The Best Ways to See Living Inca Village History

When you visit Ollantaytambo, you are entering an open-air museum. The town layout remains almost exactly as it was during the Inca Empire. You can see the original blocks, known as kanchas, which still house local families today. Most visitors just pass through on their way to Machu Picchu, but staying longer allows for a deeper connection to the culture.

Before you begin your journey, here are a few quick picks for your schedule:

• Best overall: The Main Fortress ruins.
• Best for families: Exploring the water channels in the village.
• Best rainy-day activity: The local market or a textile workshop.
• Best free activity: Hiking up to the Pinkuylluna granaries.

For more details on navigating these ancient paths, see our guide on exploring the ancient streets of Ollantaytambo living village. Check out our full list of historical experiences below.

1. Name: Ollantaytambo Fortress
   Type: sight
   Why go: This is a massive ceremonial center and military stronghold. It served as a site for a major victory against Spanish forces. You can see the incredible Sun Temple here.
   Best for: History buffs and photographers.
   Where: Just west of the main town plaza.
   Time: 2–3 hours.
   Cost: Covered by the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turistico).
   Getting there: A five-minute walk from the town center.
   Tip: Visit at 8:00 AM to avoid the large tour buses arriving from Cusco.
2. Name: Pinkuylluna Granaries
   Type: viewpoint
   Why go: These ancient storehouses sit high on the mountain overlooking the town. The location provided cool winds to preserve food like corn and potatoes. It offers the best view of the town's grid layout.
   Best for: Hikers and budget travelers.
   Where: The mountain opposite the main ruins.
   Time: 1–1.5 hours.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Find the trailhead on Calle La Convención.
   Tip: Read our Pinkuylluna granaries hiking trail guide for safety tips.
3. Name: Incan Water Channels
   Type: experience
   Why go: The town features a sophisticated hydrologic system built by the Incas. Fresh water still flows through carved stone channels along the streets. It is a vital part of the daily life for residents.
   Best for: Architecture enthusiasts.
   Where: Throughout the entire town.
   Time: 30 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Simply walk the streets east of the main plaza.
   Tip: Look for the "Banos del Inca" near the entrance to the ruins for the most ornate examples. Learn where to see Inca water channels in Ollantaytambo for more locations.
4. Name: Temple of the Sun
   Type: sight
   Why go: Located inside the main fortress, this temple features six massive pink granite monoliths. Each stone weighs over 50 tons. The precision of the masonry is world-renowned.
   Best for: Spiritual travelers and engineers.
   Where: Top section of the main ruins.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Included in the tourist ticket.
   Getting there: Climb the steep terraces of the main archaeological site.
   Tip: Look for the faint carvings on the stones that represent the Andean cross or Chakana.
5. Name: Ollantaytambo Local Market
   Type: experience
   Why go: While not purely "ancient," the market culture is a direct descendant of Inca trade traditions. You can find local produce, traditional clothing, and handmade crafts. It is the heart of the modern community.
   Best for: Souvenir hunters and foodies.
   Where: Near the entrance of the archaeological site.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Free to enter; bring cash for purchases.
   Getting there: Easy walk from the plaza.
   Tip: Use our Ollantaytambo market shopping tips to get the best prices.
6. Name: Traditional Kanchas (Resident Courtyards)
   Type: experience
   Why go: These are the residential blocks where living Inca village history is most evident. Many families welcome visitors to see their traditional kitchens and guinea pig (cuy) pens.
   Best for: Cultural immersion.
   Where: Streets like Calle del Medio.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Small donation or purchase if entering a private home.
   Getting there: Walk the old residential sector north of the plaza.
   Tip: Look for the red plastic bags on poles outside doors; it means they have fresh chicha (corn beer) for sale.
7. Name: Princess Baths (Baño de la Ñusta)
   Type: sight
   Why go: This is a beautifully carved fountain located at the base of the ruins. It was a site for ritual bathing and water worship. It highlights the Inca's spiritual connection to the element of water.
   Best for: Relaxation and photography.
   Where: At the exit of the main ruins.
   Time: 30 minutes.
   Cost: Included in tourist ticket.
   Getting there: Follow the path at the end of the terrace circuit.
   Tip: According to Wikipedia, the town's name may relate to the legend of General Ollantay.

Essential Historical Day Trips Nearby

To fully grasp the living Inca village history, you must explore the surrounding mountains. The Incas did not just build a town; they transformed the entire valley. These nearby trips reveal the extent of their engineering and agricultural genius. Many of these sites see far fewer tourists than the main fort.

For a complete list of excursions, visit our page on top attractions near Ollantaytambo. Here are the best historical sites just outside the town limits.

1. Name: Pumamarca Ruins
   Type: day trip
   Why go: Some historians believe this site is older than Ollantaytambo itself. It was likely a fortification used to protect the valley. The hike there passes through traditional farming terraces.
   Best for: Trekkers looking for solitude.
   Where: About 4 miles north of town.
   Time: 4–5 hours round trip.
   Cost: Small entry fee (usually 10-20 Soles).
   Getting there: Hike uphill from the town or take a taxi to the start.
   Tip: Check our Pumamarca ruins trekking guide for the best route.
2. Name: Ancient Inca Bridge
   Type: sight
   Why go: While the original rope bridge is gone, the stone foundations remain. It shows how the Incas managed to cross the powerful Vilcanota River. It was a strategic point for the village's defense.
   Best for: A quick walk outside town.
   Where: On the Vilcanota River near the train station.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Walk towards the train station and follow the river path.
   Tip: Learn the exact ancient Inca bridge location before you go.
3. Name: Perolniyoc Waterfall and Ruins
   Type: day trip
   Why go: This site combines a 100-meter waterfall with Inca ruins perched on top of a cliff. It is an incredible display of Inca site selection. The history here is tied to the Pre-Inca and Inca cultures.
   Best for: Adventure seekers.
   Where: Soqma village area.
   Time: Full day.
   Cost: Free to access; transport costs vary.
   Getting there: Take a local bus or taxi to Soqma, then hike for 2 hours.
   Tip: We have a detailed Perolniyoc waterfall day trip guide for planning transport.
4. Name: Inti Punku (Sun Gate) Hike
   Type: day trip
   Why go: This is an arduous hike to a stone gate that frames Mount Veronica. It was a spiritual gateway for the village dwellers. The trail follows the original stone-paved Inca road.
   Best for: Experienced hikers.
   Where: West of the village, high in the mountains.
   Time: 7–9 hours round trip.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Start the hike from the Inca Bridge area.
   Tip: Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there is no shade. See our Inti Punku Sun Gate hike manual.