Ollantaytambo is a beautiful town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, just two hours away from the city of Cusco, Peru. It is a popular destination for travelers who want to explore the ancient ruins of Ollantaytambo, the nearby mountain scenery, and the picturesque colonial architecture of the town itself. and it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cusco.
The prestigious publication Condé Nast Traveler included Ollantaytambo in its list of the best places in the world to visit in 2023, and the World Tourism Organization has chosen Ollantaytambo as one of the best tourist towns in the world. This recognition is called “Best Tourism Village” and seeks to distinguish towns from around the world that have demonstrated their commitment to the promotion and conservation of their cultural heritage, as well as sustainable development through tourism.
Here are some of the top things to do in Ollantaytambo Town in Cusco.
The Ollantaytambo Market is a great place to explore for souvenirs and local crafts. The market is filled with vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry, to locally made textiles, to traditional Peruvian food. Here, you can find things like colorful alpaca sweaters, gorgeous blankets, beautiful pottery and carvings. There is also a large selection of traditional Peruvian dishes, such as ceviche and chicharrones.
The Ollantaytambo Fortress is one of the most important Inca sites in the Sacred Valley. The fortress was built by Inca emperor Pachacuti and is one of the few Inca sites that was not destroyed by the Spanish conquerors. The fortress is made up of several terraces, walls, and staircases, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also explore the nearby temple, which is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies.
Ollantaytambo is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, making it a great place for hiking. There are several trails that offer incredible views of the valley, as well as some hidden Inca ruins. Hikers can explore the nearby Inca Bridge, which was carved into the rock by the Incas. This bridge was the way of crossing the Urubamba River and is still in use today.
The Ollantaytambo train station is the closest station to Machu Picchu, making it a great starting point for a visit to the world-famous ancient citadel. The trip takes about two hours, and offers stunning views of the Sacred Valley along the way. The train also stops at Machu Picchu Town, formerly known as Aguas Calientes, where visitors can spend the night before exploring Machu Picchu the next day.
The nearby town of Cocalmayo is home to the most beautiful hot springs in the Sacred Valley. Here, visitors can relax and immerse themselves in the naturally heated waters while surrendering to the beauty of the surrounding mountain scenery. The hot springs are an ideal place to meet the locals and get a glimpse of traditional Peruvian culture.
Ollantaytambo Town in Cusco is a great destination for adventurers looking to explore the Sacred Valley. From visiting the Ollantaytambo Market and Fortress to going on hikes or enjoying the hot springs, there is something for everyone in this beautiful and historically significant town.
There are several ways to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Town, depending on your budget and personal preferences. The most popular and cheapest way to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Town is by bus. Buses leave from the Poroy train station in Cusco and take about two hours to reach the town. The cost for a one-way ticket is about 8 soles ($2.50 USD). The buses are comfortable, with reclining seats and large windows, so you can take in the views as you travel. The buses will make several stops along the way, so it's a good idea to get to the station early to make sure you get a seat.
If you're looking for a more luxurious way to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Town, you can also take a taxi. Taxis can be found at the taxi stand in Poroy, or you can call a taxi service to pick you up. Taxis are a bit more expensive than the bus, but they are private and can be faster. The cost for a one-way taxi ride is about 35 soles ($10 USD). You can hire a private car or van for a larger group. The cost for this will vary depending on the size of the vehicle and the distance traveled.
Another popular way to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Town is by train. Trains leave from the Poroy station in Cusco and take about an hour and a half to reach Ollantaytambo. The cost for a one-way ticket is about 30 soles ($9 USD). The trains are comfortable and offer great views of the Sacred Valley.
No matter which option you choose, you'll definitely enjoy the trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Town. The scenery is stunning, and is a great way to explore the Sacred Valley. So make up your mind, grab your ticket and get ready to explore one of Peru's most popular destinations!
Visit our Inca Rail website and explore our trains services, schedules, and rates. Choose the best time for your trip, and enjoy while we take care of every detail of your Inca experience.
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