Ollantaytambo is one of the few places in the Andes where you can walk through streets that have been continuously lived in since Inca times. This guided walking tour adds llamas to the experience, which makes it friendlier and more photogenic. You follow the guide through the old town, past stone channels and doorways, to the edge of the fortress terraces, and pause to hear how the town was planned. It is a good introduction to Ollantaytambo before or after you climb the main ruins.
The grid of narrow lanes is made of tightly fitted stone walls, with water still running through original channels. Your guide points out how plots, courtyards and gateways follow an Inca pattern, and how the people of the town have adapted the buildings to their own lives. The llamas add colour and give the walk a gentle rhythm, since the pace is set by the animals as much as the guide.
This is not a strenuous outing. The route is mostly flat or gently sloping, with cobblestones and steps, so wear shoes with good grip. The town is higher than Urubamba, at about 2,800 metres, and sunshine can be strong, so carry sun protection, water and a hat. Keep your hands calm around the llamas and follow your guide when they offer a place to stand for photographs.
It works well in the late afternoon, when day-trippers leave and the light turns golden, or in the early morning before the main fortress opens to crowds. Combine it with a visit to the ruins, a cooking class or a meal on the plaza. During the rainy season, from November to March, cobbles can be slick and showers are frequent, so take a waterproof layer. Most visitors enjoy having a local guide who can explain the town, the festivals and the way Quechua and Spanish mix in daily conversation.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walk through the old Inca streets of Ollantaytambo with llamas accompanying the group.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when the lanes are quieter and the light is soft.
How long
About ninety minutes to two hours.
Tips
Wear shoes with grip for the cobbles and carry water and sun protection.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want to understand the living Inca town beyond the fortress.
- Families
- Easy walking and animals make it a fun option for children.
- Couples
- A relaxed, photogenic stroll before dinner.
- Pair with
- The fortress climb, a cooking class or a Machu Picchu train trip.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
Is the tour suitable for children?+
Yes. The walking is short and easy, and children usually enjoy the llamas.
Does it include the fortress?+
Check the details of your option. The walk focuses on the town, and the fortress is usually a separate ticketed visit.
How hard is it?+
It is mostly gentle, but there are cobbles and steps, and the altitude can make you breathe harder.
When is best?+
Early morning or late afternoon, when the town is calm.
What should I wear?+
Grippy shoes, sun protection and a waterproof layer in the rainy season.
