Is it Worth Visiting the Inca Ruins of Ollantaytambo
Is it Worth Visiting the Inca Ruins of Ollantaytambo?
When planning a trip to Peru, many travelers focus solely on Machu Picchu, often missing other incredible sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. One of these must-visit spots is the Inca Ruins of Ollantaytambo. After my visit, I can confidently say that Ollantaytambo is absolutely worth seeing, offering a glimpse into the Inca history and architecture that rivals even Machu Picchu.
I visited the Ollantaytambo ruins during a two-day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here, I’ll share my experience exploring Temple Hill, the Wall of Six Monoliths, and the intriguing Inca storehouses that still dot the mountainside. I also have a separate page that has a full overview of my Sacred Valley tour.
Is it Worth Visiting the Inca Ruins of Ollantaytambo? - Table of Contents
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About the Inca Ruins of Ollantaytambo
The Ollantaytambo ruins are one of the best-preserved examples of Inca architecture, even more impressive than the Inca Ruins of Pisac. If you have limited time and must choose, Ollantaytambo would be my recommendation. The site features grand agricultural terraces, intricate stonework, and the Temple Hill area, which is home to the famous Wall of Six Monoliths. Across from the ruins, on a nearby mountainside, is an Inca storehouse, a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca people in preserving their food supplies.
Our guide, Alberto, shared stories about the Inca Empire and explained how the ruins and the mountains across from them were of great significance. No one knows exactly how the Ollantaytambo complex was built, especially since the nearest stone quarry is about 15 kilometers away—a mystery that adds to the allure of this site.
The Face of Viracocha in the Mountain
Conquered by the Incas in the 1400s, Ollantaytambo was transformed into the estate of Pachacuti, a powerful Inca ruler. Looking up towards the mountain, you can see the carved face of Viracocha, a creator deity revered by the Inca. Just to the right of this face is Pinkuylluna, an Inca storehouse built to preserve food grown on the terraces.
Climbing Temple Hill and the Inca Sofa
After Alberto’s fascinating introduction, we began our climb up the terraces to reach the top of Temple Hill. This area offers a closer view of the Wall of Six Monoliths. Due to the high elevation, the climb was challenging, and I found myself stopping frequently to catch my breath.
At the top, Alberto proudly pointed out the “Inca Sofa,” a stone that resembles a bench and offers a view of the valley below. This area also contains unfinished structures, with several massive stones partially cut and abandoned mid-construction.
The Wall of Six Monoliths: An Architectural Wonder
The Wall of Six Monoliths is the crown jewel of Ollantaytambo. Built without mortar, this wall is engineered to withstand earthquakes, with each massive stone perfectly aligned.
According to Alberto, the monoliths once featured religious symbols, but these were destroyed by the Spanish, who sought to eliminate elements they deemed non-Christian.
Exiting the Ollantaytambo Ruins
Our visit ended before we could explore the entire site, including the area modified by the Spanish. To exit, we walked down the terraces, navigating steep stairs—an added challenge due to my large shoe size. Afterward, we boarded the bus, and those of us continuing to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes) split off from the rest of the group heading back to Cusco.
Tours of Ollantaytambo, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu
If you’re planning a trip to Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley, there are many tour options available, from a two-week trek on the Inca Trail to shorter one-day excursions. Below, I’ve listed a few recommended tours and packages. Please note that as a Viator affiliate, I receive a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
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