'''Ollantaytambo''' (called by locals Ollanta) is a town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Cuzco in the Southern Sierra region of Peru. This is where the Incas retreated after the Spanish took Cuzco. Much of the town is laid out in the same way as it was in Inca times.

Get in

By bus

There are frequent buses to and from Urubamba (2 soles); further connection can be made to Cuzco there (3 soles). At 3:50pm, 4:40pm and 5:20pm there are direct buses leaving from Av Grau 525 in Cuzco (5 soles).

By rail

Two types of trains arrive at the station. The first is locals only that is heavily monitored to ensure no tourists ride it. There are hefty fines if caught on the locals' train. The second is the tourist train which runs Cusco/Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes. If you are doing the Inca Trail, you will want to get on the train to Aguas Calientes and get off when the train stops mid-route.

There are three types of tourist trains. Ordered by descending price, they are the Hiram Bingham, Vistadome, and Backpacker trains.

If you purchase a ticket from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, you cannot get of at Ollantaytambo for a few hours and then use the same ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. If you want to spend time in Ollantaytambo, it is more cost effective to take a bus to Urubamba from Cusco and then a connecting bus to Ollantaytambo.

After Trekking to Machu Picchu

Many guide services include a train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo ''or'' all the way to Cuzco as a part of the guided services. In the former situation, trekkers are expected to pay for their own bus from Ollantaytambo to Cuzco and are informed of this in advance. Taking the bus from Ollantaytambo to Cuzco as opposed to the trains full route saves a half hour to an hour. Inquire with your tour operator in advance as to which tickets they purchase. Tickets purchased by the guide services to Ollantaytambo can be changed at the station the day of or the day before depending upon seat availability. Change fees can range from 0-$20 depending upon the class of train that is being changed to. Arrive at least 45 minutes early as there may be a line, for the earliest trains (5:30am) the ticket office opens at 5am.

Additional note: Travelers & Trekkers can can make excellent use of the obligatory return trip to Cuzco by staying the night in Aguas Calientes after visiting Machu Picchu and visiting the Ollantaytambo ruins, the salt mines near Urubamba, the Incan agricultural lab of Moray, or the ruins above Pisac the next day (all of which are along the route back to Cuzco in route order). Choose two sites and allow a half day for each site for relaxed viewing, transit, and meals. The last busses from Pisac to Cuzco leave around 8pm. Be aware of your belongings on busses after dark. Or, stay in Pisac and backtrack to any of the sites the next day. Inquire at Ulrike_Ls cafe in Pisac for lodging recommendations (open until 9pm).

Get around

Walking or cycling is the best idea. Three wheeled moto-taxis and regular taxis are available at the train station but are not necessary. The walk from the train station to the main plaza is approximately a quarter mile. It can be broken up by various restaurants that line the way even after the busiest sections. It is a two minute walk from the main plaza to the ruins.

See

  • Take a stroll through the town. There are still several houses dating back from Incan time.
  • '''Ruins of Ollantaytambo''' - ruins of largely religous significance, they doubled as the the last and largest defensive structures near the plains below where the Incas defeated the Spaniards in battle [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Ollantaytambo]. Admission with ''boleto turistico'' (can be purchased at entrance to ruins). Local guides can be hired in the market area below the ruins (20 soles). Or, do it yourself by purchasing the book most of the guides use, _NCuzco and the sacred valley of the Incas_N(salazar and salazar) which has an extensive section on Ollantaytambo. The book can be purchased in the market below the ruins (50 soles) or in advance in Cuzco (35 soles). Neither the guides nor the guidebook discuss the battles, for information on this research on your own in advance. Tour_Ls focus largely on the unique architectural significance of the suns_Lrays on the carved face of the canyon wall and on the temple walls, the still functioning fountains, and the large stone operating table.
  • '''Museo CATCCO''' [http://www.catcco.org] is the town museum, cultural and informational center for the town. Visit the nearby museum store for high quality fair trade textiles from nearby Quechua communities.
  • Do

    Look for houses with red plastic bags hanging outside on posts. These houses are where locals go to drink Chicha, a local brew made out of corn. It is a great way to experience the local flavor, provided that you speak enough spanish to communicate with the other Chicha drinkers. It is advisable that you look for a place that serves things other than Chicha, as some people find the taste unpleasant. It should probably be mentioned that this is because Chicha is made by people chewing the corn and then allowing the saliva-corn mixture to ferment.

  • '''KB Tambo'''[http://www.kbperu.com/], a hostel, restaurant, mountain bike, and adventure tour office rents mountain bikes by the day and arranges tours. If you're lucky, KB himself will lead the tour; if you get this opportunity you should jump on it, and be advised you're likely in for some serious adventure.
  • '''The Chet''', an Ollantaytambo exclusive! Ask any local or long-time visitor for details.
  • Buy

    There are several shops, mainly Inca souvenir types. A market plaza for tourists sits at the entrance to the ruins, small shops up the hill from the plaza may carry the same items and be more willing to negotiate. On the way from the ruins to the plaza, look to your right before the bridge for the CATCCO fair trade shop. Emphasis is on woven goods, a selection of books, and friendly english speaking staff can be found.

    Eat

    There are several restaurants in Ollantaytambo:
  • '''Cafe Mayu'''[http://www.cafemayu.com] is located on the Ollantaytambo train station where you can grab a very good espresso or cappuccino as well as chocolate chip cookies and brownies. You can browse their menu for great breakfast and lunch options.
  • '''El Albergue Restaurant'''[http://www.elalbergue.com] within the El Albergue B&B this new restaurant has a first rate open kitchen where you can see your alpaca and trout dinners being prepared. Menu options include homemade fettuccine, sandwiches and great breakfast. In the evening white table cloths are spread, candles are lit, and the restaurant becomes a first rate dining experience.
  • '''Kusicoyllor Restaurant Cafe''' offers novo andine & international cuisine,provide a good an unique view to the ruins, a candelite atmosphere for the dinner,Kusicoyllor restaurant is most common know to have the best coffee in Cusco.Located just near de Ollantaytambo fortress. Phone 204114
  • '''Hearts Cafe''' [http://www.heartscafe.org], is on the main square of Ollantaytambo with views across the plaza onto the Inca temple-fortress. Profits go to children's projects in the Sacred Valley. Pleasant pavement dining, quality coffee, book exchange, and plenty of magazines.
  • '''KB Tambo'''[http://www.kbperu.com/], a hostel, restaurant, mountain bike, and adventure tour office, has very excellent food by Chef Alejo, a Chilean native who has lived in Ollanta for 15 years. KB Tambo is located just down the hill towards the ruins from the Main Plaza. www.kbperu.com
  • Drink

    There are several bars around the Main Plaza.

    Hang out at El Ganso with very down-to-earth owner "Acha".

    Sleep

    Hostels

  • '''KB Tambo''',''+011''(51 84)-204091 [http://www.kbperu.com/]. Recently newly reconstructed with private baths in every room, pleasant courtyard garden and awesome rooftop deck with ruins views. English speaking owner - "KB" (very dynamic and interesting guy) - also rents mountain bikes by the day or will arrange a tour. Most excellent restaurant with food by Chef Alejo. KB Tambo is located at the top of Ave Ferrocarril, the road from the railway station, at the intersection of the main road through town (Calle Ventidero). Rates $10-$28 per person.
  • '''Hotel Munay T'ika''', - This hostal has been under recent renovations. It is just up the road from the railway station, not too far from Pakaritampu. It is an inexpensive but clean hostal that also provides breakfast of breads, jams, eggs, banana pancakes, coffee and tea in the mornings (approximately $30/night).
  • Budget

  • '''Hostal Las Orquideas''', ''+011'' (51 84)-204032 Ave Ferrocarril. Small rooms around courtyard with shared bath. Often used by tour groups. Upper floor has view of ruins. Rates $20-$40.
  • Mid-Range

  • '''Hostal Sauce''', Calle Ventiderio 248, ''+011''(51-84)-204044, Fax: ''+011''(51-84)-204048,[http://www.hostalsauce.com.pe] Located at the top of the road to the train station and Calle Ventiderio (the main road through town). Just off the main square, centrally located, some rooms have views of the Ollantaytambo ruins, breakfast included, no restaurant. Rates $88-$145.
  • '''El Albergue Ollantaytambo''' , Ollantaytambo Train Station platform, Telefax: ''+011'' (51-84)204014 [http://www.elalbergue.com/]. A lovely bed & breakfast with hot showers, beautiful gardens and friendly staff. The dining room offers home style cooking and great breakfast. The proprietor, Wendy Weeks, has been living in Peru for 30 years. Affordable prices, excellent food, English spoken. Don_ft forget to take the sauna included in price of room. Knowledgeable staff offers great orientation and arrangements for day hikes, tours and activities. Hammocks in the back a great addition if you choose to just hang out. Rates $58 -$74. DURING PEAK SEASON (MAY 1ST ? AUGUST 31) MINIMUM STAY OF TWO NIGHTS IS REQUIRED, discounted December-March.
  • Splurge

  • '''Hotel Pakaritampu''',''+011''(+51-84)-204020 [http://www.pakaritampu.com.] Located about halfway down Ave Ferrocarril between the main square and the railway station. Recently constructed modern rooms. Beautiful garden. Restaurant and bar. Business Center. Rates $127-$276.
  • Get out