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.