Ollantaytambo, Peru Travel Guide
Ollantaytambo is a picturesque town in the Peruvian Andes near Cusco and home to Ollantaytambo ruins. For many travelers, it is also the last stop before visiting Machu Picchu. Our Ollantaytambo travel guide features things to do in Ollantaytambo, tips on how to get, best day trips and tours, and where to stay.
The charming town of Ollantaytambo is one of the most visited places in the Peruvian Sacred Valley for two simple reasons.
The town is home to incredible Inca ruins, but most importantly, it has rail connections to Aguas Calientes, the base for visiting Machu Picchu.
There is also a third a bit overlooked reason to visit Ollantaytambo. The town makes a perfect base for independent travelers who want to explore the best sites in the Sacred Valley.
On top of that, the starting off point for the mythical Inca Trail also known as Kilometer 82 is only a few kilometers from Ollantaytambo.
While Cusco has much more going on in terms of hotels, restaurants, and activities, Ollantaytambo offers a bit more tranquil experience in this tourist region.
For travelers looking for a more intimate travel experience, the town sitting at the bottom of the Urubamba Valley might be a perfect choice.
Soaking in the prevailing spirit of the Inca culture is quite easy here as the atmosphere and ruins perched on the hill won't let you forget about the past.
Due to the location of the train station that serves trains to Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo is quite popular, and it is very likely, that you'll visit this town, maybe even deliberately, several times during your trip around Peru.
For instance, we got off the train there on our way back to Cusco after trekking the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek, plus we visited it separately while exploring the Sacred Valley.
This visit happened before hiking in the Andes, and we enjoyed the trip so much.
In the Quechua language, the name Ollantaytambo means a place to look down.
It took us a few tries to pronounce Ollantaytambo correctly, and our guides had to help us a bit to get it right. Sometimes, you might come across Olly or Ollanta.
Those are more familiar and shorter ways of saying Ollantaytambo, and local people often use it instead of the more extended version.
Without further ado, here is everything you should know about Ollantaytambo before you go.
We've put together this travel guide to inspire you to visit Ollantaytambo as there are quite many things to see and do, and as usual, we share practical information on where to stay or when to visit.
HISTORY
The history of Ollantaytambo dates back to the 15th century when the Incas conquered this region.
You might be already familiar with the name Pachacutec, the most famous Inca leader. Remember his name well; you will hear it repeatedly from every guide or see it in every history book.
During his reign, Ollantaytambo became an important town due to its strategic location in the Urubamba Valley. On his command, the Ollantaytambo was extended, and new structures were built.
In the 16th century, after Cusco fell to Spanish conquistadors and long after the death of Pachacutec, Ollantaytambo became one of the last hopes for the Incas.
In 1536, Manco Inca's armies stood and fought against the Spaniards, and by using a creative strategy, they defeated them. It was one of the few victories for Incas over Spaniards.
Nonetheless, it was only a small victory in the grand scheme of things, as Spaniards returned with even greater firepower.
Manco Inca retreated to the fabled Vilcabamba on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, and that was the last retreat of Inca rebels.
Nowadays, most of the locals here make a living from tourism, and the town is on almost every Peru travel itinerary.
WHERE TO STAY
Even though Ollantaytambo is mostly a transit town for visitors getting on and off the Machu Picchu train, it offers good accommodation options.
From budget family guesthouses with very basic dormitories or shared rooms to mid-range hotels with spacious rooms and great views, Ollantaytambo has it all.
However, if you are looking for more upscale hotels, you might want to stay in Cusco instead. Being said that, the mid-range hotels in the town are quite good and offer good value for money.
When deciding on where to stay, location is always important. Ollantaytambo is easily covered on foot as the town is small and compact.
Some hotels have rooms with excellent views of the archaeological site, so you might want to stay near it and ask for this type of room when making the reservation.
Here is our choice for the best hotels in Ollantaytambo.
Budget | Hostal Valle Inca - With an excellent location near the main square, Hostal Valle Inca is a perfect choice for backpackers. The staff is very friendly and helpful and can arrange tours for you. Rooms are basic but clean and have comfy beds. The terrace where you can have your breakfast offers views of the Ollantaytambo ruins. Great value for money.
Mid-range | Sol Miranda - This lovely hotel has a top location in the town, only a short walk from the Ollantaytambo ruins. Rooms are clean and cozy, and some have fantastic views of the ruins.
Mid-range | Peru Quechua's Lodge Ollantaytambo - This hotel is located in a quiet part bit from the town's center near the river, yet everything is still within walking distance (it takes less than 10 minutes to reach the Plaza de Armas). The host is very accomodating and can arrange organized trips for you. The rooms are spacious with comfortable beds. The breakfast is quite good as well.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN OLLANTAYTAMBO
Although Ollantaytambo is a major hub for both hikers and travelers departing to Machu Picchu and sees thousands of tourists every day, surprisingly, there are not that many things to do.
Don't get us wrong. It's just that Ollantaytambo itself doesn't offer much else in terms of tourist activities in comparison with other similar small towns in South America.
Being said that, Ollantaytambo is home to one of the best ruins in Cusco's Sacred Valley, and it would be a shame to miss it.
Apart from that, you can visit traditional markets and buy some souvenirs, eat some local Peruvian food, or see a few more Inca sites.
Plus you can always visit some attractions outside the town.
The everyday life in Ollantaytambo is different, more rural and slow. For some travelers, this might be a perfect fit.
OLLANTAYTAMBO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
What we liked the most about the ruins in the Sacred Valley was their diversity. Every site is different, and each visit allows you to dig deeper into the fascinating Inca culture, history, and society.
Ollantaytambo is no exception to this fact.
Before heading off to Machu Picchu, make sure to visit Ollantaytambo ruins. It's definitely worth it, though the site is much smaller. We would say it's a perfect warm-up before Machu Picchu.
And what can you expect? The first thing you notice immediately is the massive terraces, giant steps, then waterworks, storehouses, and the temple at the top. And then the views.
After climbing many stone steps (known as Inca elevator), you will be rewarded with superb views of the Urubamba Valley and the town itself.
The views of Pinkuylluna granaries and the face on the left side of the mountain are icing on the cake.
Let's forget about the views for a while, and talk more about the ruins.
The architecture of Ollantaytambo ruins is very similar to other sites and has many characteristic features of Inca planning.
You can see the huge boulders (some weighing up to 50 tons) fitted perfectly together without using the mortar. Until this day, you can't fit a knife between the rocks.
The best example is the Wall of the Six Monoliths.
As with many other Inca sites, there is still a lot of mystery surrounding Ollantaytambo ruins. The purpose of this place is still not very clear. Most likely, it was a royal estate for Pachacutec and his family, and the Incas used it as a ceremonial site as well.
If you are wondering where did the Incas get the stones, look across the valley.
From the top of the site, you can actually see the Ollantaytambo quarries located about five kilometers on the slopes on the opposite mountain.
In fact, you can hike there (not many do, though) to see what Incas had to endure while moving the rocks (without the necessity of the labor).
If you are unsure whether you need a guide or not, it depends on your budget and thirst for knowledge.
Although we prefer to visit places independently, this time we had a guide, and we really enjoyed his explanation. It made us appreciate the site even more. Note that hiring a knowledgeable guide who speaks English well is always hit or miss in Peru.
As this site is on almost every tour to the Sacred Valley, the best time to visit is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
The site sees bus tours throughout the day, and it gets crowded at times.
ENTRANCE FEE
The basic entrance fee to Ollantaytambo is S/70. There is no single entry ticket, and that's why the admission is not cheap - you need to buy Boleto Turistico Cusco partial ticket that also includes Pisac, Chinchero, and Moray.
So here is the thing.
You can also purchase the general ticket for S/130 that covers 16 sites, including Ollantaytambo.
Even though it's more expensive, it might save you some money at the end of the day, especially if you plan on staying in the area for longer.
For more information, check out our detailed guide to Cusco's Tourist Ticket, where we highlight the main differences between the tickets.
OPENING HOURS
Ollantaytambo Ruins is open Monday to Sunday from 7 AM to 6 PM.
PINKUYLLUNA STOREHOUSE HIKE
Once standing on the top of the Ollantaytambo Ruins, you might notice a few structures on the hill across the town.
Inca used the Pinkuylluna granaries as storage for grains. At first, you might find the idea behind storing food supplies in the middle of the hill a bit odd.
After hearing the explanation from the guide, we believe that their reasons were adequate - the conditions for storing the food there were perfect as the site was dry and safe, and it was worth it to undergo the uphill climb.
The Pinkuylluna trailhead is on the junction of Calle de Las Rosas and Lares Calle, about 200 meters northeast of Plaza de Armas.
There are a simple sign and gate next to the guesthouse indicating the trail.
Pinkuylluna is a fairly short hike, and although the trail is steep and rough with some steps, a moderately fit hiker should reach the storehouses in about thirty minutes from the town.
Some might find the trail even a bit dangerous, so walk with caution.
For those who brought their own trekking poles, now is the time to use them. Trekking poles have many benefits; they help to protect your knees and aid balance on uneven trails.
If you have just arrived directly to Ollantaytambo with an intention to explore Cusco later, this hike might be a perfect opportunity to get accustomed to the altitude.
Walk slowly and steadily. Otherwise, you are going to run out of breath instantly.
By the way, if you think the hike is challenging, remember the strong Incas who walked the trail with loads of stuff on their backs.
There are not that many free things to do in Sacred Valley. However, Pinkuylluna is one of them, and backpackers traveling on a budget might opt for this hike instead of the ruins.
Keep in mind that there are no interpretative signs along the trail or near the structures, and you won't get much sense of this place without a guide.
If budget is not the issue but time is, we would visit only the Ollantaytambo ruins and skipped the hike.
We must admit that we preferred the views of the valley and granaries from the Ollantaytambo ruins, plus you won't be able to see the Inca face on the edge of the mountain.
The trail is less traveled, and there are usually not many people around. If you are looking to have a place in the Sacred Valley for yourself, arrive there early in the morning.
Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water; it helps with acclimatization. To reduce your plastic footprint, bring a reusable water bottle to refill for free in the hotel or use SteriPen without worrying about it.
ENTRANCE FEE
Admission is free.
OPENING HOURS
The official opening hours are from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Take this information with a grain of salt.
Not sure if you can stay a bit longer, but we wouldn't hike up there after dark for safety reasons anyway.
MARKETS IN THE TOWN
Local markets in South America are usually full of colors, smells, and flavors.
The tourist market in Ollantaytambo near the ruins has many stalls where you can buy some more or less traditional Peruvian souvenirs. It's a bit touristy (therefore the name Mercado Turistico) but still worth seeing.
When purchasing some souvenirs, don't settle on the first price and haggle it a bit down. This is a common thing to know about Peru, plus you can always practice your Spanish with the vendors a bit.
Some basic Spanish phrases might come in handy.
This Spanish Phrase Book might be a great help during your travels not only in Peru but other countries in South America as well.
If you've already been to the traditional San Pedro Market in Cusco and had a great time there, you might enjoy Ollantaytambo's central market as well.
It carries the same name, Mercado San Pedro, and it's a bit more authentic. It's where the locals shop, and you can buy fruits and vegetables there (vendors also sell cheese, meat, grains, etc.).
If you have a strong stomach, you can try some street food for very affordable prices. Usually, a hot bowl of a traditional Peruvian soup is the way to go.
Some might find the hygiene a bit lacking, but that's the part of the experience.
OLLANTAYTAMBO TRAIN STATION
For some, the scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu is the only way to get to the Lost City of Incas. Or we should rather say it's the proper way.
Although you can skip the train ride entirely by traveling to Machu Picchu by van via an alternative route to Hidroelectrica (hydro-electric power plant), we would say it's a mistake.
Traveling by train is not that common in these parts of South America, and this ride makes the trip even more special and unforgettable.
The trains are equipped with panoramic windows. More expensive tickets usually mean larger windows.
If you decide to hop on the train, make sure to pick the right times. During one of our trips happened to us that we arrived at the Ollantaytambo quite late.
Although the sunset from the train was spectacular, we spent the rest of the journey traveling through the dark.
The train station can get quite hectic at peak hours, so stay close to your guide (if you are not traveling independently, of course).
By the way, it gets cold in Ollantaytambo, especially after dark. Make sure to bring a down jacket to stay nice and warm while waiting for the train outside.
You can choose between two operators - Inca Rail and PeruRail. The difference between them is negligible in our opinion. Both are reputable companies, so pick one that has availability.
The train station is in the southwest corner of the town near the Urubamba river.
Once you get off the train, you can walk to the town's center (it's less than a kilometer), or if you have heavy luggage, take a taxi for a few soles.
SACRED VALLEY
For those who have more time or want to escape the hustle and bustle of Cusco, Ollantaytambo might be a better option of these two.
If you base yourself in Ollantaytambo, then you will have excellent access to some top attractions in the Sacred Valley.
If you haven't heard of Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado de Los Incas in Spanish), then know that it is a must-visit place packed with mostly Inca archaeological sites.
Moray, a colossal agriculture laboratory strongly resembling an ancient amphitheater, is only 16 kilometers southeast of Ollantaytambo.
Not all of the sites are Inca Ruins, though, and Maras Salt Mines is undoubtedly proof of that. The salt mines are still in use, although tourism is now being the primary source of income.
Chinchero, located somewhere in between on the mountainous road leading from Cusco, is another place worth a stop.
Not only can you see some incredible stone terraces with a colonial church sitting at the top, but Chinchero is also known for its splendid weaving culture.
The local market on the plaza in front of the church might be the place to purchase some alpaca sweaters or colorful ponchos.
Drive a bit east towards Cusco, and you will soon enough stumble upon one of the most exciting ruins in the valley.
Pisac Ruins perched high in the mountains make together with the traditional markets in the town below a fantastic place to visit on a day trip.
We hiked to Pisac Ruins independently from the Pisac town, and it was one of our most memorable adventures in the area.
ALTITUDE
Ollantaytambo lies at an altitude of 2790 meters above sea level, while Cusco sits at 3400 meters. Adjusting your body to the thinner air of the Peruvian Andes plays an important part in your journey.
It's quite normal to feel mild altitude symptoms from the elevation of 2500 meters above sea level and higher. The important word in the last sentence is mild.
The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, tiredness, dizziness, or headache.
One of the common mistakes among travelers is to rush things. While this might be somewhat fine at Nazca or Amazon Rainforest, this attitude might not pay off in the Andes.
If you are arriving directly from Lima, take your time.
Life in the Andes is a bit slower. We arrived in Cusco from Arequipa, home to the famous Colca Canyon, and we believe that it helped us acclimate our bodies a lot.
There are a few tricks to prevent altitude sickness.
Stay active, drink plenty of water throughout the day, stay away from alcohol, and sleep at lower elevations.
You can also try a traditional coca tea that is famous in this region and a big part of the local culture.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
HOW TO GET
Ollantaytambo is well connected with Cusco and the neighboring towns and villages in the Sacred Valley. You can choose the transport option depending on your schedule and budget.
Also, it depends whether you want to travel to Ollantaytambo directly or if you would like to make a few stops along the way.
TRAIN
Getting to Ollantaytambo by train makes sense when returning from Machu Picchu. Get off the train there, explore the town for a bit, and then head back to Cusco.
The train is comfortable and reliable, though quite expensive.
Of course, it is possible to travel from Cusco's train station Poroy to Ollantaytambo, but it's not that common to break the journey here.
BUS
From Plaza de Armas in Cusco, head south, and in about ten minutes, you will reach Pavitos street.
From there, you can take a van to Ollantaytambo for about S/10. The ride takes about an hour and a half, and the vans leave frequently.
A word of warning, vans in Peru can be a bit crowded, and some rides might not be as comfortable as you would expect (or wish).
That's the cheapest way to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. There's no proper bus terminal on this street, but rather a few garages or small parking lots packed on one street.
CAR
Renting a car is not a very popular way of getting around Peru yet, but it's possible. You can rent a car in Cusco, and drive to Ollantaytambo by yourself.
Some places are a bit harder to get to, but it's possible to visit even more remote areas such as Humantay Lake.
Keep in mind that driving in Peru is nothing like driving in US or Europe, and some experience is required.
TOUR
One of the most popular ways to visit the town is on Ollantaytambo Day Tour from Cusco.
Most of the day tours have similar itineraries, and you will visit a few more places along the way.
If you are already in the town, you can take a tour from Ollantaytambo. Every clerk at the hostel or hotel can arrange the tour for you.
CUSCO OR OLLANTAYTAMBO
As usual, there is no simple answer to this question. It all depends on your travel preferences and Cusco itinerary.
Ollantaytambo is a small more laidback town, while Cusco has all pros and cons of a large city.
One of the deciding factors might be the altitude. Ollantaytambo might be a better option than Cusco for more gradient acclimatization.
If you are undecided and time is not an issue, you can also split the journey and spend a few nights at Cusco and a night at Ollantaytambo.
When short on time, we would probably stay in Cusco and visit Ollantaytambo on a day trip from Cusco.
Either way, Ollantaytambo is worth a visit.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
