Ollantaytambo

Information

It is an Inca archaeological park next to a village, both bearing the same name.

The village is located on the banks of the Urubamba River, at an altitude of about 2700 metres above sea level. It maintains the style of narrow streets and houses with stone blocks, and a population descended from the original inhabitants. It has accommodation, restaurants, an ATM and shops selling handicrafts. In its market there are stalls to eat and buy typical products of the region.

On one side of the town are the ruins. To enter them you have to show the tourist ticket (which can be bought in Cusco) or pay for it on the spot. At the entrance there are people who offer the guide service.

In the archaeological park you can immediately see a fortress with its walls and crop terraces. At this site the Incas used to carry out agricultural, religious and military defence activities. These sectors and structures stand out:
- At the bottom you can see water fountains fed by a channelling system. There is even the Temple of Water (in Spanish 'Templo del Agua'), which has a fountain inside.
- There are more than 100 steps and a large number of terraces separating the summit from the lower part.
- At the top there is a military area, and storage structures called 'colcas'.
- Also at the top is the Temple of the Sun (in Spanish 'Templo del Sol'), which is formed by 6 huge rectangular rocks. It is a mystery how these blocks were able to climb up such a steep slope.

To get there from Cusco there are buses that leave from Pavitos Street and Grau Avenue. The trip takes about 90 minutes and they stop at the main square of the town of Ollantaytambo.

There is a station where trains stop to and from Machu Picchu Pueblo. If you are visiting in high season, it is advisable to buy your train tickets in advance online.