Everyone who visits Machu Picchu will encounter Ollantaytambo, but many will probably miss it. Ollantaytambo is most famous as being the end of the road between Cusco and Machu Picchu, making it the closest town to Machu Picchu where you can catch the train. When we booked our trip, we assumed Ollantaytambo was simply a jump off point to Machu Picchu and planned only to stop there for enough time to transfer from our bus or taxi to the train to Aguas Calientes. Luckily for us, we arrived a few hours earlier than expected and were able to see this wonderful town. Of all the places in Peru we wished we had a bit more time, Ollantaytambo tops the list.

Ollantaytambo town square.