Qosqo Ayllu Inca Old Town
Ollantaytambo, the 'Last Inca Town,' captivates with its living history, ancient ruins, and stunning Andean landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden light
Qosqo Ayllu Inca Old Town
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ollantaytambo, the 'Last Inca Town,' captivates with its living history, ancient ruins, and stunning Andean landscapes.
Stay Overnight in Ollantaytambo
Don't just pass through! Staying overnight lets you explore without the day-trip rush. 🛏️
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cobblestone streets and steep terraces demand good walking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site
The main attraction
A monumental Inca fortress with impressive terraces and temples, showcasing incredible stonework and engineering.
Living Inca Town Streets
Throughout the town
Wander through ancient, narrow cobblestone streets lined with original Inca houses, still inhabited today.
Pinkuylluna Granaries
Across the river from the main site
Ancient Inca storehouses perched on the hillside, offering panoramic views of the town and valley.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Inca Legacy
Strategic Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Stay Overnight in Ollantaytambo
Don't just pass through! Staying overnight lets you explore without the day-trip rush. 🛏️
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cobblestone streets and steep terraces demand good walking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Get the Tourist Ticket
You'll need the 'Boleto Turístico' for the main archaeological site. 🎟️
Explore Free Town Areas
Wander the ancient streets and see the Pinkuylluna granaries for free! :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Stay Overnight in Ollantaytambo
Don't just pass through! Staying overnight lets you explore without the day-trip rush. 🛏️
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cobblestone streets and steep terraces demand good walking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Get the Tourist Ticket
You'll need the 'Boleto Turístico' for the main archaeological site. 🎟️
Explore Free Town Areas
Wander the ancient streets and see the Pinkuylluna granaries for free! :moneywithwings:
Hydrate and Acclimatize
The altitude can be a factor. Drink plenty of water and take it easy. :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ollantaytambo for its remarkably preserved Inca architecture and its status as a 'living Inca town.' The archaeological site is a highlight, with many marveling at the engineering and scale. Some find the crowds can detract from the experience, and navigating the site requires good physical condition.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a local bus from Cusco, which is an affordable option and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Taxis and private transfers are also available for a quicker, more comfortable journey. Many travelers opt for tours that include transportation. +1
Yes, Ollantaytambo is a popular day trip from Cusco. However, many recommend staying overnight to fully experience its charm and avoid the crowds. +1
Ollantaytambo is the main train departure point for Machu Picchu. It's highly recommended to stay overnight in Ollantaytambo to catch your train without rushing from Cusco.
Yes, local buses depart regularly from Cusco, typically from a designated terminal. It's a scenic but sometimes bumpy ride.
The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by bus or car, depending on traffic and road conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The town of Ollantaytambo itself, with its ancient streets and houses, is generally free to explore. However, you will need a ticket for the main archaeological site.
The 'Boleto Turístico' (Tourist Ticket) is required to enter the main Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site. It's often part of a larger Cusco tourist ticket that covers multiple sites in the Sacred Valley.
Tickets for the archaeological site can be purchased at the entrance to the site itself. It's advisable to check official sources for current pricing and availability.
Yes, wandering through the historic town streets and viewing the Pinkuylluna Granaries from across the river are free activities that offer a great experience.
The archaeological site typically opens early in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to confirm the exact hours closer to your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main archaeological site with its massive terraces and temples is a must. Also, explore the living Inca town, and hike up to the Pinkuylluna granaries for stunning views. +1
To truly explore the archaeological site and wander through the town, allocate at least half a day. If you plan to hike to Pinkuylluna, add a couple more hours. +1
Yes, children can enjoy exploring the ancient ruins and the unique town. However, be mindful of the steep steps and the altitude.
It means that the town's layout and many of its houses are built upon original Inca foundations and retain their ancient structure, with people still living in them today. +1
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended to understand the history and significance of the site. You can hire guides at the entrance or book in advance.
📸 📸 Photography
The terraces of the archaeological site offer incredible panoramic shots. The narrow cobblestone streets of the town also provide charming photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. +1
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with fewer crowds and softer, more dramatic lighting.
Yes, photography is generally allowed within the archaeological site, but be respectful of the historical structures and other visitors.
The Pinkuylluna granaries offer a fantastic vantage point for capturing the entire town and the archaeological site.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive terraces and townscapes. A zoom lens can be useful for details within the ruins.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit