Ollantaytambo City
Inca archaeological site and living mountain town
In the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo’s terraces and steep streets are living Inca architecture; travelers arrive for the fortress, scenic hikes, local markets and the train link toward 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#
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Ollantaytambo Bucket List#
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.
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.
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.
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.
May - September
2°C to 20°C (36°F to 68°F)
Sunny, clear days and cold nights - perfect trekking and photography conditions. Expect busy ruins but stable trails and minimal rain.
November - March
8°C to 22°C (46°F to 72°F)
Frequent afternoon downpours turn trails slick and views misty; ruins can be atmospheric but plan for cancelled hikes and muddier conditions.
April & October
5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F)
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.
January
January is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (127 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 5°C. The driest month with just 4 mm.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 4°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 6°C. Almost no rain.
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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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#
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
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
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.
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.
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.
