Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo at a Glance
Costs: $60-$120 per day - tourist-oriented pricing - budget to midrange depending on hotels and guided tours to ruins and trains.
Safety: Generally safe, usual tourist caution advised - generally safe for tourists; watch for petty theft in crowded spots and be mindful of altitude.
Best Time: May to September - dry season - dry season offers clear skies for ruins, trekking and train travel to Machu Picchu.
Why Visit Ollantaytambo?
Set in the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo draws travelers who want living Inca history, with its terraced ruins, steep stone fortress and original Inca street plan still used by residents. The town’s cobbled streets, daily market and Quechua-speaking communities give a rare chance to experience Andean culture alongside visits to Machu Picchu-bound trains. Local markets and mountain cuisine - think hearty pachamanca and chicha - complement nearby hiking and valley panoramas.
Best Things to Do in Ollantaytambo
Ruins
Machu Picchu
Inca citadel perched on Andean mountain ridge
Valley
Sacred Valley
Peruvian Andean valley with Inca archaeological sites
Archaeological Site
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Ancient trekking route leading to Machu Picchu ruins
Archaeological Site
Sacsayhuamán
Massive Inca fortress with impressive cyclopean stonework
Square
Plaza de Armas (Cusco)
Central colonial square surrounded by historic churches
Archaeological Site
Moray (Inca ruin)
Circular Inca agricultural terraces used for crop experiments
Church
Cusco Cathedral
Colonial cathedral on Cusco's Plaza de Armas
Archaeological Site
Tambomachay
Inca ceremonial baths with precise stone fountains
Ollantaytambo Bucket List
Don't Miss
Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park - Massive Inca terraces, Temple of the Sun, and original Inca town planning remains.
Pinkuylluna Inca Storehouses - Steep trail leads to ancient storehouses with views over the valley and ruins.
Ollantaytambo Main Square - Cobblestone plaza lined with colonial houses, markets, and traditional Andean vendors.
Hidden Gems
Local artisan market - Handwoven textiles, ceramics, and alpaca products sold by local weavers and cooperatives.
Huchuy Qosqo trek access - Trailhead near town offers full-day hikes to lesser-known Inca sites and mountain views.
Train viewing platform - Quiet vantage point to watch historic Andean train journeys pass through the valley.
Day Trips
Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) - Train from Ollantaytambo reaches Aguas Calientes, gateway town for Machu Picchu visits.
Maras and Moray - Short drive to ancient agricultural terraces and the famous salt pans near Maras.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is best in the dry season (May-September) when trails and Inca sites are sunlit and accessible. The wet season brings heavy afternoon rains and muddier trekking conditions-visit during dry months for reliable hiking and photography.
Dry Season
Sunny, clear days and cold nights - perfect trekking and photography conditions. Expect busy ruins but stable trails and minimal rain.
Rainy Season
Frequent afternoon downpours turn trails slick and views misty; ruins can be atmospheric but plan for cancelled hikes and muddier conditions.
Transition (April & October)
Short windows of dry weather and thinner crowds; a gamble between clear days and early or late rains but often pleasantly quiet.
Ollantaytambo's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 4°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (672 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 8° - 21° | 15° | 127 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.7h |
| February | Acceptable | 9° - 21° | 15° | 126 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.6 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| March | Acceptable | 9° - 21° | 15° | 103 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.5 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Very Good | 8° - 22° | 15° | 45 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 1.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.7h |
| May | Excellent | 6° - 22° | 14° | 12 mm | some cloud | 82% | 1.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.4h |
| June | Excellent | 5° - 22° | 13° | 4 mm | some cloud | 78% | 1.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.2h |
| July | Excellent | 5° - 22° | 13° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 74% | 1.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.3h |
| August | Excellent | 6° - 23° | 14° | 9 mm | some cloud | 71% | 1.8 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.6h |
| September | Excellent | 7° - 23° | 15° | 17 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Excellent | 8° - 24° | 16° | 42 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.3h |
| November | Very Good | 9° - 23° | 16° | 68 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 1.9 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.6h |
| December | Good | 9° - 22° | 15° | 111 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.8 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.8h |
How to Get to Ollantaytambo
Most visitors reach Ollantaytambo via Cusco - Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) - then travel by road into the Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo’s railway station is the primary departure point for trains to Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu.
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ): From Cusco airport (CUZ) the usual way to reach Ollantaytambo is by road. Shared tourist vans and colectivos run from Cusco to the Sacred Valley and take about 1.5-2 hours; expect roughly S/10-25 (≈USD 3-8) for a shared minivan and about S/120-200 (≈USD 35-60) for a private taxi or transfer.
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM): If you arrive internationally at Lima (LIM) you normally connect by domestic flight to Cusco (flight ~1h20). After landing in Cusco follow the CUZ options above.
Train: Ollantaytambo has the Ollantaytambo railway station - the main rail gateway to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu). PeruRail and Inca Rail run multiple daily services; the train to Aguas Calientes takes about 1.5-2 hours. Ticket prices vary by service level: expect roughly USD 40-200 one way (cheaper Expedition/local-style services, higher for Vistadome/First Class).
Bus/Colectivo/Car: Regular tourist minibuses and colectivos link Cusco and towns in the Sacred Valley (including Ollantaytambo); travel time by road is about 1.5-2 hours and fares for shared vans are commonly S/10-30. Intercity buses from Cusco depart from the main bus terminals and private transfers are widely available.
How to Get Around Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is best navigated on foot once you arrive; the town is compact and pedestrian-friendly. For onward travel to Machu Picchu use the regular train services from Ollantaytambo station; to reach the town from Cusco the most practical options are shared minivans (colectivos) or private transfers.
- Train (PeruRail / Inca Rail) (USD 40-200) - The train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is the standard way to visit Machu Picchu. Options range from basic Expedition trains to premium Vistadome and private services; journey time is about 1.5-2 hours. Book in advance during high season - prices vary widely by class.
- Bus / Colectivo (Cusco ⇄ Ollantaytambo) (S/10-30) - Shared minibuses and colectivos between Cusco and the Sacred Valley are frequent and budget-friendly. Travel time is roughly 1.5-2 hours depending on stops; expect S/10-30 one way. Minivans are the common choice for independent travelers.
- Private transfer / Taxi (S/120-200) - Private taxis or door-to-door transfers from Cusco to Ollantaytambo are convenient when traveling with luggage or a group. The drive is about 1.5-2 hours; prices are typically S/120-200 depending on vehicle and negotiation.
- Intercity coach / tour bus (S/30-120 (varies by tour)) - Some tour operators run coach services that combine guided stops in the Sacred Valley with drop-offs in Ollantaytambo. These are pricier than colectivos but include commentary and scheduled stops; travel time depends on the itinerary.
- Walking - Ollantaytambo village is compact and best explored on foot; terraces, ruins and the main plaza are all walkable from the train station and central streets. Wear comfortable shoes on uneven stone streets and steps.
Where to Stay in Ollantaytambo
Budget
Town centre / near train station - $15-50/night
Many budget hostels and family-run guesthouses near the main square and train station; great for backpackers and Inca site access.
El Albergue Ollantaytambo - Railway-adjacent hostel-style rooms
Hostal Albeniz - Basic, central rooms
Mid-Range
Central Ollantaytambo - $60-140/night
Strong mid-range choices: polished guesthouses and boutique hotels offering good comfort, breakfast, and easy access to the ruins.
Pakaritampu Hotel - Comfortable rooms, close to ruins
Tierra Viva Ollantaytambo - Reliable mid-range Peruvian chain
Luxury
Central / riverside - $150-350/night
Ollantaytambo has a couple boutique properties that feel high-end; for true luxury consider nearby Aguas Calientes or Cusco for more options.
El Albergue (upgraded rooms) - High-quality service, scenic grounds
Luxury stays closer to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) - For premium post-ruin stays
Where to Eat in Ollantaytambo
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Ollantaytambo’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Ollantaytambo
Nightlife in Ollantaytambo is low-key and tourist-oriented: restaurants and a handful of bars around the plaza are lively after dinner, especially in high season. Expect live music or events at a few venues during peak months. If you want a more energetic night out, larger towns such as Cusco have late-night options and clubs a drive away.
Shopping in Ollantaytambo
The town has numerous small craft shops around the main square selling Andean textiles, alpaca garments and carved souvenirs. Prices vary by quality; haggling is common in market-style stalls. For a wider selection, larger markets in nearby Pisac and Cusco offer more variety and bargaining opportunities.