Peru Ollantaytambo Ruins Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

Have​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you ever been to a place that just completely blew your mind? The Ollantaytambo Ruins are exactly one of those places. People usually say that Machu Picchu is the only popular site here. The truth is that this hidden gem offers way more than just ​‍​‌‍​‍‌fame. These ruins carry a different kind of power and a rich history.

It is a beautiful place and has a rich history and stories about the Incas. If you are a first-time visitor, this place will surely be a shocking experience. We will talk in this blog about why the Ollantaytambo ruins in Peru are so ​‍​‌‍​‍‌special.

What Makes Ollantaytambo Famous?

It is a town with roots way back in the past. A big reason that you absolutely have to visit this place is a living Inca town. Everything built by the Inca people is still here. It’s surprising to see that even without restoration, this town holds itself so well.

They are very significant. It was a royal estate and a military fortress. The huge terraces and stone walls are evidence of the Incas’ great power. The whole thing feels like time travel.

How to reach Ollantaytambo?

The Ollantaytambo Peru ruins are not that difficult to reach. No worries, because you’ll get a lot of options, but all of it depends on your budget. A car drive is a good option too. We recommend you use colectivos, shared taxis that depart frequently from Calle Pavitos. These are also a popular choice amongst locals. You’ll get to have these amazing interactions with them. You can even learn a thing or two about their lifestyle and culture.

There’s another major advantage; there are a lot of trains departing for Machu Picchu from here. This way, you can spend a whole night here before going to Machu Picchu. It will help you to ease into the Inca culture. You can also get used to the height.

Highlights of the Ollantaytambo Ruins

Let’s now assume that you’ve reached the place. The first thing that you’ll see is a mix of ruins and temples. You’ll also see some incredible viewpoints. Still, for a better understanding, we’ll just suggest some amazing places to visit in the Ollantaytambo ruins.

1. Temples of the Sun: Well, this is an incomplete but remarkable structure. It has these enormous stone blocks that you’ll realize are carved and transported with a lot of precision.
2. Terraces: Have you seen one of those places where you just want to know the names of the engineers and architects? Well, these terraces are exactly that kind of place. Also, you’ll be surprised to see that they weren’t just made for farming, but also stabilized the mountains.
3. Princess Bath: Its name itself is so fairytale-like, isn’t it? And, once you’ve visited this place, you’ll label it as a miracle in water engineering. The best part is that the water still flows through it, even after centuries.
4. The storehouses: You must’ve heard that people in older days used to store food in their granaries in case of any calamity. Here, the granaries are called storehouses. You’ll see them perched high on the mountain.

Ollantaytambo is peaceful, and this peacefulness pleasantly surprises most travelers. The streets are arranged according to the old Inca way, the stones for water are still there, and the people are going through the town as if it were just another normal day in their lives. One gets an extremely rare opportunity to witness the daily life coexisting with the ancient walls. It provides one with a silent refuge to slow down, observe, and soak in the atmosphere without rushing.

Some Visiting Tips

Do you also want to spend a day or two relaxing at Ollantaytambo in Peru? These points might be helpful to ​‍​‌‍​‍‌you:

• The ticket that tourists must buy to visit Cusco is also valid. The majority of tourists do not have to buy an additional entrance ticket.
• Visits​‍​‌‍​‍‌ are allowed at the site from 7 in the morning till 5:30 in the evening.
• If you decide on a local guide, though it is not a must, the benefit you will get is definitely more than the expense. They can give you more information about structures and ​‍​‌‍​‍‌ruins.
• The paths are uneven in some areas, and some steep sections demand care. Walking shoes will make your trip much better. Sun protection is important too. The height can make the sunlight stronger.

Conclusion

Some people say that Machu Picchu is the only place worth seeing in Peru. But the fact is that the Peru Ollantaytambo ruins are also beautiful.The reason behind it is a very unique blend of ancient engineering and rich history. Also, even though we’ve mentioned everything that we think is important in the travel guide to this place, we’d suggest you hire a travel guide.