Is Ollantaytambo Worth Visiting in Cusco?
Prices, Entry, and Travel Tips
Known for its well-preserved Inca ruins, stunning agricultural terraces, and its significance as a military fortress and royal estate, Ollantaytambo is one of the most famous historical sites in Cusco.
Ollantaytambo is renowned as one of the world's most famous historical sites, making it a must-see while you're in Cusco. Don't miss out because it's a favorite among many travelers. It should be on your itinerary as well. Since this is a very touristy locations in the , be prepared for crowds. Also, during peak season in Cusco, the crowds can get even worse, so you should plan ahead.
What is Ollantaytambo?
Ollantaytambo is a remarkable Inca archaeological site located in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru. It is renowned for its impressive terracing, well-preserved ruins, and its historical significance as a royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti and a strategic military stronghold during the Spanish conquest. Visitors can explore the stone temples, ceremonial plazas, and agricultural terraces that showcase advanced Inca engineering and architecture. The town itself retains its traditional Inca urban plan, with narrow cobblestone streets and charming stone buildings, offering an immersive cultural experience. Ollantaytambo serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu for many travelers, making it a popular stop on the Inca Trail and other regional tours. The site is suitable for a day trip, allowing ample time to admire the views of the surrounding mountains and the Urubamba River. It appeals to history buffs, photographers, and those interested in Andean culture and architecture.
Families with kids really enjoy visiting, so if you're traveling with children, make a point to see it. This is a fairly romantic spot for couples, so be sure to come if you're traveling as a couple. It's fairly popular with budget travelers and backpackers, too. Younger travelers tend to find it quite interesting and fun.
Visiting Ollantaytambo
How much does Ollantaytambo cost?
Entry to Ollantaytambo costs around 70 Peruvian soles for adults, with discounts available for students and children under 18, and combined tickets often include other Sacred Valley sites.
Do I need a tour for Ollantaytambo?
You'll be exploring Ollantaytambo on your own.
Do I need to book in advance?
It's generally recommended to book in advance to reserve your spot, but it is not required. Entry tickets cost around 70 Peruvian soles for adults, with discounts available for students and children under 18, and combined tickets often include other Sacred Valley sites.. If you're not interested in going inside, you can see it from the outside for free (as many do). You can just walk by and take photos. Also, many tours around Cusco will pass by and give you an overview.
How long does it take to visit Ollantaytambo?
Many people will spend around 3 hours during their visit. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll probably be doing a lot of walking. Since this is mostly an outdoor area, you might need to plan ahead for the weather.
When is the best time to visit Ollantaytambo?
Ollantaytambo is busy year-round. To avoid the crowds, try to arrive early or later in the day. Visit on weekdays, and avoid the high season if possible. It's only possible to visit during the day.
More things to do around Cusco
For even more trip ideas, check out these other articles about Cusco.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.