{"id":18825,"date":"2025-09-20T18:15:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-20T16:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/destary.com\/?p=18825"},"modified":"2025-09-20T18:53:42","modified_gmt":"2025-09-20T16:53:42","slug":"ollantaytambo-gateway-to-the-world-of-the-incas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/destary.com\/en\/travel-guides\/ollantaytambo-gateway-to-the-world-of-the-incas\/","title":{"rendered":"Ollantaytambo \u2013 Gateway to the world of the Incas"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"18825\" class=\"elementor elementor-18825 elementor-18792\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-93f5828 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"93f5828\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0a066e2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0a066e2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The perfect stopover in the Sacred Valley: Ollantaytambo boasts impressive Inca architecture and a living Inca town with original street walls, as well as convenient train connections to Machu Picchu. Visitors will not only experience the famous terraces, but also an authentic Andean village complete with markets, caf\u00e9s and lively festivals. Ollantaytambo is an important stopover for travellers heading to Aguas Calientes, but it is also a destination in its own right, offering opportunities for photography, cultural exploration and culinary delights.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d37cf4d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d37cf4d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b57510 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3b57510\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Location &amp; getting there <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1609a7d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1609a7d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Ollantaytambo is located in the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River, in the Cusco region. It is situated around 60\u201372 km northwest of Cusco, at an altitude of approximately 2,790 m above sea level. This distance makes the village a convenient base: It can be reached from Cusco by colectivo or bus in about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, or slightly faster by private transfer. Ollantaytambo railway station is an important starting point for the train journey to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. The combination of easy accessibility and a relatively low altitude makes Ollantaytambo a popular place to acclimatise and stay.   <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fc31bdf gallery-spacing-custom elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-gallery\" data-id=\"fc31bdf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-gallery\">\n\t\t\t<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-18825 gallery-columns-4 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"fc31bdf\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Views of Ollantaytambo\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTg4MTUsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDlcL29sbGFudGF5dGFtYm8tMy5qcGciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiJmYzMxYmRmIn0%3D\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-3.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Views of Ollantaytambo\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-18815\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-3.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-3-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-3-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-3-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-3-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-3-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-3-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-18815'>\n\t\t\t\tViews of Ollantaytambo\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"fc31bdf\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Views at the Andes\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTg4MDMsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDlcL29sbGFudGF5dGFtYm8tOS5qcGciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiJmYzMxYmRmIn0%3D\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-9.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-9.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Views at the Andes\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-18803\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-9.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-9-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-9-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-9-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-9-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-9-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-9-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-18803'>\n\t\t\t\tViews at the Andes\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"fc31bdf\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"City of  Ollantaytambo\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTg4MjEsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDlcL29sbGFudGF5dGFtYm8tMi5qcGciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiJmYzMxYmRmIn0%3D\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-2.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"City of  Ollantaytambo\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-18821\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-2.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-2-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-2-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-2-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-2-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-2-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-2-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-18821'>\n\t\t\t\tCity of  Ollantaytambo\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"fc31bdf\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"City of Ollantaytambo\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTg4MDksInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDlcL29sbGFudGF5dGFtYm8tNi5qcGciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiJmYzMxYmRmIn0%3D\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-6.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-6.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"City of Ollantaytambo\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-18809\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-6.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-6-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-6-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-6-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-6-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-6-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-6-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-18809'>\n\t\t\t\tCity of Ollantaytambo\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-006c225 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"006c225\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d44b023 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d44b023\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Brief history \u2013 Royal property, Pachac\u00fatec's construction site and centre of resistance<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ffb6afb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ffb6afb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The visible buildings mainly date from the 15^(th) century, when the powerful Inca ruler Pachac\u00fatec developed the region into a royal farm and ceremonial centre. The complex combines the finely crafted stone masonry of the temple sector with extensive agricultural terraces, showcasing the excellence of Inca urban planning and water management. Ollantaytambo later gained military significance when Manco Inca achieved a spectacular tactical victory against a Spanish expedition on the terraces in 1537. Consequently, the capital of the Neo-Inca state was moved to Vilcabamba. The interplay of architecture, quarries for monumental stones and the site&#8217;s strategic location make its history particularly complex.    <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e8ace3e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e8ace3e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2503f29 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2503f29\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Must-see sights<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2746186 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2746186\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The ruins of Ollantaytambo can be divided into several key areas:<\/p><ul><li><strong>The Temple Hill\/Fortress<\/strong>: The staggered terraces and the famous wall made of six monolithic blocks in the temple sector are the visual highlights. From an archaeological perspective, it is more of a ceremonial and administrative centre than a purely defensive fortress. The precisely structured large stone blocks and the \u2018Enclosure of the Ten Niches\u2019 are particularly impressive.  <\/li><li><strong>Quarry areas (Kachiqhata, etc.)<\/strong>: The quarries, from which the massive rhyolite and granite blocks were extracted, are located 4\u20136 km outside the city and demonstrate the Inca&#8217;s engineering skills and logistical expertise.<\/li><li><strong>Pinkuylluna\/Granaries (storage rooms)<\/strong>: On the opposite side of the slope are the Qollqas (storehouses\/granaries) of Pinkuylluna, which are small chambers in the rock faces that are ideal for observation and offer spectacular views of the valley. The short but steep hike there is worthwhile for the view and to gain an insight into storage technology. <\/li><li><strong>The town itself<\/strong>: The old town was laid out in an Inca grid pattern with right angles. Narrow cobbled streets and original Inca walls with colonial overlays characterise the townscape. It is one of the longest continuously inhabited places in South America. A stroll through the streets conveys the sense of tradition very well.   <\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3f09918 gallery-spacing-custom elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-gallery\" data-id=\"3f09918\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-gallery\">\n\t\t\t<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-18825 gallery-columns-4 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"3f09918\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Ruins at Ollantaytambo\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTg4MDEsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDlcL29sbGFudGF5dGFtYm8tMTAuanBnIiwic2xpZGVzaG93IjoiM2YwOTkxOCJ9\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-10.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-10.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Ruins at Ollantaytambo\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-18801\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-10.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-10-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-10-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-10-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-10-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-10-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-10-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-18801'>\n\t\t\t\tRuins at Ollantaytambo\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"3f09918\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Ollantaytambo\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTg4MTEsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDlcL29sbGFudGF5dGFtYm8tNS5qcGciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiIzZjA5OTE4In0%3D\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-5.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-5.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Ollantaytambo\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-18811\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-5.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-5-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-5-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-5-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-5-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-5-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-5-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-18811'>\n\t\t\t\tOllantaytambo\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"3f09918\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Ruins at Ollantaytambo\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTg4MDcsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDlcL29sbGFudGF5dGFtYm8tNy5qcGciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiIzZjA5OTE4In0%3D\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-7.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-7.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Ruins at Ollantaytambo\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-18807\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-7.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-7-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-7-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-7-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-7-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-7-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-7-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-18807'>\n\t\t\t\tRuins at Ollantaytambo\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"3f09918\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Ruins at Ollantaytambo\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTg4MDUsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDlcL29sbGFudGF5dGFtYm8tOC5qcGciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiIzZjA5OTE4In0%3D\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-8.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-8.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Ruins at Ollantaytambo\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-18805\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-8.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-8-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-8-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-8-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-8-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-8-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-8-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-18805'>\n\t\t\t\tRuins at Ollantaytambo\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-145199d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"145199d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-78e5183 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"78e5183\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Culinary highlights &amp; caf\u00e9s<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-af1a895 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"af1a895\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Ollantaytambo has a surprisingly vibrant caf\u00e9 and restaurant scene, offering everything from cosy caf\u00e9s to family-run trattorias and upscale concept restaurants. Here is a selection of popular places (check the menu and opening hours on site): <\/p><ul><li><strong>Latente (Speciality Coffee)<\/strong>: Modern speciality coffee caf\u00e9 popular with locals and travellers alike. It offers a good selection of espresso and filter coffee, which is often praised. It&#8217;s perfect for a coffee break before or after visiting the ruins.  <\/li><li><strong>Apu Ver\u00f3nica (Apu Ver\u00f3nica Restaurant)<\/strong>: Centrally located near the bridge with outdoor seating and a view, this restaurant is known among tourists for its traditional Peruvian cuisine and home-style cooking.<\/li><li><strong>Nina del Valle<\/strong>: Small, intimate restaurant with excellent reviews. It serves home cooking, pasta and local dishes. Travellers often describe the restaurant as a \u2018hidden gem\u2019.  <\/li><li><strong>Saqra \/ Saqra Wislla (Pizzeria\/Restaurant)<\/strong>: Popular for pizza and Western-inspired dishes, as well as its relaxed atmosphere. A good choice if you want something familiar.<\/li><li><strong>El Albergue Restaurant<\/strong>: Part of the well-known boutique hotel El Albergue (right next to the train station), with a strong focus on local, organic ingredients and upscale presentation. Ideal for a special dinner or a well-organised pachamanca lunch.<\/li><li><strong>Other recommendations<\/strong>: Chuncho and Amanto for upscale, creative cuisine, and Caf\u00e9 Mayu\/Hearts Caf\u00e9 for relaxed snacks. The small restaurant scene is changing, so it is advisable to make early reservations during peak times (June\u2013August). <\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-203c409 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"203c409\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"4096\" height=\"2304\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-4.jpg\" class=\" attachment-full size-full wp-image-18813\" alt=\"View of Ollantaytambo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-4.jpg 4096w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-4-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-4-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-4-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4096px) 100vw, 4096px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3d5b51c e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3d5b51c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-155664b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"155664b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Practical tips for visiting \u2013 Tickets, scheduling, best time to travel<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1adab03 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1adab03\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li><strong>Tickets<\/strong>: admission to the archaeological sites is usually available via the Boleto Tur\u00edstico del Cusco (Cusco Tourist Ticket), or the relevant partial option for the Sacred Valley. Many visitors use the general or partial passes. Prices and validity periods vary. Current information can be found on site or on official websites. Alternatively, some tours include combined admission and transport. Be sure to book trains to Machu Picchu well in advance, as they get very busy.     <\/li><li><strong>When?<\/strong>: The best time to travel is during the dry season (approximately April\/May to September\/October), when there are clear skies, dry paths and good visibility. Those who prefer greenery and fewer people may also consider travelling during the shoulder months or in the rainy season (November to March), but must then expect rain. <\/li><li><strong>Time of day &amp; duration<\/strong>: The best time to visit is early in the morning, when it is quieter (the ruins are usually open from around 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., but check the current opening times). Allow 1.5\u20133 hours for the main site or a half-day if you want to include Pinkuylluna, the quarries, or extended photo stops. <\/li><li><strong>Acclimatisation and health<\/strong>: Although Ollantaytambo is lower than Cusco, 2,800 metres is still challenging. Adequate hydration, slowly building up activity, and drinking coca tea if necessary can help alleviate mild symptoms of altitude sickness.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8a86752 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8a86752\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ecebb92 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ecebb92\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Markets, festivals and culture \u2013 More than just ruins<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0343732 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0343732\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Ollantaytambo is a vibrant hub of Andean traditions. The Sunday market and the daily markets offer textiles, handicrafts, corn products and street food, providing an ideal opportunity to experience Andean culture up close. The Fiesta del Se\u00f1or de Choquekillka is a particularly colourful multi-day festival held around Pentecost (the exact date depends on the church calendar). This festival features traditional dances, parades and costumed dance groups, making it a unique spectacle for culture lovers.  <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e62a9d2 gallery-spacing-custom elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-gallery\" data-id=\"e62a9d2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-gallery\">\n\t\t\t<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-18825 gallery-columns-4 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"e62a9d2\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Shops in Ollantaytambo\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTg4MTksInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDlcL29sbGFudGF5dGFtYm8tMTEuanBnIiwic2xpZGVzaG93IjoiZTYyYTlkMiJ9\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-11.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-11.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Shops in Ollantaytambo\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-18819\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-11.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-11-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-11-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-11-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-11-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-11-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-11-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-18819'>\n\t\t\t\tShops in Ollantaytambo\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"e62a9d2\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Working woman in Peru\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTg3OTksInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDlcL29sbGFudGF5dGFtYm8tMTIuanBnIiwic2xpZGVzaG93IjoiZTYyYTlkMiJ9\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-12.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-12.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Working woman in Peru\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-18799\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-12.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-12-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-12-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-12-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-12-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-12-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-12-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-18799'>\n\t\t\t\tWorking woman in Peru\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"e62a9d2\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Shops in Ollantaytambo\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTg4MTcsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDlcL29sbGFudGF5dGFtYm8tMS5qcGciLCJzbGlkZXNob3ciOiJlNjJhOWQyIn0%3D\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-1.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Shops in Ollantaytambo\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-18817\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-1.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-1-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-1-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-1-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-1-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-1-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-1-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-18817'>\n\t\t\t\tShops in Ollantaytambo\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-slideshow=\"e62a9d2\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Man dressed as a king in Peru\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTg3OTYsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9kZXN0YXJ5LmNvbVwvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyNVwvMDlcL29sbGFudGF5dGFtYm8tMTMuanBnIiwic2xpZGVzaG93IjoiZTYyYTlkMiJ9\" href='https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-13.jpg'><img width=\"3277\" height=\"4096\" src=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-13.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Man dressed as a king in Peru\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-18796\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-13.jpg 3277w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-13-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-13-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-13-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-13-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-13-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/destary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/ollantaytambo-13-1639x2048.jpg 1639w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3277px) 100vw, 3277px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-18796'>\n\t\t\t\tMan dressed as a king in Peru\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-08c9355 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"08c9355\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b7f9300 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b7f9300\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Safety, money &amp; things you should know<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-22157d6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"22157d6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li><strong>Means of payment<\/strong>: There are cash machines in Ollantaytambo, but they have limited availability and occasionally experience technical problems. Therefore, it is advisable to take sufficient Peruvian soles with you or plan to make larger withdrawals in Cusco. Credit cards are accepted in many restaurants and hotels, but not everywhere (small market stalls in particular require cash).  <\/li><li><strong>Valuables and caution<\/strong>: As in many tourist areas, pickpocketing is possible, so keep an eye on your backpacks, cameras and wallets. Be especially vigilant in the alleys and at the train station. <\/li><li><strong>Train booking<\/strong>: trains to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) often sell out. If you want to visit Machu Picchu on a specific day, book early via PeruRail or IncaRail. <\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1beaec8 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1beaec8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c072731 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c072731\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Ollantaytambo boasts spectacular Inca architecture, a vibrant local community and a prime location as the gateway to Machu Picchu. The ruins are excellently preserved, and the old town exudes authenticity. The culinary offerings range from specialty coffee to fine local cuisine. Ollantaytambo is a must for culture lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to enhance their Machu Picchu experience.   <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The perfect stopover in the Sacred Valley: Ollantaytambo boasts impressive Inca architecture and a living Inca town with original street walls, as well as convenient train connections to Machu Picchu. Visitors will not only experience the famous terraces, but also an authentic Andean village complete with markets, caf\u00e9s and lively festivals. Ollantaytambo is an important [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":18794,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[155],"tags":[296,302,294],"class_list":["post-18825","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-guides","tag-peru-en","tag-sacred-valley-en","tag-south-america"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Ollantaytambo \u2013 Gateway to the world of the Incas - Destary<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley: tips on how to get there, ruins, the best caf\u00e9s and restaurants, and practical information for visiting Machu Picchu.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/destary.com\/en\/travel-guides\/ollantaytambo-gateway-to-the-world-of-the-incas\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Ollantaytambo \u2013 Gateway to the world of the Incas - 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