ninth Inca king who orchestrated the transformation of the Cusco Kingdom into the mighty Tawantinsuyu, or Inca Empire. During his reign, Ollantaytambo served as a strategic outpost for Inca nobles and agricultural laborers. Following his passing, the estate remained under the control of his lineage, enjoying the land privileges reserved for Inca royalty.

Unlike Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo boasts extensive written records about its history during and after the conquest. When the rebel leader Manco Inca fled from Cusco, he established his headquarters in Ollantaytambo, resulting in the infamous Battle of Ollantaytambo in 1537. Facing an impending attack, Manco Inca ordered the construction of a river dam to flood the valley and strategically used the terraces as higher ground to defeat the Spanish soldiers.

Eventually, the Inca rebel forces retreated deeper into the jungle, and Ollantaytambo fell into the hands of Spanish colonizers. The town became a significant settlement in the Sacred Valley, initially granted as an encomienda to Hernando Pizarro, the brother of Conqueror Francisco Pizarro. Subsequently, it served as a crucial source of tribute and labor for the colonial administration. (Encomiendas were parcels of land given to Spanish settlers, entitling them to the labor of indigenous communities residing there, ostensibly in exchange for religious education and protection.)

Throughout this tumultuous period, Ollantaytambo remained inhabited. Today, its ancient pre-Columbian dwellings coexist with Spanish colonial buildings and modern structures, collectively narrating a rich and complex history.