Ruinas ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo Ruins Travel Overview

Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca administrative hub and the gateway to the Antisuyo region (the Amazon area of the Inca Empire), stands as one of the last bastions of Inca resistance. This remarkable site is one of the few locations where the Incas successfully repelled Spanish invaders. Situated at the northern end of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo is an essential destination for those fascinated by history and culture.

Historical Background

Reconstructed in 1440 by Inca Pachacútec, Ollantaytambo was strategically designed to protect the entrance to the Sacred Valley. It served as a crucial stronghold for Inca Manco Yupanqui during the Spanish conquest of Peru. Over the centuries, the site has undergone numerous destructions and reconstructions, with the Incas transforming it into a vital military, religious, and agricultural center.

Getting There

Ollantaytambo is conveniently reachable through various transportation options. You can take a bus from Cusco, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with stops at the Main Square of Ollantaytambo and Urubamba. Alternatively, you can opt for a train, although this option tends to be pricier. If you are already in the Sacred Valley, local buses to ‘Ollanta’ are available. For a more organized experience, consider hiring a tourist agency that provides direct hotel or hostel pickups to the train station.

Attractions to Explore

• 17 Terraces: The main path leads to the impressive 17 stone terraces, which were utilized for agriculture and to stabilize the hillsides.
• Temple of the Sun: A significant structure believed to have been a ceremonial site dedicated to sun worship.
• Military Complex: Features guardhouses, walls, and defensive structures that highlight the site’s military significance.
• Water Temple and Fountains: Ingenious stone channels and fountains that showcase the Incas’ advanced hydraulic engineering.
• Residential Areas: Remnants of living quarters for both the elite and commoners.
• Pinkuylluna: A lesser-known site featuring ancient Inca storehouses or granaries built into the mountainside, used for storing food supplies.
• Sun Gate: A challenging hike that rewards visitors with stunning views of Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley.

Admission Details

To access the Ollantaytambo ruins, visitors must purchase a Cusco Tourist Ticket, priced at 130 soles, which allows entry to 16 sites within the Sacred Valley for 10 days. Alternatively, a Partial Boleto Turistico can be purchased for 70 soles, granting access to four sites and valid for two days. Tickets can be bought on-site or online in advance.

Visiting Tips

• Acclimatization: Take your time exploring Ollantaytambo to help your body adjust to the altitude, which is higher than Machu Picchu but lower than Cusco.
• Walking: The best way to navigate Ollantaytambo is on foot, though tuk-tuks and cars are available if needed.
• Dress in Layers: Bring layers and warm accessories, as mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, even in summer.
• Child-Friendly: The site is not stroller-friendly, so consider using a baby carrier for young children.
• Trail Updates: Some trails may be closed for maintenance, so check for updates before your visit. For instance, the trail to the third set of terraces is currently closed, requiring visitors to take a different route to the colcas.

By following these recommendations and exploring the various attractions, you will enjoy a rich and fulfilling experience at the Ollantaytambo ruins.