MileHacker Logo
Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Cuzco And The Sacred Valley, Peru

Lodging Choices

The town presents a full spectrum of lodging, ensuring visitors find suitable accommodations for their stay. Options range from budget-friendly to more opulent choices.

Vacation rentals through platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com offer more space, privacy, and often kitchen facilities, useful for longer visits or families.

Accommodation Spectrum

  • Hostels: Budget-friendly dorms and basic private rooms, often with communal areas.
  • Guesthouses/Hostales: Family-run, private rooms with basic amenities, a local and personal experience.
  • Hotels: Range from comfortable mid-range to boutique options with personalized service.
  • Haciendas: Larger, upscale properties in the wider Sacred Valley, offering expansive grounds and tranquility.

Camping

No official campgrounds in Ollantaytambo. Camping is part of multi-day treks, arranged by licensed tour operators.

Homestays

Less common in Ollantaytambo itself. Opportunities exist in surrounding Patacancha Valley communities. Inquire for ethical options.

Unique Stays

Some accommodations incorporate traditional Inca stone walls, offering an unique connection to the town's ancient past.

Neighborhoods & Ambiance

Historic Town Center
  • Central location with easy walking access to ruins, restaurants, shops.
  • Characterized by narrow, cobblestone streets, original Inca walls, and traditional houses.
  • Can be noisy near the main plaza; areas further away or courtyards tend to be quieter.
Train Station Area
  • Very convenient for early morning trains to Machu Picchu.
  • Requires a 10-15 minute walk to reach the main town center and archaeological ruins.
  • Experiences noise related to train departures and arrivals.

Safety & Proximity

Overall Safety

All areas of Ollantaytambo are generally safe for tourists. Petty crime is rare.

Historic Center Proximity

Excellent access to archaeological site, Pinkuylluna, and main plaza.

Train Station Proximity

Directly next to the train station, but a walk to the main town.

Awareness

Be aware of your belongings in crowded areas like the train station.

Booking Strategies

Advance booking is often recommended, specifically during peak seasons, to secure preferred accommodations and rates. Trusted platforms and direct bookings offer various benefits.

Seasonal Booking Windows

  • High Season (June-August): Book 3-6 months in advance due to high demand.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, Sept-Oct): Book 1-2 months ahead for best choices and prices.
  • Low Season (Nov-March): More flexibility, but booking a few weeks ahead is still advisable.
  • Expect higher prices during peak dry season and major holidays.

Platforms & Policies

  • Trusted Platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda are widely used and reliable.
  • Direct Booking: Sometimes offers better rates or special inclusions not on third-party sites.
  • Airbnb: Popular for vacation rentals, offering space and kitchen facilities.
  • Policies: Always check specific deposit and cancellation terms before confirming your reservation.

Ideal for Different Travelers

  • Solo Traveler: Hostels like Hostel Iskay for social interaction, or guesthouses like Apu Lodge for solitude.
  • Family-Friendly: Guesthouses/hotels with family or connecting rooms. Vacation rentals with kitchen access are beneficial.
  • Long-Stay: Vacation rentals through platforms like Airbnb are best, offering space and amenities.
  • El Albergue Ollantaytambo: Part of the old train station, with historical charm and organic farm tours.
  • Historic Guesthouses: Some incorporate traditional Inca stone walls, linking to the town's ancient past.
  • Trusted Options: Check reviews and ratings on booking sites for reliable choices.

Top Picks by Budget

Budget

Hostel Iskay: Simple, clean, well-located near main plaza; offers dorms and private rooms.

Mid-Range

Hotel Pakaritampu: Comfortable with good amenities near train station. Apu Lodge: Charming guesthouse in historic center.

Luxury

Taypikala Hotel Valle Sagrado: Outside town center, expansive grounds, tranquility, upscale services.

Neighborhood Considerations

Ollantaytambo, though small, offers distinct areas for visitors.

Historic Town Center

  • Character: Around Plaza de Armas, extending to archaeological site.
  • Atmosphere: Narrow, cobblestone streets, original Inca walls, traditional houses.
  • Pros: Central access to ruins, restaurants, shops; charming atmosphere.
  • Cons: Can be noisy in evenings near main plaza.

Train Station Area

  • Character: On outskirts of main town, short walk from center.
  • Atmosphere: Busy with travelers to/from Machu Picchu; hotels/restaurants cater to transit.
  • Pros: Convenient for early morning trains to Machu Picchu.
  • Cons: Less atmospheric than historic center; 10-15 min walk to main town/ruins.

Safety and Amenities by Area

Safety

All areas are generally safe. Petty crime is rare, but awareness of belongings in crowded areas (like train station) is advised.

Safe for tourists.

Proximity to Attractions

Historic Town Center: Excellent proximity to archaeological site, Pinkuylluna, main plaza.

Walkable access.

Noise Levels

Historic center can have street noise; areas further or with courtyards are quieter. Train station area experiences train-related noise.

Varies by location.

Additional Booking Factors

Walk-in Rates & Deposits
  • Negotiation for walk-in rates is less common in established hotels.
  • Small guesthouses might offer slight discounts for walk-ins during low season.
  • Online booking often provides more security and confirms availability.
Cancellation Policies
  • Policies vary by establishment and booking platform.
  • Always check specific terms before confirming your reservation.
  • Many properties offer free cancellation up to a certain point, allowing flexibility.

Important Booking Reminders

  • High season (June-August) experiences very high demand; rooms fill quickly.
  • Prices for accommodation are significantly higher during high season and major holidays.
  • Booking well in advance for peak periods secures better rates and availability.
  • Failing to book ahead for peak times may limit your choices or result in higher costs.
  • Check the hotel's official website for potential direct booking benefits.
  • Confirm amenities like Wi-Fi, heating, and hot water, especially in budget accommodations.
  • Read recent reviews to assess current conditions and guest experiences.
  • Contact properties directly for specific inquiries or requests.

Accommodation Picks

A curated selection of top lodging choices in Ollantaytambo, catering to various budgets and traveler profiles.

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Hostel Iskay: Simple, clean, and well-located near the main plaza. Offers dorms and private rooms.
  • El Albergue Ollantaytambo: Slightly higher end for "budget," but its location within the train station grounds and charming atmosphere deliver value.
  • Features a lovely garden and restaurant for guest enjoyment.
  • Excellent choice for travelers seeking economical and well-positioned stays.

Mid-Range Options

  • Hotel Pakaritampu: Comfortable hotel with good amenities, including a restaurant and garden.
  • Conveniently located close to the train station, ideal for early departures to Machu Picchu.
  • Apu Lodge: A charming, well-rated guesthouse situated in the historic center of Ollantaytambo.
  • Offers comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere for a pleasant stay.

Luxury Stays

Taypikala Hotel Valle Sagrado: Located just outside the immediate town center, offering expansive grounds, tranquility, and upscale services.

Solo Travelers

Hostels like Hostel Iskay provide social interaction. Guesthouses like Apu Lodge offer safe, comfortable private rooms for more solitude.

Family-Friendly

Many guesthouses offer family or connecting rooms. Vacation rentals via Airbnb with kitchen access are often beneficial for families.

Long-Stay & Historical Properties

Long-Stay Accommodations
  • Vacation rentals through platforms like Airbnb are best suited for longer stays.
  • They provide more space, privacy, and amenities like kitchens, promoting a home-like experience.
Cultural & Historical Significance
  • El Albergue Ollantaytambo: Part of the old train station building, possessing historical charm and offering organic farm tours.
  • Some guesthouses in the historic center incorporate traditional Inca stone walls into their design.
  • These properties offer an unique connection to the town's ancient past and architectural heritage.

Booking Insight

While walk-in rates might offer a slight discount during low season at smaller guesthouses, online booking generally provides greater security and confirmed availability, especially for popular properties.

Consider reading recent guest reviews for insights into property conditions and service quality before booking.