The town is one of the few remaining examples of Incan city planning, with original stone-lined irrigation channels running through the streets.
Many of the residential walls surrounding the plaza are original Incan stonework, identified by their trapezoidal doorways and tapered wall construction.
The town layout follows the shape of a corn cob, an important crop in Andean culture, with the plaza representing the center of the cob.
The cobblestone streets radiating from the plaza were designed to be narrow to protect residents from high-altitude winds.
Ollantaytambo was the site of a major battle in 1536, where Manco Inca Yupanqui successfully defeated Spanish forces by flooding the valley floor.
Plaza de Armas de Ollantaytambo functions as the central hub of a living Incan town, where the original urban grid layout and stone foundations remain preserved. The plaza serves as the primary gateway for travelers heading to the adjacent Ollantaytambo archaeological site and the train station for Machu Picchu. It is characterized by its irregular rectangular shape and surrounding colonial-style buildings constructed directly atop ancient Incan terraces. Water channels carved into the surrounding streets demonstrate traditional Incan hydraulic engineering still in use today. The plaza features a central fountain and stone-paved walkways that facilitate movement between artisan shops, cafes, and local residences.
The center of the square looking toward the north-facing mountain, which features the 'Tunupa' face profile formed by the rock formations.
Use the plaza as your orientation point, as all local streets branch out toward the surrounding mountains and ruins.
Visit the local artisan markets located in the corners of the square for textiles that are often sourced from nearby high-altitude weaving cooperatives.
Acclimatize to the altitude in the plaza for at least 24 hours before attempting the steep climb up the fortress ruins.
Avoid eating at the most visible restaurants immediately facing the square, as these are often overpriced tourist traps; walk two blocks further for authentic local fare.
Respect local residents by not photographing private doorways without permission and keeping noise levels low in residential areas.
