Ollantaytambo
Ok so, I flew into Cusco and this time I was staying there for all 4 days. Last time I did Cusco, I went straight to Aguas Calientes the first night so I can see Machu Picchu the second day. MACHU PICCHU is 3.5 hours away from Cusco. So I highly suggest going straight to Aguas Calientes because not only is the altitude a lot lower, but it’s much closer to Machu Picchu so it is easier to wake up early and catch the views before 8a.m-when the tourist and clouds get in. It’s more exhausting to visit MP from Cusco, trust me take rest stop at Aquas Calientes or Ollantaytambo.
Also , the first time I went to Cusco, I thought I was going to die or have to go to the hospital. I googled what was the worst that can happen with altitude sickness and death was a result. So me being the dramatic Jess I was ...I thought I was going to die 😂
I need to share the fact that I went to a family reunion the night before visiting Cusco and I did not prepare my body for it. I was hung over AF which is a big NO because this will only make the sirroche much worse. That is why Jess recommends to NOT DRINK THE NIGHT BEFORE GOING TO CUSCO.
Now, that I am woke Jess who understands that we are what we eat...I decided to visit Cusco again, and this time prepared for it.
I was terrified of feeling how I did the first time so I planned out my first day to take it easy so I can acclimate. Cusco’s altitude is actually higher than Machu Picchu.
If you want to visit MP, I suggest flying into Cusco and going straight to Ollantaytambo which is a town in the middle of the Sacred Valley between Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
There are 2 ways to get to Ollantaytambo.
It is a 1.5 hour drive.
1: The tourist way: you can book a private taxi or book a tour group to visit Ollantaytambo and the ruins there. $70 American Dollars
2: The local way:
$7 soles for the mini bus which is considered a taxi collectivo going to Ollantaytambo.
It was only $10 soles to go back to Cusco. Total was about $9 American dollars for a 3 hour drive.
The first time I went, I think I payed $70 for a personal driver to take us ONE WAY. There’s pros and cons to both. I chose to save money because there’s not much to do on the way there anyway.
My first day I decided to visit Ollantaytambo because I felt like I missed out on exploring like I wanted to. My first time here I was only in town for an hour. This time, Jess had the day to explore.
Ollantaytambo is where the start of the Inca Trail begins.
Ollantaytambo is where the Inca tribes won the only battle against the Spaniards. They flooded the Ollantaytambo fortress and made the Spaniards retreat.
Apparently you must purchase a ticket for $70 soles ($21 USD) for the ruins and 4 other parks. I did not have time for the other parks and I only wanted to visit the terraces. I was going to leave because I did not have the time to see everything and boom. My charm got me in for free.
I happily walked around and got to tag along with some random tour groups to get some facts in. It’s amazing how much history connects here.
After visiting the ruins, I decided to look for this place I went to 3 years ago for a massage. I walked around the ancient streets, admiring the still standing Inca structures and the irrigation system that ran throughout the town.
I met a girl who was also traveling solo and we decided to wander around together, she too wanted to find the massage place with me.
Walking thru the narrow streets, we stumbled upon what we thought was a family gathering , and we were welcomed to come in.
There was a stick with a red cloth around it making it look like a homemade rose, hanging out of the door. 🌹
They served homemade chicha here.
Now the chicha I know is sweet chicha morada made with purple corn and pineapples.
This Chicha was different.
It had a distinct taste, actually quite tart but it was mixed with natural strawberries to make it sweet and then it hit me. As I drank this cold tangy drink, the cute old indigo lady who made it was explaining that it takes a few day to ferment...CHICHA DE JORA IS INCA MOONSHINE. It was only $1 sole for a huge cup of this Inca beer. This was different....I was looking for a massage and now I am in the bar/home of a local native who ferments this shit on her own. I asked if they knew about the massage places I went to and they told me it’s down the street. I finally found it…and they were closed.
It was cold and rainy, and the sky got darker. I realized it was time to grab something quick to eat and head back. PachaMama Pollos a la Brasa had yummy food for only $9 soles (less than $4)
