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Ollantaytambo
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Landmark
Ollantaytambo is a living Inca town and a magnificent archaeological site located at the western end of the Sacred Valley. It was a strategic fortress, a religious center, and a royal estate of the Emperor Pachacuti, who built its massive terraces and temples. The site is famous for the Temple of the Sun, featuring six colossal blocks of pink rhyolite, each weighing over 50 tons, which were transported from a quarry miles away across the Urubamba River. Ollantaytambo was the site of a major Inca victory against the Spanish in 1537, where Manco Inca used the terraces to flood the plain below. The modern town below the ruins is the only one in Peru that still follows the original Inca grid, with narrow stone streets and running water channels that have functioned for over 500 years.
- Location: Peru
- Top sights: Pinkuylluna · Pumamarca Ruins · Halanquma
- Nearby: Urubamba (16 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 136 | 133 | 102 | 41 | 12 | 4 | 12 | 11 | 23 | 60 | 73 | 138 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Ollantaytambo is a fully walkable Inca fortress and town, open daily to visitors. You can explore both the terraced ruins and the inhabited village.
Typical hours
The site is usually open from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with last entry around 4:30 PM. Changes possible, so check the current schedule.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the archaeological park, but no flash indoors. Drones are prohibited without a special permit.
Time needed
Allow at least 2-3 hours to thoroughly explore the fortress and village. If you also want to climb the surrounding terraces, budget 3-4 hours.
Combine with
Ollantaytambo is in the Sacred Valley, handy to combine with a visit to Moray, Maras, or Pisac. Many travellers use it as a starting point for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Getting there
Ollantaytambo is reachable by bus or taxi from Cusco, taking about 1.5-2 hours. The train station provides connections to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu.
Insider tip
Arrive early morning before the tourist buses from Cusco - you'll have the ruins almost to yourself. Bring a hat and sunscreen as there is little shade.
Geography
Facts
- Known as the 'Living Inca Town' because its layout and houses date back to the 15th century.
- The Temple of the Sun features the 'Wall of the Six Monoliths', made of massive pink granite blocks.
- The stones were quarried at Cachiccata, 6 kilometers away on the opposite side of the valley.
- The site served as a temporary capital for Manco Inca during his rebellion against the Spanish.
- Features a 'Princess Bath' (Baño de la Ñusta), a beautifully carved ritual fountain.
- The mountain opposite the ruins, Pinkuylluna, features ancient Inca storehouses called qollcas.
- Visible on the mountain is a natural formation that resembles the face of an Inca (or the god Wiracocha).
- A primary departure point for the train to Machu Picchu.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Ollantaytambo (9)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the hike?
The climb is steep but well-walkable.
Is a ticket required?
Yes, the Cusco tourist ticket is required.
How long is the visit?
About 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is it good for families?
Yes, a nice experience for children too.
Best time to visit?
In the morning, before tourist buses arrive.
Ollantaytambo: where is it located?
Ollantaytambo is located in Peru.
Ollantaytambo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pinkuylluna, Pumamarca Ruins, Halanquma.
Ollantaytambo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Ollantaytambo: why is it worth visiting?
Ollantaytambo is a living Inca town and a magnificent archaeological site located at the western end of the Sacred Valley.
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Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Moray
An Inca archaeological site consisting of deep, circular terraces dug into the earth.
Machu Picchu
The famous Inca citadel high in the Andes, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a wonder of the world.
Sacsayhuamán
A massive Inca fortress near Cusco, known for its massive, seamlessly fitted stone blocks.
Cusco Cathedral
The magnificent main church on the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, built on the foundations of an ancient Inca palace.
Cristo Blanco
A large white statue of Jesus on Pukamoqo Hill, watching over the city of Cusco with open arms.
Coricancha
The most important sun temple of the Inca Empire in Cusco, upon whose ruins the Spanish built the Church of Santo Domingo.
Q'enqo
One of the largest Inca sanctuaries in the Cusco region, known for its channels and altars carved into the limestone rock.
Tambomachay
An Inca archaeological site that served as a sanctuary dedicated to water or baths of the Inca.
Nature
More places
Machupicchu Butterfly House
An educational center and sanctuary for butterflies near the famous ruins, showing the life cycle of local species.
Salcantay
Salcantay is the highest peak in the Cordillera Vilcabamba and a famous alternative trekking peak en route to Machu Picchu.
Qorikancha
The most important temple of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god Inti, on which the Spanish built a monastery.
Megantoni Sanctuary
A hard-to-reach protected region that forms a vital bridge between the Andean highlands and the Amazon rainforest.
Puka Pukara
An Inca military ruin whose name means 'Red Fortress'.
Pisac
Inca ruins with extensive agricultural terraces above the Sacred Valley.
Potato Park of Pisac
An agricultural zone managed by indigenous communities that protects over a thousand native potato varieties.
Tipón
An impressive Inca complex known for its advanced agricultural water system.