Ollantaytambo (or “Olly” for short) was our starting point to our road to Machu Picchu. It’s a great place to get used to the climate as we prepared for our trek to Machu Picchu, but it’s also a place to visit in its own right with its majestic ruins and spectacular views of Valle Sagrado.
Meeting some locals in Ollantaytambo, Valle Sagrado, Southern Peru
Dylan and Reese met up here with their friends, Zaki and Cole. We set our sights on the ruins of the former royal palace of Emperor Pachacuti, and these little explorers were major troopers as we hiked up to the sacred Temple of the Sun.
The little explorers in Ollantaytambo, Valle Sagrado
Brood Mama’s feeling all warrior princess after conquering the steep hike to the top. This was, after all, the site of the last stronghold of the Incas against the Spanish conquistadors.
Brood Mama in Inca Warrior Princess mode -Ollantaytambo ruins, Valle Sagrado, Southern Peru
We also met quite a few locals in the area. The kids were especially friendly with Senor Llama, Senora Alpaca and Senorita Cabra.
Some locals in Ollantaytambo, Valle Sagrado
It was a tough trek, and the little ones were pooped at the end. Brood Mama had to bring out her special hiking energy pack, otherwise known as Skittles. Always works!
Ollantaytambo, Valle Sagrado, Southern Peru
After our hike, our group was about ready for lunch. The best place in town to eat is El Albergue, a charming hotel and bed-and-breakfast near the Ollantaytambo station that boasts its own garden and farm overlooking Valle Sagrado. One dining experience you shouldn’t miss is a traditional “pachamanca” — it’s a Peruvian style barbecue where all kinds of meat are grilled underground! Let’s just say that Senora Alpaca was a good (and delicious) hostess.
Traditional “pachamanca” at El Albergue Farm and Restaurant, Ollantaytambo, Valle Sagrado
After lunch, we walked around Mercado Artesanal to see local artisans at work and shop for some Peruvian handicraft.
Ollantaytambo, Valle Sagrado, Southern Peru
Before sunset, we hailed a ride to Inca Bridge on the other side of town. Check out our ride — this tuk-tuk fit 11 people!
Our ride in Ollantaytambo, Valle Sagrado, Southern Peru
Inca Bridge — Ollantaytambo, Valle Sagrado, Southern Peru
Brood Mama and Sister on the other side of Inca Bridge in Ollantaytambo, Valle Sagrado, Southern Peru
Ollantaytambo was a memorable pit stop that got us even more excited of what’s to come. Check out our related post on the next stage of our trip: the town of Machu Picchu.
Travel Recommendations
Destination: Ollantaytambo, Valle Sagrado, Peru
STAY:
This is the place to stay in Ollantaytambo. We were hoping to get a room here, but booked a little late so they were already sold out. It’s conveniently right beside the train station to Machu Picchu, but it’s also unique with its sprawling gardens and farm, where they source ingredients for their restaurant (also excellent).
This is a humble bed-and-breakfast that has simple yet spacious rooms. The backyard is also available for backpackers to pitch their tents in for a much more affordable rate.
EAT:El Albergue Restaurante – It’s inside the Hotel El Albergue and is the best restaurant in Ollantaytambo! Ingredients are sourced from their farm and gardens; try their alpaca burgers. If you have time, go for a traditional Peruvian picnic, known as “pachamanca”, where meats are grilled underground.
Pizzeria Quinoa – On the main town square of Ollantaytambo, serving brick-oven pizza and an excellent lomo alpaca dish.
Choco Museo – Chocolatier at the foot of Ollantaytambo ruins. Bean-to-bar chocolates using Peruvian cacao.
DO:
- Hike up the Ollantaytambo Ruins for a glorious view of Valle Sagrado
- Eat Pachamanca style– it’s a Peruvian barbeque, where meat is grilled underground. Reserve this experience with El Albergue restaurant.
- Take a tuk-tuk to Inca Bridge
- Relax with hot chocolate at Choco Museo after a long day of hiking.
- Shop at Mercado Artesanal
- Alpaca wool scarves and ponchos, souvenirs and trinkets at Mercado Artesanal
- For a cheaper bargain, hail a taxi to the market town of Chinchero
- Peruvian cacao beans and chocolate at Choco Museo
We're Ron, Dawne, Dylan and Reese -- a family of four Puerto Rico transplants from California. Every day and every journey is a learning opportunity for us, whether it's on an exotic trip to the Galapagos or a regular trip to the grocery store. We believe in collecting memories, not things and constantly feed our insatiable wanderlust. Join us in our world-schooling adventures here, on
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