Ollantaytambo, a historic town nestled in Peru's Sacred Valley of the Incas, was listed by The New York Times as one of the 52 Places to Go in 2025 for its blend of history, culture, and gastronomy.
Known as the Living Inca City, Ollantaytambo captivates travelers with its archaeological sites. Serving as a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center during the Inca Empire, it was one of the last refuges against the Spanish conquest.
Located 80 km from Cusco and 40 km from Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca settlement is renowned for its cobblestone streets and well-preserved water channels, creating an atmosphere filled with tradition, according to La República. Built on the original stone base, the narrow streets and centuries-old functioning water channels transport visitors back to the Inca era.
One of Ollantaytambo's main attractions is its archaeological site, which includes the Temple of the Sun, constructed with large stone blocks. The mystery surrounding how these stones were transported and assembled atop the mountain fascinates visitors, reported El Comercio.
The New York Times noted Ollantaytambo for its archaeological constructions, gastronomic offerings, and colorful markets. Local cuisine plays an important role, with dishes such as roasted guinea pig, fresh trout from Andean rivers, and pachamanca, a feast cooked in a hot stone oven underground, according to Semana.
Unlike Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo allows tourists to explore its history and architecture without large crowds. Visitors can immerse themselves in the daily life of its inhabitants, as the community maintains its ancestral charm, appealing to those seeking an authentic and less crowded experience.
Due to its conservation of architectural, landscape, natural, and cultural heritage from the Inca past, Ollantaytambo has received distinctions. In 2022, it was chosen as the first Sustainable Tourism Destination awarded by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) of Peru, and in 2021, it became the first Cultural Heritage of the Nation site recognized by the Ministry of Culture of Peru, reported El Comercio.
The natural environment surrounding Ollantaytambo includes mountains and green valleys that enhance its beauty, offering visitors a rich experience, according to La República. The cobblestone streets provide a journey back in time, transporting visitors to when the Incas ruled the Andes, while its markets feature regional products and flavors.
In addition to The New York Times, other international media have recognized Ollantaytambo's allure. In 2023, Time magazine included it in its list of the 50 Best Places in the World, emphasizing its architecture, gastronomy, and sustainable accommodations, noted El Comercio.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq