Ollantaytambo Market Peru
A vibrant marketplace in the heart of the living Inca town, offering authentic Peruvian crafts and a lively cultural experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest goods, fewer crowds
Ollantaytambo Market Peru
Best Time
Freshest goods, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant marketplace in the heart of the living Inca town, offering authentic Peruvian crafts and a lively cultural experience.
"Discover authentic Peruvian souvenirs, from alpaca wool to stone carvings, at fair prices in this lively market."
🗣️ Speak Spanish for Deals
Knowing some Spanish can significantly improve your bargaining power and help you get better prices.
💳 Card or Cash?
Most vendors accept credit cards, but having cash can sometimes lead to better discounts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Handcrafted Textiles
Market Stalls
Discover vibrant alpaca wool shawls, hats, blankets, and sweaters, showcasing traditional Peruvian artistry.
Unique Stone Carvings
Market Stalls
Find charming carved llamas and decorative stones, perfect for a unique memento of your Peruvian adventure.
Local Artisan Support
Market Stalls
Engage with friendly locals and support small businesses by purchasing directly from the artisans.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bargain Like a Pro
Strategic Souvenir Shopping
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Speak Spanish for Deals
Knowing some Spanish can significantly improve your bargaining power and help you get better prices.
💳 Card or Cash?
Most vendors accept credit cards, but having cash can sometimes lead to better discounts.
🛍️ Explore Before Buying
Don't settle for the first stall! Prices and quality can vary, so browse around for the best finds.
🦙 Unique Souvenirs
Look beyond typical tourist items for handcrafted textiles and stone carvings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Speak Spanish for Deals
Knowing some Spanish can significantly improve your bargaining power and help you get better prices.
💳 Card or Cash?
Most vendors accept credit cards, but having cash can sometimes lead to better discounts.
🛍️ Explore Before Buying
Don't settle for the first stall! Prices and quality can vary, so browse around for the best finds.
🦙 Unique Souvenirs
Look beyond typical tourist items for handcrafted textiles and stone carvings.
📍 Market Location
Conveniently located in front of the Ollantaytambo Ruins, making it an easy stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ollantaytambo Market for its authentic Peruvian souvenirs, especially the quality alpaca textiles and unique stone carvings. The prices are considered fair, particularly when compared to other tourist spots, and the opportunity to bargain is a highlight. Some note the similarity of items across stalls, suggesting thorough exploration is beneficial. +1
"This market is a wonderful place to explore if you’re looking for authentic Peruvian souvenirs. You’ll find a wide variety of handcrafted items, from traditional art pieces to beautifully made garments created with soft alpaca hair. The quality of the products is good, and the prices are fair compared to many other tourist spots."
C Ng
"Located in front of the Ollantaytambo Ruins, the Market offers a lovely shopping pitstop with its five rows of shops. Visitors will find the prices to be fairly reasonable, especially when compared to the market at Machu Picchu. The market features a variety of products, including traditional art pieces, textiles such as shawls, hats, blankets, and sweaters, as well as bags and decorative stones, including rocks, gems, and carved llamas.
While visitors may notice a fair amount of repeat items available between shops, it depends on which vendor they would like to support. Negotiation is common, and some vendors may be more open to offering discounts. During our visit, we got a blanket, rocks, souvenir llamas, and a backpack from some lovely vendors! Overall, the atmosphere is welcoming, with friendly locals eager to engage with visitors and showcase their products, making the Market a worthwhile stop for those exploring the area before heading to the next spot!"
Carol F
"A cool place where you can find a wide range of Peruvian souvenirs. Some items are the real hand crafted masterpieces. Practically all sellers accept credit cards and cash.
The prices are reasonable, however, you can always get a discount, you definitely need to bargain."
Olga Maksimovich
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Ollantaytambo Market from Cusco by taking a colectivo (shared van) or a private taxi. Collectivos are a budget-friendly option and depart frequently from the city. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. +1
Yes, Ollantaytambo is an excellent overnight stop before Machu Picchu. It's a charming town with Inca history and a convenient departure point for trains to Aguas Calientes.
Ollantaytambo is a very walkable town. Most attractions, including the market and the ruins, are easily accessible on foot.
While colectivos are more common, some bus services might operate. It's generally recommended to opt for colectivos for their frequency and convenience.
The train journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu) typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Ollantaytambo Market itself is free to enter and explore. You only need to purchase tickets for the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site.
The market generally operates daily from morning until late afternoon, aligning with tourist activity. Specific hours can vary slightly by vendor.
The market area is a public space and does not have an entrance fee. You pay for the goods you wish to purchase.
No, tickets for Machu Picchu must be purchased in advance online or from official ticket offices in Cusco or Aguas Calientes. The market is for souvenirs.
No, the market is separate from the archaeological site. You can visit the market without a ticket for the ruins.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a wide array of handcrafted items, including alpaca wool textiles (shawls, hats, blankets), carved stone llamas, traditional art, and other Peruvian crafts.
Yes, bargaining is common and expected at Ollantaytambo Market. Don't hesitate to negotiate for a better price. +1
Many vendors do accept credit cards, but it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or if a vendor prefers it.
Try bargaining, mention if you're a student, or speak some Spanish. Comparing prices across different stalls is also key. +1
Many items are authentic handcrafted pieces from local artisans. However, as with any market, it's good to be discerning.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants and eateries located near the market, offering local Peruvian cuisine.
You can find traditional Peruvian dishes, including alpaca, cuy (guinea pig), and various stews and soups.
It's generally advisable to eat at established restaurants or stalls that appear clean and busy.
Many Peruvian restaurants offer vegetarian options, often featuring quinoa, potatoes, and local vegetables.
While primarily for crafts, you might find some vendors selling local snacks or fruits.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant colors of the textiles, the intricate details of the crafts, and the lively interactions between vendors and shoppers. The backdrop of the Inca ruins also offers stunning shots.
It's polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their merchandise. A smile and a 'permiso' go a long way.
Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for more relaxed photography. Late afternoons can also provide beautiful golden hour light.
The market is quite open, but elevated positions near the ruins can offer a broader perspective of the market activity.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for capturing both wide market scenes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the market and its surroundings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye on little ones as the market can get crowded. While most vendors are friendly, it's always good to stay aware of your surroundings. The market's location near the ruins also means you can easily combine a shopping trip with a visit to a historical site, making for a well-rounded family outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for items like woven bracelets, small carved stones, or simple alpaca wool hats for very affordable prices. Even if you don't buy much, the vibrant atmosphere and the chance to interact with local vendors are experiences in themselves, and they cost nothing.
📸 Photographers
+1Aim for morning light for softer, more flattering illumination and fewer crowds. Don't forget to capture close-ups of the intricate patterns on the textiles and the expressions of the vendors. Remember to always ask for permission before taking portraits. The market's proximity to the Ollantaytambo ruins also provides a dramatic backdrop for your market shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Ollantaytambo: The Market
Visitors often find a wide variety of items, including shawls, hats, blankets, sweaters, bags, and decorative stones. While many stalls may carry similar products, each vendor offers a unique opportunity to support local artisans and their craft. The atmosphere is generally welcoming, with friendly locals eager to share their creations. Remember that bargaining is a common practice here, so don't hesitate to engage in friendly negotiation to secure the best prices.
Many vendors now accept credit cards, but having cash on hand can sometimes lead to better deals. The market is an essential part of the Ollantaytambo experience, offering a chance to immerse yourself in local life and take home a piece of Peru's rich cultural tapestry. It's a perfect pitstop before or after exploring the magnificent Inca ruins that overlook the town.
+1Navigating the Market: Tips for Shoppers
It's also wise to compare prices across different stalls before making a purchase, as there can be significant variations. While the market offers a wide selection of similar items, exploring helps you find the best value and support the vendor you connect with most. Some travelers suggest mentioning if you are a student to potentially receive discounts.
Beyond textiles and stone carvings, keep an eye out for unique local crafts that tell a story. Engaging with the vendors can provide insights into their craft and the cultural significance of their products. The market is a lively place, so enjoy the experience of discovery and the opportunity to interact with the local community.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit