Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley

Manco Inca used spears and stones to attack the Spanish who had planned to surprise the Inca. He and his army flooded the fields, trapping the would-be attackers in mud. This attack was to be one of the few significant Inca victories during the era of the Spanish Conquest. 

Today, the train station to Machu Picchu is located here. Ollanta, as it is affectionately called, is also a starting point for the Inca Trail. Thousands pass through daily on their way to visit the ancient Inca fortress. But the town and its ruins are certainly worth a visit before boarding the train. Be sure to build in some time to explore this fascinating ancient village and its towering Inca fortress. 

Ollantaytambo Peru  

This ancient Inca town is a must-see during your Peru journey. More than just a pass-through, Ollantaytambo merits a visit of its own of half a day to several days. Here, one can climb to the top of the Inca fortress and look down on the village below. The ruins itself boasts many features of interest including old Inca stonework, steep stairways, fortified walls, lookouts, and storage rooms. 

Below the ruins, in the old part of the village, one observes ancient cobblestoned streets and viable aqueducts. Open to foot traffic only, Qosco Ayllu is probably the most authentic old Inca neighborhood in existence anywhere. Some local homes maintain the architectural features of ancient days, with Inca stonework and arched stone doorways. A visit to a typical Inca residence intrigues with its adobe construction and cuy, or guinea pig room. This recessed room is typically built off the kitchen where the cuyes squeakily run about until selected for dinner. 

Elevation  

This town sits at an altitude of 9,160 fasl. This makes summiting the ruins a slight challenge, as one may be short of breath at this elevation. It’s a good idea to acclimate at a slightly lower elevation around the Sacred Valley to help prevent any symptoms. Good hydration is essential. Local remedies, such as coca tea, may be useful should symptoms appear. 

Several mountains are visible from Ollantaytambo, including Ausangate, Veronica, and Wakay Willka, meaning “Sacred Tears” in Quechua. Several day hikes in and around the town lead to spectacular views. One of these is the hike to the Inca Quarries, with vistas of the Urubamba River, Ollantaytambo, and Mt. Veronica. 

Weather  

During the wet season, November to March, temperatures in this area fall between 50 to 65°F. From April to September, the climate will be drier and the days sunnier. Temperatures normally range from 40° F to 75°F. As is the norm at this altitude, there can be much variation between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Dressing in layers that can be shed and carrying a rain poncho are advisable. 

Maps  

These helpful illustrations depict various features of the town’s layout and ruins. It should be a handy guide for your visit. 

Ollantaytambo Archeological Sites  

Ollantaytambo’s main fortress is the most-visited ruin in the area. This is the site of the aforementioned Inca victory in 1537. I will describe the main ruins first. Additional archaeological sites in and around the region will be described further in this blog. 

The Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park contains the most-visited set of ruins in this region. The main site is located a short distance from the Plaza de Armas and can be reached on foot. These ruins overlook the town and are among the most easily accessed Inca ruins. There are many intriguing features to observe during your exploration of the site. Some of these include agricultural terraces, qolcas (grain storage spaces), niches for the storage of mummies, ceremonial baths, and temples. 

Temple of the Sun

Religious rituals were performed at this important Inca temple. It contains an enormous wall with six pinkish monolithic structures arranged side by side. The temple contains a trapezoidal window that is positioned to catch the sun’s rays at winter solstice. It is thought that only kings and priests were allowed entry to this portion of the fortress. 

Enclosure of the 10 Niches

This wall with ten recesses, or niches, sheltered preserved Inca mummies. 

Terraces leading up to the archeological site

There are seventeen enormous agricultural terraces leading to the top of the ruins, reached by two hundred Inca stone steps. 

Ceremonial Baths and Water Temple

These functional fountains and baths were used for bathing by the Inca royalty. The Baño de la Ñusta was purely for the Inca princess’ use. 

Qolcas

These ancient grain storage areas are located high up on the facing mountain. Because of the cooler temperatures at this height, grain stayed fresher for longer periods of time. 

Set aside two to three hours to climb to the top of the fortress and explore its features. 

Things to do in Ollantaytambo  

If you have a few days to explore the area, you can visit additional archaeological sites in the region. These include Pinkuylluna, Chocana / Ñaupa Iglesia, Pumamarka, Punku Punku, Inkapintay, and Qelloraqay. 

One rarely visited site is known as Pinkuylluna. It’s located at the other end of Ollantaytambo from the main archaeological site. Pinkuylluna is a short walk from the village and is reached by climbing a pathway of rough-hewn steps. It is believed that the structures here were used to store grain in ancient times. From Pinkuylluna, you can look across to the facing mountainside and observe the main fortress. 

Chocana and Ñaupa Iglesia – These rarely visited ruins are a half-day hike from Ollantaytambo. Some sections of the walk to the ruins are along original Inca paths. The ruins are on a wall above the river. Another twenty minutes or so along the train tracks leads to Ñaupa Iglesia. These ruins are along a steep wall; you may have to scramble to reach them. They consist of a vertical stone wall with recessed niches and a mysterious carven entryway that leads to nowhere. 

Pumamarca – This is a day trip from Ollanta. A bit more remote, these ruins protected the northern end of the Sacred Valley. There is a minivan with service to a point from which you can climb to the ruins (one hour approximately.) Alpacas are often seen grazing in the fields in and around this small Inca fortress. 

Punku Punku is a short walk from the Plaza de Armas. There is an Inca wall along the pathway known as the Hundred-Niche Wall. Punku Punku itself consists of a twofold stone doorway that overlooks an aqueduct flowing below. 

A few minutes from Punku Punku, passing through some idyllic rural scenery, you will find Inkapintay. This is an elevated ruin you can observe from below or climb for a closer view. It consists of a recess in a stone wall and ancient Inca water canals. 

Qelloraqay- This small set of ruins is a short downhill walk from the Plaza de Armas. It is notable for its lovely setting near fertile farmlands with the Urubamba River flowing alongside. As you climb back up to the town, you can catch a glimpse of Mt. Veronica in the distance. 

Other attractions in Ollantaytambo: 

Have a drink and a meal at one of the restaurants off the Plaza de Armas. Some recommended restaurants are: Amanto-Cocina Sagrada, Chuncho, and El Albergue (at the train station). 

Visit the Casa de Cuyes (House of Guinea Pigs). It is like a guinea pig farm with miniature houses and tunnels for the guinea pigs to explore You can pet them and take pictures as desired. Keep in mind that cuyes are a meat animal in Peru. This place is also a restaurant that serves, well, guinea pig. 

Visit the Cerveceria del Valle: aka the Sacred Valley Brewery. It’s a few minutes outside of town, so expect to take a taxi rather than walk. Taste the artisanal ales, craft beers, and IPA’s. The brewmaster is from the US but uses local Andean ingredients in his beers. There is a food menu as well as outdoor seating and a play area for the kiddos. 

Conclusion: Take some time to explore Ollantaytambo on your way to or from Machu Picchu. With its Archaeological Park, surrounding ruins, and authentic Inca section, Ollanta has much to offer. Set aside a half-day to visit the main ruins, or several days to explore this area more thoroughly. We at Explorandes will be delighted to assist in making your trip to Ollantaytambo a memorable one. Contact us for further information.