Ollantaytambo

A picturesque town built atop Inca foundations with impressive fortress ruins overlooking the Urubamba River and charming colonial streets. It serves as the main departure point for trains to Machu Picchu and rewards exploration of its maze-like alleyways and local markets.

Things to do

• Ollantaytambo Fortress — Explore the stunning Inca military complex with massive stone terraces, temples, and defensive structures built into the mountainside overlooking the valley.
• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu — Hike the famous multi-day trek that departs from near Ollantaytambo, passing through cloud forests, Inca ruins, and archaeological sites before reaching Machu Picchu.
• Pinkulluna Granaries — Trek uphill to these impressive cylindrical stone storage structures built by the Incas, offering panoramic views of the town and Urubamba River valley.
• Colonial Town Wandering — Stroll through narrow cobblestone streets lined with colonial adobe buildings, local artisan shops, and authentic family-run restaurants in the old town center.
• Train Station and Sacred Valley — Visit the railway station where Perurail and Inca Rail trains depart for Machu Picchu, and explore the wider Sacred Valley region accessible by local transport.
• Local Markets — Browse the Plaza de Armas and surrounding markets for traditional Andean textiles, alpaca products, fresh produce, and handmade crafts from local vendors.
• Terraced Agricultural Sites — Visit ancient Inca agricultural terraces scattered around the town that remain in use today, showcasing sophisticated pre-Columbian engineering and sustainable farming.

Food to try

• Ceviche — Fresh fish cured in lime juice with red onion, cilantro, and served with sweet potato and corn—a coastal Peruvian classic available at local restaurants despite the mountain location.
• Cuy al Horno — Roasted guinea pig seasoned with cumin and served with potatoes and corn, a traditional Andean delicacy that remains popular in Ollantaytambo's family-run eateries.
• Causa Limeña — Layered yellow potato terrine filled with chicken or seafood and topped with avocado and hard-boiled egg, representing Peruvian culinary artistry.
• Quinoa Soup — Hearty local soup made with quinoa, potatoes, vegetables, and sometimes cheese, reflecting the region's ancient grain heritage and mountain cuisine.
• Fresh Trout from Urubamba River — Grilled or pan-fried local river trout, simply prepared with lemon and herbs, showcasing the bounty of the nearby Urubamba River.
• Maize and Corn-based Dishes — Enjoy choclo (large-kernel corn) boiled with cheese, humita (corn paste wrapped in leaves), or corn soup that highlight the region's agricultural importance.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Sites — The fortress and surrounding ruins are spiritually significant to local communities; remove hats, speak quietly, and follow any local guides' instructions about sacred areas.
• Learn Basic Quechua — Many locals speak Quechua as their first language; learning basic greetings like 'Napaykullayki' (hello) and 'Sulpayki' (thank you) shows respect and deepens connections.
• Altitude Adjustment — Ollantaytambo sits at 2,792 meters (9,160 feet); arrive a day early to acclimate, drink coca tea, and move slowly to avoid soroche (altitude sickness).
• Support Local Artisans — Purchase textiles and crafts directly from indigenous weavers and artisans rather than tourist shops; this supports families practicing centuries-old traditions.