Best Hotels and Where to Stay in Ollantaytambo – Travel and Birdwatching Tips from a Local Expert

Discover the best hotels in Ollantaytambo. Honest advice from a local traveler about quiet areas, prices, comfort, and birdwatching near Abra Málaga.

Where to Stay in Ollantaytambo: Tranquility, History, and Connection with Nature

Ollantaytambo is a town I truly love. The peace and quiet you feel here, especially at night, is simply wonderful—it lets you disconnect from the noise of the world and reconnect with yourself.

Beyond that, the history of the town itself is fascinating. Ollantaytambo isn’t just an Inca archaeological site; it’s a living village that has preserved its original layout for centuries. Walking through its cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time.

Why Stay in Ollantaytambo?

If your main goal is birdwatching in Machu Picchu, then it makes sense to stay overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo so you can start your birding day around 6:00 a.m.

However, if your interests are broader—or if you’re returning after visiting the citadel—staying in Ollantaytambo is an excellent choice.

It’s also the perfect base if you plan to go birdwatching in Abra Málaga the next day, one of the most impressive birding destinations in the entire Cusco.

Hotels and Prices in Ollantaytambo

Unlike Machu Picchu, where prices tend to be inflated due to famous destination, in Ollantaytambo, service quality usually matches the price you pay.

Three-star hotels starting at around 100 USD per night often sound ideal because of their proximity to the train station. However, keep in mind that the only street leading to the station becomes chaotic during train arrivals and departures, with taxis and vans crowding the area.

The good news is that many hotels have huge gardens separating the rooms from the main avenue, which helps reduce the noise significantly.

Recommended Hotels in Ollantaytambo

One of my favorite places in terms of value for money is Tika Wasi. Although it’s a bit farther from the station—just a 10 to 15-minute walk or a short moto-taxi ride—that small distance makes a big difference. It keeps the place peaceful and quiet, away from the bustle.

The large gardens and spacious rooms create a relaxed atmosphere, and since most travelers only use Ollantaytambo as a resting stop, this hotel works perfectly for that purpose.

Another hotel I really like is Las Portadas. It’s simpler, but it’s always clean, has comfortable beds and reliable hot water—something essential in the cool Andean climate and surprisingly inconsistent in many other hotels.

What I love most about this place is its beautiful flower garden, which attracts different species of hummingbirds, including, in certain months, the endemic Bearded Mountaineer (Oreonympha nobilis).

I’ve often woken up earlier than needed just to spend time in the garden hoping to spot this bird, binoculars in hand.

The hotel has both an old and a modern section; I recommend staying in the modern one.

And here’s a personal touch: if you tell the owners you’re birdwatchers and that you come on behalf of “the crazy birdwatcher who makes documentaries,” they’ll likely show you active hummingbird nests they keep track of every season.