Things to Do in Sacred Valley II: Ollantaytambo, Beyond Machu Picchu
Ollantaytambo isn’t the easiest name to pronounce, but once you get there, you’ll likely remember it for a long time, and for good reasons. It’s a small town that offers a subtle kind of magic, easy to overlook if you’re too busy chasing souvenirs or snapping pictures at the ruins.
Living Along Centuries-Old Streets
The town itself is petite, with narrow cobblestone streets that you can practically reach across if you stretch your arms. The stone streets and adobe walls create a rustic, timeless feel, but it's the contrast of the past and the present that really brings Ollantaytambo to life. Exquisite green plants in pots, native trees, and secret gardens tucked behind semi-open doors soften the hard edges of the stone. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of these hidden spaces where time seems to freeze.
The Inca Legacy
While the Inca civilization left behind incredible architecture and a few key clues to their culture, we know relatively little about their way of life, and that mystery is part of Ollantaytambo’s charm. The town carries an air of intrigue, with its ancient stone walls and terraces that still hold untold stories. There's something special in the gaps of history, in the quiet spaces where the past feels close yet unreachable. It’s a reminder that, despite our best efforts, parts of the Inca world will remain just out of our grasp.
A Crossroads
Despite its small size, Ollantaytambo is a crucial crossroads in the region. One road leads to the historic city of Cusco, another takes you toward Quillabamba, the gateway to the jungle. The town also marks the starting point of the famous Inti Punku trek, through Inca constructions, and another path leads toward the remote and endless heights beyond Patacancha. It’s a place where multiple worlds—Inca civilization, modern Peru, highlands, and jungle—intersect. This alone makes Ollantaytambo much more than just a stopover on your list of things to do in and around Machu Picchu.
The Real Magic of Ollantaytambo
On its top 52 travel destinations in 2025 list, the New York Times may highlight the town’s market and restaurants. While some restaurants are worth your visit, the market offers nothing more than ordinary, mass-produced tourist goods. The real gems of Ollantaytambo aren’t in the restaurants or markets, but in the intersection of architecture, culture, and nature. It’s in the Inca and colonial constructions, the impressive river that cascades through the town, and the incredible play of sunlight throughout the day. It’s in the way the town feels anchored in history, yet continues to pulse with life.
