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Archaeological site in Peru
Photo: colin houston, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ollantaytambo (called by locals "Ollanta") is a small town of cobblestone streets and buildings built on foundations of Inca stonework, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Cusco in the Southern Sierra region of Peru. This is where the Incas retreated after the Spanish took Cusco. Much of the town is laid out in the same way as it was in Inca times, and it is surrounded by spectacular green mountains dotted with Inca ruins. A few small canals, reminiscent of the Inca fountains at the ruins nearby, run through the town.
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Ruins of largely religious significance, they doubled as the last and largest defensive structures near the plains below where the Incas defeated the Spaniards in battle. Admission with boleto turistico (can be purchased at entrance to ruins, S/130 for 10 days) or S/70 for "boleto turistico parcial" for a 2-day pass to this and other Sacred Valley sites. Local guides can be hired in the market area below the ruins (S/20-100). Or, do it yourself by purchasing the book most of the guides use, ¨Cusco and the sacred valley of the Incas¨(Salazar and Salazar) which has an extensive section on Ollantaytambo. The book can be purchased in the market below the ruins (S/50) or in advance in Cusco (S/35). Neither the guides nor the guidebook discuss the battles, for information on this research on your own in advance. Tours focus largely on the unique architectural significance of the sun's rays on the cad face of the canyon wall and on the temple walls, the still functioning fountains, and the large stone operating table. Even if you're not an archeology buff or ruins fan, these are worth seeing. Beautiful views abound.
Even if you have not acclimated to the high altitude, the hike (there are steps) to the top of the ruins is doable in 15 min or so. The last segment of the path are one-way – up hill and downhill. From the top there is a lateral trail that can also be taken that will stop by a small granary and then to a path that leads down to ground level. This would probably take another 25 min.
The mountains opposite the ruins have ancient granaries and it's possible to trek up to them as well.
The hill with Incan storehouses overlooking the town and facing the main ruins. To get to the path up to these ruins, follow the road closest to the base of the hill, Lari Calle (the rightmost one in the town grid when facing Pinkullyuna). You will see a small sign with an arrow pointing to a steep path, which takes you up to a series of ruins and storehouses. Admission is free, and from here you can see some of the most spectacular views of the Ollantaytambo ruins and town and the Urubamba Valley. It's a lovely hike, and can be done in just an hour or two. Some parts of the various path can be a little harrowing, especially the less oft used side paths (all of these also lead to ruins that are less apparent). Go with a friend or at least make sure you let your hosts at the hostel know where you have gone in case something should happen.
Though the hostel has gone, KB Tambo and Tours still runs bike tours. Other operators in streets around the plaza also offer bike and horse tours.
Awamaki is a small non-profit organization that works to support Quechua women weavers from remote, rural communities in the Patacancha Valley.Awamaki runs a small-scale sustainable tourism initiative to support this project, conducting tours to the Quechua communities where it works, and coordinating workshops in traditional Andean crafts. Tours to the community of Patacancha offer the chance to experience and learn about Andean indigenous culture, while also contributing to its survival and to the well-being of rural indigenous women and their families. Awamaki also works to promote sustainable tourism with families in town. They can arrange homestays in Ollantaytambo or even in the indigenous communities where they work. For bookings and inquiries please email or stop by the Awamaki fair trade store in Ollantaytambo.
Within the El Albergue B&B this restaurant has a first-rate open kitchen where you can see your alpaca and trout dinners being prepared. Menu options include homemade fettuccine, sandwiches and great breakfast. In the evening white table cloths are spread, candles are lit, and the restaurant becomes a first rate dining experience.
On the Ollantaytambo train station where you can grab a very good espresso or cappuccino, chocolate chip cookies and brownies. You can browse their menu for great breakfast and lunch options.
Offers novo andine & international cuisine, provides a good and unique view of the ruins, a candlelit atmosphere for the dinner. Kusicoyllor restaurant is known to have the best coffee in Cusco.
It's on the main square of Ollantaytambo with views across the plaza onto the Inca temple-fortress. Profits go to children's projects in the Sacred Valley. Pleasant pavement dining, quality coffee, book exchange, and plenty of magazines.
Menu designed by Chef Alejo, a Chilean native who lived in Ollanta for 15 years and left the restaurant to his local staff. Good steak and burritos.
It's on the main plaza. Sit upstairs on their balcony and take in the view of the square while you enjoy the wonderful novoandina and international food. Finish off with a cappuccino and one of their delicious desserts.
This place is a very laid back spot, just across the river in town. The upstairs has swings and a very relaxed atmosphere, and the food is very good. Meals run about S/15, and lots of cool people are around at night.
Quality Peruvian dishes and superb pizzas made in a firewood oven and served in a warm atmosphere. Also provides drinks at a bar attend by Peruvian owner Tio Raul. Be ready to enjoy an interesting conversation with someone who knows about the place and local culture.
Quiet vegetarian restaurant with filling meals: some Peruvian and some international dishes. The restaurant doubles as a wellness center, offering yoga and guided meditation.
Grill à la carte, with local products. Organic meat on skewers.
Ollanta's first pub opened in early 2010. Landlord Porfirio has years of experience bar-tending and knows what a real bar needs. The only place in town with British ales on tap, comfy sofas and satellite TV. Local non-profit Awamaki hosts regular quiz nights, salsa nights and everything-else nights in between.
Hang out with the very down-to-earth owner Acha.
This hotel is just up the road from the railway station, not too far from Pakaritampu. It is an inexpensive but clean hotel that also provides breakfast of breads, jams, eggs, banana pancakes, coffee and tea in the mornings
Near the entrance of Ollantaytambo on Calle Principal, this hostel is managed by Katy, nice girl, very friendly and helpful. A pleasure to stay there. The place is clean, there are different spaces created for different ambience: bar, TV, room with sofas, maps and a lot of advice about things to do. If you ask Katy, she can lend you travel books.
Right on the main plaza. A nice, clean hostel with private rooms and private bathrooms with hot showers. The owner, Jesús, also owns the adjoining Café (Café Kiswar) and will be happy to talk to you about Ollantaytambo culture, tours, or how good his coffee is.
Small rooms around courtyard with shared bath. Often used by tour groups. Upper floor has view of ruins.
In the middle of the old Incan pueblo, with clean rooms and a beautiful garden. Operated by a very friendly Peruvian family. Rooms are private with shared bathrooms.
Near the center of town, with a nice view of the countryside. Simple, clean rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers. Specializes in mystic tours.
Built in the 1920s, this hotel was reopened in the 1970s as a backpacker place and has private baths, hot showers, beautiful gardens and friendly staff. The Albergue restaurant is rated one of the best in the Sacred Valley serving delicious trout, alpaca, house-made fettuccine and a great breakfast. The proprietor has been living in Peru for decades. English spoken. Sauna included in price of room. Knowledgeable staff offers great orientation and arrangements for day hikes, tours and activities. Hammocks in the back.
Walk up from the plaza for five minutes along a narrow cobblestoned street into the unique Inca grid of back streets and you reach this quiet retreat, a new building within walled gardens with magnificent views of the Inca fortress and red tile roofs of Ollanta. Sunny rooms boast large windows, private bathrooms with hot showers, orthopedic queen size beds with down comforters and art by talented local artists. Hammocks and benches invite relaxing in the Andean sun. Book exchange, free internet, wifi, ample breakfasts, dinner served. Manager Jose and his staff happily answer any questions about travel, hikes, and tours.
Hostal Los Andenes
Clean hostel with a central location. Owned by a very nice Peruvian family. Doesn't look like much from the outside, but has a very beautiful interior. Rooms come with private baths, hot showers, and access to their computer lab. Guests also get a discount at their adjacent restaurant.
Beautiful view from two garden terraces of the Ollantaytambo Fortress. Breakfast is a full American breakfast with eggs, fruit, bread, butter, jam, coffee or tea. Coffee and tea are available all day. Full use of the kitchen to cook your own meals or store your food.
just off the main square, some rooms have views of the Ollantaytambo ruins, breakfast included, no restaurant. Rates $88-$145.
M from train station to Machu Picchu. Located just above Pakaritampu, this hotel has an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding area, which includes the glacier-topped Mt. Veronica, the Incan fortress of Ollantaytambo, the Incan ruins of Pinkuylluna, and the Andes Mountains. The hotel has a 5000-m² yard with picnic tables and garden terraces for enjoyment of the surroundings. The rooms are classy, clean, and include private bathrooms, hot showers, and free internet. Breakfast is included with any stay.
Peaceful and tranquil setting with gardens and views of the surrounding mountains and ruins. Free complete organic and local ingredients for an American breakfast. Fast WiFi in every room. Lounge and bar area is available for beer and TV.
Polished hotel, a bit tricky to get to by car (you may have to get out and walk up a flight of stairs), but rooms on the third floor have great views of the ruins in the surrounding mountains. Free breakfast buffet and wifi, 24-hour hot coffee. If you're leaving before breakfast starts, they'll make you a bagged breakfast.
Second oldest guesthouse in town, a 3-star family house that was totally renovated in 2017.
Modern rooms. Beautiful garden. Restaurant and bar. Business center.
By rail
Two types of trains arrive at the station. The first is locals only that is heavily monitored to ensure no tourists ride it. There are hefty fines if caught on the locals' train.
After trekking to Machu Picchu
Many guide services include a train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or all the way to Cusco as a part of the guided services.
Walking or cycling is the best idea. Three wheeled moto-taxis and regular taxis are available at the train station but are not necessary.
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