Ollantaytambo sits in its own district, Urubamba province. Got one of Cusco’s big draws: that archaeological setup in Ollantaytambo.
OLLANTAYTAMBO BACKSTORY
This spot predates Incas by a bit. Some experts figure it started with Aymara folks. They spread into northwest Cusco parts. Then around early 1400s, during Cusco growth. Aymaras tried setting up guard posts to shield the place from Incas.
Pachacutec, this fierce Inca leader, took over Aymaras and Ollantaytambo. He beefed up the defenses with fresh structures and lookout points we see now. After Pachacutec died, place went to his panaka – that’s the Inca ruler’s kin, wives, siblings, kids galore. Come Spanish invasion, Manco Inca Yupanqui used it as a holdout. He got shoved out of Cusco step by step into jungle depths by Spaniards in 1537.
Once Cusco fell, he hunkered down in Ollantaytambo. Turned into a safe zone against Spanish raids. But damn, one massive clash between Incas and Spaniards sealed its fate as a stronghold.
STUFF TO CHECK IN OLLANTAYTAMBO?
Ollantaytambo archaeological site: Gotta hit this before Machu Picchu. Still holds old Inca layout in town planning. Promises to blow you away, or maybe not if crowds bug you.
- Main plaza: Trees and shops circle it. Makes hanging out lively before heading elsewhere.
- Handicraft stalls: Right in the plaza. Chance to pick up local weaves or crafts as keepsakes.
- Temple of Sun: Climb those 200-ish steps to top. Get views over Sacred Valley from up there. Made of 6 huge rectangular stones. Up top, looks half-done. Biggest one’s over two meters across, four high maybe.
- Pinkuylluna path: Short 0.8 km walk. Panoramic sights for tuning out while on foot or scrambling up.
- Patacancha area: Quechua community, 45 minutes out. Famous for fine cloths and old-school living.
FROM OLLANTAYTAMBO TO MACHU PICCHU HOW?
This old Inca place kicks off three main paths to Aguas Calientes. That’s the town nearest Machu Picchu, with closest rail stop to Inca City. Distance Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu? About 26 km. Trip time varies: 2 hours to 4 days to Aguas Calientes, depending on ride.
