History & Background
Ollantaytambo was Pachacuti’s royal estate and later the stronghold for Manco Inca during the Spanish conquest. It is famous for the Battle of Ollantaytambo (1537) where indigenous forces defeated the Spanish cavalry.
How to Arrive
Take a train directly from Cusco San Pedro station or take a bus/colectivo from Cusco to Ollantaytambo town.
Practical Travel Tips
- Explore the town alleys; it is the only remaining town in Peru that preserves original Inca urban planning.
- Climb the temple hill to view the Temple of the Sun made of pink granite blocks.
- Ollantaytambo is the main train station hub to Machu Picchu; plan to spend a few hours here before your train.