Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Belgium
Denmark
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Sweden
Switzerland
Fortress · Ollantaytambo, Cusco
Parque Arqueológico de Ollantaytambo
The terraces and the Temple of the Sun above the village, with six pink stone monoliths brought from a quarry on the other side of the river. It was there that Manco Inca resisted the Spanish in 1537.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Parque Arqueológico de Ollantaytambo
The Archaeological Park of Ollantaytambo sits on the mountainside above the village, at the point where the Patacancha river meets the Urubamba. Pachacútec conquered the region in the 15th century and ordered the construction there of a complex of temples, agricultural terraces and storehouses. The Spanish called it a fortress because it was there that Manco Inca, in 1537, defeated a Spanish troop led by Hernando Pizarro by flooding the plain below the terraces.
The visit climbs a stone staircase between the wide terraces, which are still visible on the slope, up to the sector of the Temple of the Sun at the top. There stand six huge pink stone monoliths, joined by smaller stones, and a wall that seems to have been left unfinished. The stones were brought from the Kachiqhata quarry on the other side of the river, several kilometres away, in an operation that still puzzles archaeologists.
At the foot of the terraces is the Baño de la Ñusta, a ceremonial carved-stone fountain, and other channels and springs where water still flows. On the opposite slope, Pinkuylluna, you can see the Inca stone storehouses where food was kept, ventilated by the valley wind.
The site is part of the Cusco tourist ticket. The climb is short but steep: at that altitude, go slowly. Bring water and sunscreen.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1h30 to 2 hours for the terraces, the Temple of the Sun and the springs.
Best time
Early in the morning, before the buses of the one-day Sacred Valley tours, which usually arrive late in the morning, or in the late afternoon. Confirm times before you go.
How to get there
The entrance is at the Mañay Raqay square, a 5-minute walk from Ollantaytambo's Plaza de Armas, crossing the bridge over the Patacancha river.
Tip
Climb up to the Temple of the Sun and look toward the opposite slope: the Pinkuylluna storehouses and a carved face in the mountain, which locals say is Viracocha, can be seen from there. Afterwards, take the Pinkuylluna trail.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Arqueológico de Ollantaytambo
What happened in Ollantaytambo in 1537?
Manco Inca, who led the resistance against the Spaniards, defeated there a force led by Hernando Pizarro. The Incas hurled arrows and stones from the terraces and flooded the plain below.
Where did the stones of the Templo do Sol come from?
From the Kachiqhata quarry, on the other side of the Urubamba River, several kilometers away. How the Incas transported them up the mountain is still under study.
Is the climb difficult?
It's short but steep, on stone stairways. The village's altitude, about 2,790 meters, is lower than Cusco's, but go slowly.