What to do in Ollantaytambo Cusco ?

Ollantaytambo is one of the most visited villages in the city of Cusco, this is one of the stopping points in the transfer to the citadel of Machu Picchu, as here are the train stations.

However, the town of Ollantaytambo has many more riches to offer, we invite you to visit Ollantaytambo and here are some recommendations of what you can do on your next trip to this magical town.

Tourist destinations in Ollantaytambo

Archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo.

It is a town that is currently a living example of the magnificent urban planning that the Incas used to manage.

According to chroniclers this place would have been improved by the ninth Inca Pachacuteq, it became a point of administrative, religious and military control.

Pachacuteq ornamented the place with terraces, provided water with channels throughout the town, and built an imposing temple to the sun on the top of the mountain.

It was also a resting place for the royal Panacas.

Later, during the Spanish colonization, this place was used as the capital of the Inca resistance led by Manco Inca Yupanqui, who later, despite defeating a Spanish troop, moved to Vilcabamba.

In 1540 Ollantaytambo came under the command of Hernando Pizarro.

Today, the remains of the walls of the Temple of the Sun, which was devastated during the extirpation of idolatries, are still preserved, as well as the fountains ''the bath of the ñusta'', andenería and a wonderful view of the town of Ollantaytambo from the top of the mountain.

Inti Punku

The Inti Punku or Sun Gate, is one of the attractions of Ollantaytambo that ironically does not receive the same amount of visitors despite being a short distance from Ollantaytambo.

It is a stone portal, which according to theories would have been a checkpoint on the road to Machu Picchu.

To get to Inti Punku there are 2 routes, one that goes from the town of Ollantaytambo itself.

• Route 1 Ollantaytambo - Inti Punku: it is 9km away, the road is conditioned for activities such as trekking, it is reached in a walk of approximately 5 hrs.
• Route 2 Cachiccata - Inti Punku: The community of Cachiccata is located very close to Ollantaytambo, can be reached by cab or private buses, the route is uphill.
  
   A walk of 3 hrs approximately, during the trekking, you will see the quarries where the stones were extracted for the construction of Ollantaytambo.
   As well as the rocks that were already carved and in the middle of the transfer were left halfway, being now called the ''Sleeping Stones''. 

Entrance fee to Ollantaytambo

Currently there is no entrance ticket exclusively for Ollantaytambo, it is necessary to purchase a tourist ticket that gives access to different archaeological sites in the city.

• Partial Ticket ''BTCP III'' : This partial ticket gives you access to:  Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, Pisaq archaeological complex, Chinchero archaeological complex, Moray archaeological complex, remember that this ticket is valid for 2 days.

The cost of this entrance ticket that includes Ollantaytambo is

• Integral Ticket ''BTCI'' : This is the complete ticket that gives you access to almost all the archaeological sites of Cusco and includes some museums, it is valid for 10 days.
  
   It gives you access to the following archaeological sites: Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, Pisaq archaeological complex, Chinchero archaeological complex, Moray archaeological complex, Saqsayhuaman archaeological complex, Qenqo archaeological complex, Puka pukara archaeological complex, Tambomachay Archaeological Complex, Pikillaqta Archaeological Complex, Tipon Archaeological Complex, Qorikancha Site Museum, Regional Historical Museum (Casa Garcilaso), Museum of Contemporary Art, Pachaquteq Monument, Museum of Popular Art, Qosqo Native Art Center.

The cost for this full ticket is:

Distance from Cusco to Ollantaytambo

The town of Ollantaytambo is located 94 km from the city of Cusco, it is almost 1 hr and 40 min away by tourist transport.

 The visit to the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo is included in the tours of the Sacred Valley, ask your travel consultant for more information.

Where to have lunch in Ollantaytambo - Recommendation

The town of Ollantaytambo offers varied options in terms of gastronomy, with several restaurants, among which the following stand out:

• Apu Pitusiray: prepares traditional Peruvian and Spanish dishes, and also offers vegan options.
• Restaurant Pizzeria Mijunapaq: Specializes in Peruvian food, pastas and pizzas.

Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.

• Inti Grill Restaurant: this restaurant has a beautiful view of the river that runs through the town and offers grilled dishes made from alpaca meat, ceviches, pizzas, and vegetarian options.

Where to stay in Ollantaytambo - Recommendation

The town of Ollantaytambo is a picturesque and endearing place, in which it is worth staying at least one night and know all the little details that hides this beautiful place, so we present some accommodation options in the town of Ollantaytambo.

• Pakaritampu Hotel: This hotel is located just 2 minutes away from the train station in Ollantaytambo, it offers room service and buffet breakfast.
• Apu Lodge: offers wifi, breakfast included, laundry service and is located in the town of Ollantaytambo.