If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle in Cusco during your trip in Peru, the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, located in the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, is the perfect place to visit and unwind. A lot of people go on a daytrip from Cusco to the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo to visit the fascinating archaeological Inca site, but this stunning Inca Town has so much more to offer.
Ollantaytambo is located on the opposite side of the Sacred Valley as Pisac; here is where the Valley ends.
Ollantaytambo has a small train station where you can jump on the train to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Ollantaytambo is probably the most beautiful town of the Sacred Valley, known for its well-preserved Inca fortress. The town itself is also considered one of the best examples of Inca urban planning and is thought to have served as both a military fortress and a religious center.
In Ollantaytambo you can explore the impressive ruins, which include terraced hillsides, monumental stone structures, and a large central plaza.
Hikes in Ollantaytambo
One of the most notable features of the site is the Puerta del Sol, which is believed to have served as a solar observatory. The hike to the Sun gate gives you breathtaking views all the way up and on top you will have a stunning 360-degree view of the surroundings.
Another popular activity in Ollantaytambo is to hike the nearby mountains, which offer stunning views of the valley and the surrounding scenery. There are a variety of trails available, ranging from easy walks to challenging day hikes. One of them is a little hike to the archeological site of Pinkuylluna.
Puerta del Sol (Inti Punku)
If you are looking for a challenging off-the-beaten-track day hike with breathtaking views, this is the one for you. The hike will take you across the valley and river to eventually go up the mountain.
The hike up to Puerta del Sol, also known as Inti Punku, is definitely not easy but the views are well worth it. You can start the hike from wherever you are staying in Ollantaytambo or if you want to take some time off, take a taxi to the little nearby town of Cachiqata. This will cost you between 20 and 30 soles and will take approximately 3 km (one way) off. The total distance from the main plaza in Ollantaytambo up to the gate and back, is nearly 18 km. With an altitude of 3900m, you will have stunning views over Ollantaytambo and the Valley. The total climb (elevation gain) is around 1200 meters and the roundtrip will take you around 5-7 hours, depending on your fitness level.
This Inca structure is dedicated to the sun god, and during the winter solstice, it is considered an important site for ceremonies. It is a very remote hike and not definitely not overcrowded with people, so you might even be able to enjoy the archeological site all by yourself, enjoy the peace of this magical site and have the stunning mountain and valley all to yourself.
The way to the Sun gate in Ollantaytambo is fairly clear but make sure you have an offline map downloaded (maps.me) and you will find your way up easily. Make sure to bring enough water and snacks and be prepared for all kinds of weather. The weather can be very unpredictable in the mountains and because of the altitude, it can get windy and cold. Also, never hike alone in remote places. It´s not only more fun to share this hike with someone, it´s also always safer to hike together.
Hike to Pinkuylluna
Another great option is to visit the site of Pinkulluna on the Pinkulluna Mountain. From the old Inca granaries and pre-Inca constructions, you have a wonderful view of the entire Ollantaytambo valley.
The entrance to archaeological site of Pinkalluna is located just a few minutes from the Ollantaytambo´s main square and a trip up and down the mountain will take around 1-2 hours. Including admiring the amazing ruins and views.
From where the site is located, you will have a perfect outlook on the famous Ollantaytambo archeological site, across the valley. Located on the opposite mountain side.
Cafes in Ollantaytambo
After coming down from the archeological site, you can wander through the amazing beautiful cobbled streets and have a coffee at Latente speciality coffee or have a little bite or lunch with a view at Cuchara Llena.
Another nice little spot is café Mayu located near the train station (in El Albergue Hostel). It’s a nice place for breakfast and bakery and they also serve salads and sandwiches.
ALQA – Museo de Arte Popular Andino
ALQUA is a museum focused on the conservation and dissemination of the traditional artistic expressions of the indigenous high Andean communities. The museum honors, preserves and shows traditional indigenous Andean artistry and crafts and will teach you the stories behind it. It is a beautiful place, beautifully designed and a truly hidden gem. They offer guided tours, but make sure you reserve a spot beforehand.
They also have a restaurant and café. The patio garden is perfect to have a coffee and relax and the food (all local) is truly a culinary experience.
Where to stay in Ollantaytambo
There are a lot of great places to stay in Ollantaytambo. From budget friendly options to high end hotels. Have a look at booking.com or Hostelworld to find the right place for you.
If you are a stargazer, Ollantaytambo is the perfect spot for it. When it´s a clear night, the sky full of stars, is a sight to behold. Make sure to choose a place with a balcony or terrace in the outskirts of town, so you can get the best views and gaze to your hearts content.
How to get there
From Cusco it is really easy to get to Ollantaytambo. You can take a collective (a shared minivan), from Pavitos street in Cusco (see google maps). The collectivo will take you in approximately 1.30h to Ollantaytambo and will drop you off at the main square. The ride there will provide you with beautiful views and it will cost around 10 soles (to pay in cash). Of course you can also arrange a transport (with or without a guide) or take a taxi.
