Ollantaytambo stands where the Sacred Valley narrows towards Machu Picchu, at about 2,800 m. Its grid of cobbled lanes, stone-walled compounds and running water channels has been lived in continuously since Inca times — it is often called the best-preserved Inca town in Peru.
Above it rises a temple-fortress of steep terraces. In 1537 Manco Inca flooded the plain and held off a Spanish force led by Hernando Pizarro from these walls, one of the few Inca victories of the conquest. Today most trains to Aguas Calientes leave from the station ten minutes’ walk from the square.
Top things to do at Ollantaytambo
Climb Temple Hill
A flight of some 200 steps beside the great terraces leads to the unfinished Temple of the Sun, where six enormous pink granite slabs stand fitted together. They were quarried on the far side of the valley and dragged across the river. Entry is with the Cusco Boleto Turístico.
Wander the Inca town
The blocks north of the square keep their original layout: narrow lanes, a water channel down the middle, and doorways leading into shared courtyards (canchas). It is free and best in the early morning or evening.
Hike up to the Pinkuylluna storehouses
On the hillside facing the fortress, Inca granaries cling to the slope. A steep path reaches them in 20–30 minutes, with the best view of the town and Temple Hill. No ticket is needed.
Look at the fountains and the quarry road
At the foot of the terraces, the Bath of the Princess and other carved fountains still run. Abandoned blocks — the “tired stones” — lie along the old road from the quarry.
How to get to Ollantaytambo
- From Cusco: about two hours by road. Shared colectivos leave from Calle Pavitos when full; taxis and private transfers are easy to arrange.
- On a tour: most Sacred Valley tours stop here, and some end here so you can catch the train — see tours.
- To Machu Picchu: the station is a ten-minute walk downhill from the square; trains take about an hour and a half to two hours.
Insider tips
- Sleeping here before a morning train is easier on the body than Cusco, which is about 600 m higher.
- The fortress is busiest from late morning, when the tour buses arrive. Go at opening or late in the afternoon.
- The Boleto Turístico is not sold for single sites; decide which version you need before you arrive.
- Leave large luggage at your hotel — the train only takes a small bag.
Best tours & tickets for Ollantaytambo
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Ollantaytambo:
Day trip Cusco: Chinchero, Moray & Salt Mines with Drop-off in Ollantaytambo
A Sacred Valley tour designed for onward travel: it finishes in Ollantaytambo so you can stay the night or catch a train to Aguas Calientes, instead of doubling back to Cusco.
- Chinchero, Moray and Maras
- Ends in Ollantaytambo, not Cusco
- Connects with evening trains
Day trip Cusco: Sacred Valley, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Salt Mines and Moray
The whole Sacred Valley in a day, with thousands of reviews. A good way to acclimatise and to see the valley’s main sites before the train. Entrance fees are usually extra — check the listing.
- Pisac and Ollantaytambo
- Moray terraces and Maras salt pans
- Lower altitude than Cusco
2-day tour From Cusco: 2-Day Trip to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Day one tours the Sacred Valley and ends with the train to Aguas Calientes; day two is Machu Picchu, before returning to Cusco. The pace we recommend for most travellers — you sleep low, enter early and avoid a single exhausting day.
- Sacred Valley sights on day one
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu with a guide on day two
