Ollantaytambo: Archaeology, Neighborhoods and Festivals

Ollantaytambo offers several reasons to take a closer look at the town: the Archaeological Park has a short, level walking route, six large rectangular stone blocks stand out at the Temple of the Sun, and the neighborhoods of Qosqo Ayllu and Araqama Ayllu are still used by local residents. There is also the footpath to Pinkuylluna and two different kinds of festivals. You can tailor your trip to what interests you most: archaeological sites, the town’s present-day layout or an event.

Archaeological Park and Temple of the Sun

The walking route in the Archaeological Park is short and level; walking time is about 35 minutes. There is a ramp at the entrance for visitors with disabilities. If you want to focus on archaeological sites, you can add the park as a separate stop on your itinerary.

Another notable feature is Ollantaytambo’s Temple of the Sun, which includes six large rectangular stone blocks. This specific architectural feature gives your visit a distinct focus alongside the walk through the park. If you are interested in Ollantaytambo’s archaeological sites, you can focus on two different aspects: the level walking route and the temple’s stone blocks.

Neighborhoods and the footpath to Pinkuylluna

Ollantaytambo comprises the two large neighborhoods of Qosqo Ayllu and Araqama Ayllu. Both remain intact and are still used by local residents. This also makes the neighborhoods interesting to travelers who want to discover not only archaeological sites but also the town’s present-day layout. The two neighborhood names refer to specific parts of Ollantaytambo, not just historical labels.

The access route to Pinkuylluna is a footpath that starts in Qosqo Ayllu. This is clearly different from the short, level walking route in the Archaeological Park: reaching Pinkuylluna involves a footpath. If you want to plan your stay around different kinds of visits, you can consider this alongside the park walk and the Temple of the Sun, without combining the three experiences into a single route.

Festivals with different occasions

The patron saint festival of Señor de Choquekillca takes place between May and June and lasts four days. Visitors who wish to take part are also welcome. If attending a festival suits your trip, this time frame is an important factor in your planning.

Ollantay Raymi is a dramatization of the Andean novel “El drama Ollantay.” It is staged on June 29 in the town and fortress of Ollantaytambo. Those interested in cultural events can therefore choose between two different occasions: a four-day patron saint festival between May and June and the dramatization on June 29.

Getting there and choosing where to stay

A paved road to the Archaeological Park leads from Cusco to Ollantaytambo via Chinchero and Urubamba; the route is 61 km long. This gives travelers from Cusco a specific road connection, with named places and a stated distance. You can include this information in your travel plans when choosing Ollantaytambo as a destination for archaeological visits, the neighborhoods or one of the festivals.

When looking for a holiday rental in Ollantaytambo, you can first decide what matters most to you: would you like to visit the Archaeological Park and the Temple of the Sun, are you interested in the layout of the two inhabited neighborhoods, or would you like to plan your trip around one of the festivals?

If you would like to discover other places, you can find Andahuaylillas, Checacupe, Quillabamba, Manire, Oroya, Maras, Las Cruces and Colcapampa here.

For the broader travel overview: Cuzco.