Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo

Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo

Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo
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  • DanielMtz90
    Monterrey, Mexico459 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great views
    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 April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 14, 2024
  • Zan
    Los Angeles, California141 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ancient Inca Fort Above the Beautiful Village of Ollantaytambo
    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!
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 7, 2024
  • Skeney57
    Sydney, Australia24,647 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Heaps of Steps!
    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!
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 23, 2024
  • RuthyGlasgow
    833 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ollantaytambo " Only living Inca city"
    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.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 4, 2024
  • Sean B
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Sacred Valley is a fascinating destination
    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.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written July 5, 2024
  • Marie-Eve P
    London, United Kingdom135 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Magical
    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.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 6, 2024
  • Agnès Blancafort
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The weather was perfect for our visit
    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.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written July 24, 2024
  • Chris Johnny T
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An amazing place and an introduction to the Inca ruins
    I would like to thank Adrian and Terra Quechua Peru for a spectacular tour of the Sacred Valley. The organisation was perfect and the guides were extremely knowledgeable. I highlight the visit to Pisac, where in addition to exploring the ruins, we were able to enjoy the colourful handicraft market. If you have the opportunity to come here before Machu Picchu, it will be an excellent introduction and appreciation of the great work of the Incas. It is amazing to see all this done without machinery so long ago.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written September 25, 2024
  • goodguyjas
    London, United Kingdom1,218 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A jaw dropping setting with vibrant Inca town and Inca terraces supporting the Sun Temple. So much to see and marvel.
    Such a massive site with multiple places to walk around and up and down. The dramatic mountains are all around and the incredible preserved architecture is a marvel to experience. You need a head for heights in the key parts of the site but the views and the setting are jaw dropping in every direction. The nearby vibrant Inca town and its cobbled roads and walkways adds to the atmosphere. It’s one of the most intact. The irrigation and drainage systems remain in use today. The incredible terraces supporting the partially finished Sun temple is the highlight. Not much liking heights I did not enjoy the ascent, even with staircases, but coming down was a lot easier. It was great to see the Alpacas on the terraces plus the glorious weather added to the day. I would have loved to have gone up the dramatic hill opposite to see Pinkuylluna but it looked quite a hike and again needed a head for heights. A wonderful area to visit with so much to see.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written September 25, 2024
  • nara501
    Boston, Massachusetts389 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ruins with a great history
    Ollanta is a cute little town/ village with most things within walking distance. The archaeological park (also referred to as Inca ruins of Ollanta) is within easy access from the Plaza de Armas. It is best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Involves a bit of climbing but steps are well laid out. Take your time and enjoy the various features.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 25, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles5,606 reviews
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4,349
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1,156
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80
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midwaytoheaven
Midway, UT3,048 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
This ancient Inca city has loads to see, from hillside rock terraces, homes and tourist shops. It is also the main train station for the Inca Rail & Peru Rail trains to Machu Picchu.

BOTTOM LINE: Today this town seems overrun with backpackers staying in hostels and trekking the hillsides. You can see the remnants of an amazing people who were well adapted to the rough terrain of this town at the outskirts of the Sacred Valley on the way to Machu Picchu either my rail or multi-day hiking. There is tons to see here and wished we would have had more time to spend here exploring. MY RATING: 8/10
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Travelbug291
Bribie Island, Australia923 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
It never ceases to amaze me when we talk of earlier cultures as 'primitive'. When you see what was achieved by the early Inca civilization it is nothing short of astounding. The many terraces constructed for agriculture. The incredible terraced walls which acted as a fortress against the invading Spanish, and the walls themselves which defy description of how perfectly constucted they are. Impossible to put anything between the joins.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Skaramoosh
Edmonton, Canada4,011 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
This archaeological site and town of Ollantaytambo is a must before heading off to Machu Picchu.

Due to the many hard clashes between the Incas and the Spanish centuries ago many of the original structures and buildings have been badly destroyed. Although it's mostly ruins now, the entire site still captivates and if you look and listen close enough you can almost feel the events of the past. It's definitely a must for history buffs and lovers of architecture.

The small picturesque Inca town of Ollantaytambo is still inhabited. It's original stone streets gives testament to the Inca architecture.

It's worth to spend a night in this beautiful Inca town where their main draw of tourism is the archaeological site that sits next to it.

There are hotels, restaurants, pubs, retail outlets that outline the perimeter of the town square.

Highly Recommended!
Written April 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sushar
San Jose, CA854 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
This site is definitely a must-visit in Sacred Valley. The Archaeological Park is well-maintained with historic ruins. There are lot of small sites within the park and you can climb all the way to the top for beautiful views of the valley. Kids will also enjoy the place as there is lot of space to run around. I recommend hiring a tour guide so that they can explain the importance of the different buildings, which make you appreciate the history of the Incas more.

The town center outside the entrance to the park is also a good place to hangout and buy some souvenirs.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bocas Lady
Tucson, AZ61 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
We visited years ago when there was no wall separating the ruins from the town of Ollantaytambo. Now they charge a huge entry fee. It's a lovely place to walk around but not at this price. We climbed a nearby mountain instead. Go now. The government will soon be charging for entry into any nearby mountain you want to hike.
Written May 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dumdoc
Eagle, ID150 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
Many things have been written. I will add one thing. Do this after Machu Picchu and plan in advance to make sure that you have a knowledgeable guide. The complexity of construction here is mindblowing and getting that information thoroughly is critical to enjoying the site. And, understanding the complexity of the construction here took a little of the thrill of Machu Picchu from us since Machu Picchu is fabulous, but the construction wasn't as complex or interesting.
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jeff h
World5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022 • Family
The site is right in the sacred valley. Inca people were good engineers, building the whole structure by sourcing stones nearby. Big walls were built by stacking big rocks seamlessly. Highly recommend to hire a guide. Our guide, Joni, is a local and she’s knowledgeable and proud of her root, culture and community.
Written March 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Elena Gunters Greens
San Francisco, CA35 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
Ollantaytambo is a town in the Sacred Valley of southern Peru that is located next to the Urubamba River, between snow-capped mountains. Ollantaytambo, is a huge Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hill. The main points of this complex are the Temple of the Sun and the Ă‘usta fountain.
The old Inca town can still see Inca houses in perfect condition, where they are still inhabited by the inhabitants, that is why it is known as the living Inca town as in Inca times with cobbled streets and stone and adobe buildings.
Written June 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WHWhite
Portsmouth, UK85 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022
Well worth visiting the spectacular ruins here as a day trip from Cusco. I caught a colectivo early morning from C. Pavitas in Cusco city centre (10 Soles, 1.5 hr journey). Guides offer their services as you go into the archaeological park but are not pushy. I declined as I had previously obtained maps and articles about the site, and always prefer to explore at my own pace. After nosing around the site for an hour or two, I walked over to the other side of town and climbed up to the Inca granaries on the other side of the valley. Across the Inca Bridge on the other side of the river there is a pleasant hiking trail which gives nice photo ops back across to the town and the ruins. Early /mid afternoon, colectivo drivers hawk for trade in the main squares of the town centre for rides back to Cusco, so the return journey is no problem. A great way to spend a day.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

gagardener03
27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
We elected to do a fair amount of looking around without a tour guide while in Peru. When we felt it was wise to have a tour guild we hired one/or a taxi and explored as we traveled. If you elect to do things on your own, it is worth it to purchase a location/group of passes which allow you to see several sites. We did this and our ticket We LOVED Ollanyatambo and were very happy to have stayed in this village. We tackled climbing to the top of the (fortress) of Ollantaytambo and exploring the site. It was worth the effort because the views are amazing!
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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