Location: Ollantaytambo
Top Things to do in Ollantaytambo
The 10 Best Things to do in Ollantaytambo, Cusco Region
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
5.0 based on 5,507 reviews
Reviewed By Lufdoc
Great site for exploring and getting a feel for Incan beliefs, skills, etc. before heading to Machu Picchu or hiking the Inca Trail. Climb to higher levels to get full sense.
2. Pumamarca Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By Unelma333 - Karlsruhe, Germany
The Pumamarca ruins are not as spectacular as some others in the area, still, they are lovely and worth a visit if you have an extra day in the Sacred Valley. It is possible to take a taxi from Ollantaytambo or hike all the way up. It is a wonderful and not too difficult hike, which offers beautiful views of mountains, agricultural terraces and of course the ruins themselves. It is possible to do the hike on your own, but we were happy to have a great guide from Sacred Expeditions with us. The ruins are in a fair condition, you can visit the old buildings and feel the atmosphere. Our guide told us that the ruins are pre-Inca, built by the Wari people, and later taken over and used by the Incas, possibly as a hill fort. The views from the ruins are wonderful and we really enjoyed visiting a beautiful and non-touristy spot in the Sacred Valley.
3. Pinkuylluna Mountain Granaries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 489 reviews
Reviewed By 233rebekahd - Ollantaytambo, Peru
Pinkuylluna is located on Lare Calle, just above APU Lodge in Ollantaytambo. It's a steep but scenically rewarding hike up and it's free. You can see the Ollantaytambo Ruins(Fortress) from up top as well. It can be challenging if you're not accustomed to the altitude, but also a good practice hike as it's maybe 30 minutes up. Since I'm living in Ollantaytambo, I have gone up there at least a half a dozen times. It's close to where I'm staying and a nice quick hike even just for some exercise. However, it's been closed since March 2020 and will hopefully open again soon, when restrictions are lifted.
4. Inca Quarries
5. Patacancha Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By Joeipad25 - La Quinta, United States
We used Ollantaytambo as the base for our 4-Days in Sacred Valley, before moving on to Agua Caliente and Machu Picchu. The Patacancha valley and Incan Ruins are truly a sight to behold. Altitude acclimation is key for everyone. We chose Ollantaytambo to acclimate and also to help boost one's endurance for climbing stairs at high altitude. Highly recommend others to leverage both the cute rustic town and the ruins as the start of their Peru adventure. Once at the top of the ruins was awestruck at the size of some of the Incan carved BOULDER size rocks up there. Sources for the boulders are believed to have come from across the river, then somehow conveyed all the way up that hill!! One of the carved rocks had to be at least 12 ft long and how they carved out the notches still makes modern man scratch his head. You can better see in a travel video we made and posted on YouTube search TSSLKJK and look for yourself. This was our first ever trip to South America and it was fantastic being able to spend many days in Ollantaytambo.
6. El Albergue Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 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, Cañazo 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 12 PM & 2:30 PM; $40USD (Adult), $30USD (Child); total duration: approx. 2 hours.
Reviewed By Laura_B_6000k - Seattle, United States
Come here to see all of the wonderful fresh and organic veggies that are served at the Albergue restaurant. The highlights are the Alpacas, who will eat clover leaves out of your hand!!
7. Naupa Iglesia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By kirstine2013 - Albuquerque, United States
Situated a short drive from the town of Pachar, just outside of Ollantaytambo, this cave like sacred site is certainly worth the climb along the well marked path from the rail tracks. The main beautiful altar was damaged by dynamite in the past but still retains powerful energy where you can balance masculine and feminine energies to experience oneness in the central portal. The portal cut into the wall on the right has 2 levels: one for your physical body to pass through and one for your spirit to pass through. At the back of the cave, is said to be the main portal where spirits pass between the dimensions. Quieting all expectations,helped me to experience their presence. .
8. Inca Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By davidbK4897CY - Novi, United States
From the guardhouse at Machu Picchu, it was about a 20 minute walk slightly uphill to the bridge. Compared to the main part of the site, this area had few tourists. The path is wide enough for my daugher in law to not have her usual problem with heights. The photographic views of the main site were great and well worth the walk. Overall, this was the most enjoyable area of Machu Picchu. It gave a good impression of walking the Inca Trail and the ingenuity of the Inca's in making their site defensible by simple methods.
9. ChocoMuseo Ollantaytambo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 383 reviews
Manufacturing and sale of organic artisanal chocolate from bean to bar. Coffee shop and an attractive selection of fresh homemade pastries. Unique information about the cacao obtention process. Free samples. Chocolate-manufacturing classes.
Reviewed By lilystine - Raleigh, United States
We were drawn in by the free samples outside (smart idea) I had the Mayan hot chocolate and my friend had the conquistador hot chocolate. My sister got the brownie. All were yummy and served as a great dessert. Oh and you can make th hot chocolate to your liking (more milk or more chocolate) I would recommend even just walking through and picking up a souvenir for a friend or family. Cocoa is one of peru's native crops so this a perfect gift to take home!
10. Mercado Artesanal
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By GrahamP113 - Witham, United Kingdom
For us having climbed the ruins how lovely to walk in the markets. Yes very samey with other Peruvian markets but clean plenty of room and beautiful location
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