Ollantaytambo is located amidst arid mountains and colourful landscapes in the northwest corner of the Sacred Valley, the part furthest from Cusco and closest to Machu Picchu. The town’s location seems at first to be a happy coincidence, but history has shown us that the Incas rarely left anything to chance. Let us tell you a bit more about the history of the town of Ollantaytambo.

Origins of Ollantaytambo
The town of Ollantaytambo was established under this name during the Reign of Pachacútec (1418–1471). While there were buildings here before that, the town grew dramatically under the rule of the Incas. At that time, Ollantaytambo was used as a checkpoint to control access to the Sacred Valley. This was also where maize was first domesticated before being grown extensively on the fertile slopes of the Urubamba River Valley.

Ollantaytambo is located amidst arid mountains and colourful landscapes in the northwest corner of the Sacred Valley, the part furthest from Cusco and closest to Machu Picchu. The town’s location seems at first to be a happy coincidence, but history has shown us that the Incas rarely left anything to chance. Let us tell you a bit more about the history of the town of Ollantaytambo.

Origins of Ollantaytambo
The town of Ollantaytambo was established under this name during the Reign of Pachacútec (1418–1471). While there were buildings here before that, the town grew dramatically under the rule of the Incas. At that time, Ollantaytambo was used as a checkpoint to control access to the Sacred Valley. This was also where maize was first domesticated before being grown extensively on the fertile slopes of the Urubamba River Valley.

Not only was this a strategic point for monitoring the nearby valleys, but it was also a strategic military location of which the Incas made great use. This is why we say the Incas left nothing to chance.

Who built Ollantaytambo?
While Pachacútec helped Ollantaytambo reach its full splendour, the buildings here date to well before the time of the Incas. In the town and its surroundings, evidence has been found of settlements of the Huari civilization (600 – 1000 AD), such as the Fortress of Pumamarca, a military citadel that controlled access to Ollantaytambo. This fortress was reached along the famous Inca Trail.

Others claim that the town is even older, dating back as far as 3,500 years.

Many different peoples erected buildings in this area, including the Incas, but it was the Incas who greatly expanded the previously existing town.

Ollantaytambo Today
While you may have started to get the impression that Ollantaytambo is a town of ruins, the truth is quite the opposite. Today, the town is divided in two by the Patacancha Creek. On the eastern side is Qosqo Ayllu, with the town’s main square and four streets running parallel to the Patacancha. On the western side is Araqama Ayllu, known for its many archaeological sites. According to the 2017 National Census, the district of Ollantaytambo is home to 10,165 residents. It is believed that even more people lived here during the days of the Incas.

The town is well-equipped for tourism, with hotels, cafés, restaurants, handicraft shops, and more.

Train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
You are probably visiting Ollantaytambo as a stop on the way to your main destination of Machu Picchu. If so, the best way to get there is by train, and PeruRail offers excellent service from the Ollantaytambo Station. We recommend taking the PeruRail Vistadome train, which offers all the amenities you will need to make the most out of your trip. Onboard, you will find traditional music and dances, not to mention an incredible panoramic view.

You can buy your tickets here.

How to Reach Ollantaytambo?
We recommend traveling from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by car. There are three possible routes:

• Cusco – Chinchero – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo (81 km/50 mi)
• Cusco – Pisac – Calca – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo (96 km/60 mi)
• Cusco – Anta – Huarocondo – Pachar – Ollantaytambo (70 km/43 mi)

While the last option is the shortest, be careful because there are often landslides blocking the roads during the rainy season.

Various civilisations have walked these lands, so don’t miss the chance to discover every fascinating detail of its history. The town of Ollantaytambo awaits you with open arms!

Remember, you can also reach Machu Picchu on the PeruRail Expedition train, which is designed for visitors in search of adventure. Get your tickets here!