Location: Ollantaytambo
Top Things to do in Ollantaytambo
10 Things to Do in Ollantaytambo That You Shouldn't Miss
Ollantaytambo has some of the oldest continuously-occupied buildings in South America. Once a stronghold of Inca resistance to Spanish colonization, it's remarkably well-preserved. Many travelers visit Ollantaytambo because it's the beginning of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but don't rush through—the ruins are fascinating.
Restaurants in Ollantaytambo
1. Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By nsb218 - Fremont
It is worth the climb to the top to see the amazing views of the valley! Take your time if you are not acclimated to the altitude, it's pretty steep and high. Go with a guide to really get the most out of your visit, take your time and appreciate the history all around you. There is a great area for shopping and restaurants at the base of the mountain as well.
2. Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu
Overall Ratings
5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By ceebee51 - Chicago, Illinois
Everyone knows about Machu Pichu and it does not disappoint. One of the world's most spectacular archeological sites, reflecting one of the world's most fascinating civilizations. You can never get enough time to hike around the site and you pray that the weather will be good (we had both good and bad weather over a 24 hour period). A hike to the Sun Gate is challenging but doable for older folks. The llamas are Darling. A good guide will enhance the experience if you are the studious type but everyone will be in awe of the place.
3. Putucusi Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By alexkY1109YI
We climbed up the first 50m but the ladders are broken and a lot are missing and there are only a few cables which arent trustful. Few parts are without anything.. We think it is very dangerous without own ropes and without climbing experience even in the dry season right now, so we decided to go back down and let it be..
4. Hacienda del Chalan
Overall Ratings
5 based on 137 reviews
We organize Horseback riding tours with Peruvian Paso Horses along the Sacred Valley of the Inkas (mid day, 1D, 2-6D). Lakes, snow Mountains, archaeological complexes (Moray, Salinas, Ollantaytambo) natural reserves, contact with native towns and civilizations, pleasure and good time are part of our tours.
Reviewed By heni12017 - Blacksburg, Virginia
My friend and I joined Yojan for a day hike to the Salinas and Moray. Yojan was a wonderful guide with a wealth of knowledgable about the beautiful Peruvian Paso horses, and the area. The horses were well looked after, and well trained. Yojan adapted our ride so we could spend longer on the horses which was great!
This was a really unique way the see the countryside with panoramic views of the Mountains. I would highly recommend this experience! Thank you :)
5. Pinkuylluna Mountain Granaries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 398 reviews
Reviewed By Sail_Scarlett - Hope Island, Australia
Having climbed Ollantaytambo the previous day I decided to challenge myself to the Pinkuylluna granaries.
The site is completely free, unusual in this area, but as a result the tracks are not really well maintained so take care scrambling up altho its definitely doable even if its been raining.
There are several levals of Inca quarters & granary buildings, many higher than the famous fortress on the opposing hill. And its a great place to look at Ollantaytambo from above to get a good idea of its layout & fortifications. And you can clamber as high as you wish depending on your fitness & time availability.
I didnt see better examples of Inca granary buildings anywhere else, Machu Picchu included.
6. Huayna Picchu
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Huayna Picchu is located towards the north of the Inca city of Machu Picchu. To climb the mountain of Huayna Picchu, should reach the checkpoint and entrance to Huayna Picchu and the road begins a few meters from the Sacred Rock is followed, it is an area with very dense vegetation, this road is very steep and quite and includes sections of narrow stairs and steps made of granite stone placed irregularly, there are some that appear carved into the rock. The promotion lasts between 45-60 minutes depending on the physical state of the person.
7. Patacancha Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By malnit56 - London, United Kingdom
This is a good stopover to check this amazing venue out plus to take the train to head to Machu Pichu as the station is also in this town. Do visit the ruins and spend at least half a day inside. There are lots of shops, and stalls before the entry point. The town itself has very narrow roads so if you driving, be aware. The hotels can be in really small back streets and some can be rather difficult to find. Plenty of restaurants too. The steps can be rather high so beware climbing if you have problems.
8. Pumamarca Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By TravelHappy237 - Phoenix, Arizona
Not far from Ollantaytambo and off the beaten track, this was a terrific, well maintained ruin high on a hill overlooking a beautiful valley. High mountain vista's surrounded the ruin. We had the location to ourselves for the entire time we were there, able to view the ruins at our leisure. We sat on a large rock, listening to a roaring river below, watching the clouds roll by all the while gazing at the ruins. When we were done, we hiked down the valley on old Incan trails, following a stream for part of the way, passing farm houses that are still in use. Incan terraces, some spectacularly large, dotted the valley throughout the hike. Simply speaking, this was a sublime experience, really putting us in a mystical state of mind. It was a 3 or 4 mile hike back to Ollantaytambo and back to standard tourist life.
9. Temple of the Sun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 817 reviews
Built in the form of a circular tower on a massive slab of granite, this sacred edifice contains the famous Intiwatana, or sun dial, which the Incas used to "tie down" the sun at the winter solstice each year.
Reviewed By Brittany_11_10 - Los Angeles, California
It's kind of a "must" if you're at Machu Picchu anyway, and we didn't have any trouble finding it without a guide, as some others on here have said. I thought the whole site was pretty decently marked (although Circuito 2 got a tad confusing for a second).
El lugar es muy magico - the place is very magical...so take your time admiring the brilliance, ingenuity, architecture, and long-lasting ruins.
10. El Albergue Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
In 2011 we started a small organic farm. We produce many of our own vegetables, quinua and potatoes. Our farm is worked without agrochemicals or synthetic fertilizers, using many traditional techniques (plowing with oxen, rotating crops and biological controllers for pests & disease). A traditional Incan meal cooked on hot rocks, the Pachamanca Lunch includes a tour of our hotel, farm, Canazo distillery and coffee roastery. Lunch includes chicken, pork, and lamb, potatoes, organic vegetables and salad, and chicha morada. It is served at covered picnic tables with views of the Mountains, glaciers and archeological sites. We accommodate most dietary restrictions. For guests not staying with us, we ask for a 50% deposit in advance. Cancellations or modifications must be made before 8pm the day prior to the reservation, otherwise we charge the full amount of the deposit as a cancellation fee. Daily at 11am, 1pm, & 3pm; $40USD (Adult), $30USD (Child); total duration: approx. 2 hours.
Reviewed By LookingForFamilyFun - at home
This was a really lovely experience, to tour the farm and watch & eat the Pachamanca. What a relaxing afternoon...and lots of lovely photos of the Gardens and surrounding scenery. Enjoyed the coffee tour as well, missed the distillery, but I'm sure it's interesting as...MoreWe are happy to hear you enjoyed your Pachamanca Lunch Experience. We always love sharing our farm and organic Gardens with guests. Thank you so much for your great review. We hope the rest of your time in Peru was as enjoyable.
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