Most travelers pass through Ollantaytambo on their way to catch the train to Machu Picchu. But this remarkable town at the western end of the Sacred Valley deserves far more than a quick glance from a bus window. Ollantaytambo is the last living Inca settlement in Peru — a place where the original fifteenth-century street grid is still in daily use, water still flows through stone channels carved over five hundred years ago, and a massive fortress rises above the town as a reminder of the Inca Empire's extraordinary engineering.

Whether you are planning a Sacred Valley day trip or looking for a base before heading to Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo rewards every hour you spend here. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan your visit in 2026.

At Cusco Tours, we include Ollantaytambo in many of our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu itineraries — with expert local guides who bring the history and culture to life.

What Is Ollantaytambo?

Ollantaytambo is both an archaeological site and a living town located at the northwestern end of Peru's Sacred Valley, about 72 kilometers from Cusco. It sits at an altitude of 2,792 meters (9,160 feet), making it lower and more comfortable than Cusco itself.

The site was originally built as a royal estate for the Inca Emperor Pachacuti in the mid-fifteenth century. It served multiple purposes — a temple complex, an agricultural center with massive stone terraces, a military stronghold, and a tambo (resting place) along the Inca road network that connected the empire.

What makes Ollantaytambo truly unique among Inca sites is that people still live within the original Inca layout. The town's grid of narrow stone streets, called canchas, has been continuously inhabited since it was built. Residents still use the ancient water channels that run alongside the streets, and many homes incorporate original Inca stonework into their foundations.

History and Significance of Ollantaytambo

The history of Ollantaytambo stretches back to at least the Killke period (around 1000 CE), but the site as it stands today was largely built during the reign of Emperor Pachacuti in the 1400s. Pachacuti transformed it from a small settlement into an elaborate royal estate with temples, terraces, irrigation systems, and a planned urban center.

The site's most dramatic moment came in 1537 during the Spanish conquest. After the fall of Cusco, the Inca leader Manco Inca retreated to Ollantaytambo and used its fortress to mount a defense against the Spanish forces led by Hernando Pizarro. In a remarkable battle, Manco Inca's warriors flooded the plains below the fortress and rained down attacks from the terraces above, forcing the Spanish to retreat. It was one of the very few military victories the Incas achieved against the conquistadors.

After this victory, however, Manco Inca eventually withdrew deeper into the jungle to Vilcabamba, and the Spanish took control of Ollantaytambo. Despite centuries of colonial rule and modern development in the surrounding region, the core of the town has remained remarkably intact — a living testament to Inca urban planning.

Top Things to See at Ollantaytambo Ruins

The Terraces

The first thing you notice when approaching the archaeological site is the enormous set of terraces that climb steeply up the hillside. These stone-walled platforms served both agricultural and military purposes. The lower terraces were used for growing crops at different microclimates (each level slightly different in temperature and humidity), while the upper terraces formed a defensive barrier protecting the temple complex above.

Climbing the terraces is the main physical challenge of visiting Ollantaytambo. The steps are steep and uneven, and at nearly 2,800 meters, the altitude makes the ascent more demanding than it might seem. Take your time, rest when needed, and the views from the top are spectacular — sweeping across the town, the valley, and the mountains beyond.

Temple of the Sun and the Wall of the Six Monoliths

At the summit of the terraces stands the unfinished Temple of the Sun, the most impressive architectural feature at Ollantaytambo. The highlight is the Wall of the Six Monoliths — six massive rose-colored porphyry stones fitted together with extraordinary precision, joined by narrow spacer stones between them. Each block weighs an estimated fifty tons or more.

What makes this wall even more remarkable is that the stone was quarried from a site across the valley and several kilometers away, then transported up the mountainside. How the Incas moved these enormous blocks remains one of the great engineering puzzles of the ancient world. You can still see unfinished blocks scattered along the route between the quarry and the temple — the so-called piedras cansadas or "tired stones" that never made it to their destination.

The Princess Bath (Baño de la Ñusta)

Near the base of the terraces, you will find the Baño de la Ñusta, a beautifully carved ceremonial fountain. Water still flows through its precisely cut channels, demonstrating the Inca mastery of hydraulic engineering that is evident throughout the site. The intricate carving of the stone — smooth faces, sharp angles, and channels that direct water with remarkable efficiency — represents some of the finest stonework at Ollantaytambo.

Pinkuylluna Storehouses

Across the valley from the main ruins, high on the hillside of Pinkuylluna mountain, you can see a series of stone structures that served as qolqas (storehouses). The Incas deliberately placed their granaries at high elevation where cooler temperatures and wind circulation helped preserve food supplies. From the town below, these structures are clearly visible, and you can hike up to them for free — the trail starts from the town and takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The views from the storehouses looking back toward the fortress are among the best in the Sacred Valley.

The Living Inca Town

Below the archaeological site, the town of Ollantaytambo itself is an open-air museum. The original Inca street plan — a precise grid of rectangular blocks called canchas — is still perfectly intact. Walking through the narrow cobblestone streets, you pass homes with original Inca foundations, trapezoidal doorways, and stone walls that have stood for over five centuries. Water channels carved from stone still run alongside the streets, carrying water from mountain sources just as they have since the fifteenth century.

Take time to wander without a specific route. The town is small and safe, and every corner reveals another example of how daily life continues within structures the Incas built.

How to Visit Ollantaytambo

Location and Altitude

Ollantaytambo is located 72 kilometers (about 45 miles) northwest of Cusco, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. At 2,792 meters (9,160 feet), it sits roughly 600 meters lower than Cusco, which means the altitude is more manageable and many visitors feel more comfortable here. The drive from Cusco takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the route and traffic.

How to Get There from Cusco

Private transfer or guided tour: This is the most comfortable and recommended option, especially if you are combining Ollantaytambo with other Sacred Valley sites like Pisac, Moray, and Maras. Our Sacred Valley tours include private transport, a knowledgeable guide, and a well-paced itinerary.

Colectivo (shared minivan): Affordable colectivos depart regularly from Cusco's Pavitos Street terminal to Ollantaytambo. The journey takes about two hours and costs just a few soles. They can be crowded and do not follow a fixed schedule — they leave when full.

Bus: Public buses run from Cusco to Urubamba, where you can transfer to a colectivo bound for Ollantaytambo. This is the cheapest option but also the slowest.

Entrance Tickets — The Boleto Turístico

The Ollantaytambo archaeological site requires the Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket), which is the unified entry pass for most major archaeological sites and museums in the Cusco region. As of 2026, the full Boleto Turístico costs 130 soles for international visitors and grants access to sixteen sites over ten days, including Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moray, Chinchero, Sacsayhuamán, and several museums in Cusco city.

A partial ticket covering just the Sacred Valley sites (Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moray, and Chinchero) is also available for 70 soles. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to any included site or at the official COSITUC office in Cusco.

Best Time to Visit

Ollantaytambo can be visited year-round, but the dry season from May through October offers the most reliable weather — clear skies, minimal rain, and comfortable daytime temperatures. The wet season (November through March) brings afternoon showers, but mornings are often clear and the ruins are less crowded. The terraces and surrounding mountains are lush and green during the rainy months, which makes for beautiful photographs.

For the fewest crowds, visit early in the morning (before 10 AM) or in the late afternoon. Midday is the busiest period when tour buses from Cusco arrive.

How Long to Spend

Allow two to three hours to explore the archaeological site at a comfortable pace, including the climb up the terraces and time at the Temple of the Sun. If you want to explore the town, hike to the Pinkuylluna storehouses, and enjoy a meal, plan for a half day or even a full day. If you are staying overnight (recommended for those catching an early train to Machu Picchu), you will have plenty of time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Ollantaytambo as Gateway to Machu Picchu

Ollantaytambo is the most popular departure point for trains to Machu Picchu. Both Peru Rail and Inca Rail operate multiple daily services from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu). The scenic train ride takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes and follows the Urubamba River through increasingly dramatic mountain scenery.

Many travelers choose to stay overnight in Ollantaytambo before catching an early morning train, which allows them to arrive at Machu Picchu when it opens and enjoy the site with fewer crowds. The town has a good selection of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses at various price points.

Our Cusco and Machu Picchu 4-Day Tour and 5-Day Tour include Ollantaytambo as part of the Sacred Valley exploration before continuing to Machu Picchu.

Things to Do in Ollantaytambo Town

Beyond the main archaeological site, there is plenty to explore in and around Ollantaytambo.

Walk the Inca streets. The town center is a living archaeological site. Stroll through the canchas, admire the original Inca stonework, and observe how modern life blends seamlessly with ancient architecture.

Hike to Pinkuylluna. The free trail to the storehouses across the valley offers a rewarding alternative perspective on the ruins and town. Start early for the best light and fewer people on the trail.

Visit the local market. A small but authentic market operates in the town plaza, offering produce, handicrafts, and local snacks. It is far less touristy than the markets in Pisac or Cusco.

Explore nearby attractions. Ollantaytambo makes an excellent base for visiting the Maras Salt Mines and the circular terraces of Moray, both located within a short drive.

Enjoy the local food scene. Several excellent restaurants and cafes line the main street, offering everything from traditional Peruvian dishes to wood-fired pizza. The town has a relaxed atmosphere that invites lingering over a meal.

Practical Tips for Visiting Ollantaytambo

What to Wear and Bring

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip — the stone steps on the terraces can be slippery, especially after rain. Bring layers (mornings and late afternoons can be cool), sunscreen and a hat (UV is intense at altitude), a water bottle, and a rain jacket during the wet season. If you plan to hike to Pinkuylluna, bring a small daypack.

Altitude Considerations

At 2,792 meters, Ollantaytambo is lower than Cusco but still at significant altitude. If you are coming directly from sea level, you may feel the effects during the steep climb up the terraces. Allow yourself to acclimatize in Cusco or the Sacred Valley for at least a day before doing strenuous activities. For detailed altitude preparation, read our Cusco Altitude Sickness Guide.

Where to Stay

Ollantaytambo has accommodation ranging from budget hostels to comfortable boutique hotels. Staying in town puts you within walking distance of the ruins and the train station. Popular neighborhoods include the streets around the main plaza and the quieter areas near the river. Booking ahead is recommended during peak season (June to August).

Guided vs Self-Guided

You can visit the archaeological site independently — the terraces and temple are well-signed and there is a basic route to follow. However, a knowledgeable guide transforms the experience. The history, engineering, and cultural significance of what you are seeing is not immediately obvious from the stones alone. A guide brings the site to life with stories about the Inca Empire, the battle against the Spanish, and the engineering techniques that made the construction possible.

Ollantaytambo in a Sacred Valley Tour

Ollantaytambo is a highlight of any Sacred Valley day trip. A typical full-day Sacred Valley tour from Cusco combines Ollantaytambo with other key sites — usually Pisac (market and ruins), Moray (circular agricultural terraces), and the Maras Salt Mines. This route gives you a comprehensive experience of the valley's archaeological, cultural, and natural diversity in a single day.

Our Sacred Valley Full Day Tour includes Ollantaytambo along with other major sites, private transport, an expert guide, and lunch. For families, we also offer flexible family-friendly itineraries that pace the day around children's needs.

Why Visit Ollantaytambo with Cusco Tours

Ollantaytambo is a place where history, architecture, and living culture intersect in ways that can be hard to fully appreciate on your own. Our local guides grew up in the Sacred Valley and bring personal knowledge and passion to every tour. We handle transport, tickets, and timing so you can focus entirely on the experience.

Whether you visit Ollantaytambo as part of a Sacred Valley day trip or as a stop on your way to Machu Picchu, we design every itinerary around your interests and pace.

Plan your Sacred Valley adventure →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you need at Ollantaytambo?
Plan two to three hours for the archaeological site, including the terrace climb and Temple of the Sun. If you want to explore the town, hike to Pinkuylluna, and have a meal, a half day is ideal. Overnight stays are recommended if you are catching a morning train to Machu Picchu.

Is Ollantaytambo worth visiting?
Absolutely. Ollantaytambo offers a unique combination of impressive Inca ruins, a living Inca town with original architecture still in use, and dramatic mountain scenery. Many visitors consider it one of the highlights of their entire Peru trip.

What is the altitude of Ollantaytambo?
Ollantaytambo sits at 2,792 meters (9,160 feet) above sea level — roughly 600 meters lower than Cusco. Most visitors find the altitude more comfortable here, though the steep climb up the terraces can still be demanding.

Can you visit Ollantaytambo without a guide?
Yes, you can explore the site independently with a Boleto Turístico. However, a guide greatly enhances the experience by explaining the history, significance, and engineering of what you are seeing. The site's stories are not fully conveyed by signs alone.

How do you get from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu?
Take the train from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes). Both Peru Rail and Inca Rail operate multiple daily departures. From Aguas Calientes, a bus takes you up to the entrance of Machu Picchu in about 25 minutes.