This was an ancient archaeological site that was a City, a Fort and a Royal Estate for the Inca Elite. Today, it is the only Inca Site that is still very much in use as a modern city. The urban planning of the Incas still exists everywhere in the village, and the impressive architectural complex is known as “The Living Inca City” What we saw was a tall Pyramid with huge terraces, many steep steps and also a ceremonial site called “The Bath House”. It is complete with running water coming out of 3 aqueducts and collecting into small pools. The Main Pyramid is called “The Royal House of the Sun” and consists of 17 very large terraces, and each one faces the town. We only climbed about half way up, but even from there, we could see the expanse of the surrounding area, as well as the little town below. On the opposite side, there was a large mountain with lion faces on the rocks, and many storage rooms for food. We wondered how they carried everything way up to those areas. Other enclosures on the two mountains look like they were used for military surveillance purposes. The name “Ollanto Tambay” derives from the Quechua word “Ullanta-Wi” which literally means “the place to see down”. The Spanish derivation of the word “Tambo” means “The City that provides accommodation, food and comfort for travelers” – What an appropriate name…! This was our final stop in the Tour of the Sacred Valley. We were driven to the Ollantaytambo Train Station after this to board our Peru Rail heading towards Machu Picchu. Absolutely recommend a visit. Just make sure you go with a guide who will explain what you are looking at, and improve your understanding of the purpose of this area.

Visiting the Ollantaytambo Sanctuary was truly an awe-inspiring experience. This site is a treasure trove of history and is undeniably a marvel of the Inca culture. I highly recommend touring with a guide to fully appreciate the depth of its historical significance. We booked our tour with Lima Tours six months in advance, and it was absolutely incredible. Our guide, Jessica, was exceptionally knowledgeable about the site and its rich history. The sanctuary itself features three key areas that were of significant importance to the Inca culture, especially the mountain facing the site. I won’t spoil the surprise, but it’s something you need to see for yourself. Visiting Ollantaytambo is a must-do for anyone interested in history and ancient cultures.

Visited in April 2024 for my birthday and this was one of our favorite sites of our whole trip. You can see early and late Inca history at this site and it reflects onto pretty much all the other archaeological sites around Peru, especially Machu Picchu. The same complex stacking of cut rocks with no mortar is also prevalent at this site, as well as the older “simple style” or wall construction. The village itself is down in the valley is directly beneath the ruins above. It is an old military fort and agriculture area for the early Incas. It cost 70 soles to enter and there is about 200 steps to get to the top. It is fairly easy to get up there though because the stairs are broken up in zigzag patterns where you walk across the former areas where they planted their fruits and vegetables. At the top is the famous Temple of theSun. There is also another Temple of the Sun at Machu Picchu, but this one predates that. There are also amazing views of the surrounding mountains, and the town itself down below. The site is full of history, great engineering, and breathtaking views. I believe that it is possible to visit for people of all ages, but would be a challenge, or almost impossible, if you have mobility issues. I would recommend bringing a hat, and sunscreen. You don’t need hiking shoes or water, but water could be helpful if it’s a particularly hot day given Peru’s extremely dry climate so it’s easy to get thirsty. I highly recommend to any tourist!

Well at least I got to the top? I presented here suffering from altitude sickness but was determined to get it done and to my surprise I got up top. A fabulous site and amazing to see what the ancients could do and mold nature to their choice. The terraces and stonework alone are spectacular and really, if you take your time, anyone should be able to ascend? But as my notes say, heaps of steps, hence the title. We were time constrained, but I still wandered the site to the last minute and enjoyed the whole site. Highly recommended & enjoy!

Wow on entering the town it was heaving with people come to celebrate the harvests with groups of dancers dressed up in all sorts of get ups! What a vibrancy within such a small place. The houses made of the Inca built stone and the water channels flowing with water coming down the streets. Would have loved to have stayed there but we were booked into an amazing hotel outside the town. Lovely lovely place. Visited the ruins at the side of the town which are awesome and the climb to the top of the hill has some amazing views. Don't forget to wander around at the base as lots of interesting and important things to see. Fabulous place to visit. Could have spent more time there just to wander around the town.

The tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas was the highlight of our family trip to Peru. The Terra Quechua Peru agency organized everything to perfection, from the visit to Pisac to Ollantaytambo. The guide Marco was very knowledgeable and passionate, which made the history come alive for us, plus the buffet lunch was included, very tasty everything. I would definitely recommend this agency to anyone who wants to explore the Sacred Valley.

I just have one regret: to have not stayed long enough to explore the whole archeological complex. I visited the Ollantaytambo archeological complex as part of a tour or the Sacred Valley and we could only spend one hour on site. The archeological complex is huge and well worth exploring, if I were to do it again I would spend an entire day there and stay in the very picturesque town of Ollantaytambo for the night.

We would like to thank Terra Quechua. for an unforgettable experience in the Sacred Valley VIP. Every stop was magical and the knowledge of the guide made the trip even more special. From the salt mines of Maras to the imposing site of Ollantaytambo, every moment was a revelation. In addition, the transport was comfortable and safe, and we really appreciated the little extra stops to take pictures of the breathtaking scenery. Take more time than you think you'll need. Book as far in advance as possible and take acclimatisation pills with you in Cusco.