Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley at 2,792m, is the only Inca town where the original urban grid is still in use. People live in houses built on Inca foundations; the water channels down the streets are original.
Peruways’ tours cover the main fortress above the town — a half-finished ceremonial complex with massive stones of the Sun Temple (the Spanish arrived before construction finished). The site also includes agricultural terraces, grain storehouses on the cliff opposite, and the lower baths.
The town itself has a small weekly market and a cluster of weaving cooperatives selling alpaca wool products. Most Machu Picchu trains depart from Ollantaytambo’s station, so it’s where many visitors spend a night before or after the ruins.
Peruways runs transport from Cusco (about 1.5 hours by road, up through the Sacred Valley past Pisac and Urubamba) and bundles the Ollantaytambo stop with Machu Picchu trips.
Plan it at Peruways.
