Ollantaytambo Ruins

The Basics

There are many options for exploring the archeological park. Private or group tours include day trips from Cusco or multi-day tours combined with visits to Lima, Machu Picchu, and various towns in the Sacred Valley, such as Chinchero, Moray, Pisac, and Maras—each with their own worthy attractions. Other tour options make the most of the the exquisite scenery on mountain bikes and ATVs, and most include transportation, entrance fees, accommodations, and guides.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Ollantaytambo Ruins is a must for archaeology and history buffs, as well as first-time visitors to the Sacred Valley.

• Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking a lot on uneven stones. The best view—a panorama of the remains of several temples and ceremonial fountains—is atop 200 steps.

• Because of the high altitude, be sure to stay hydrated and take it slow. Chewing on coca leaves or drinking coca tea helps alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.

• Tours operate in all weather conditions, so remember to dress appropriately: sweaters for colder months and a rain poncho for rainy season.

How to Get There

The Ollantaytambo Ruins are about 12 miles (19.2 kilometers) from Urubamba, and 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Cusco. Trains running between Cusco and Aguas Calientes (for Machu Picchu) stop at Ollantaytambo, which is the halfway mark along the route. Alternatively, many tours include round-trip transportation.

When to Get There

The archeological park is open daily from the early morning until the evening, year-round. Arrive early for a less crowded visit, before the tour groups arrive. Dry season in the Sacred Valley is from May to October, and rainy season generally spans January through April.

Behind the Scenes

Follow the 3.5-mile (6-kilometer) trail to the quarry on the other side of the river to see where the Incas procured the immense stone blocks for their construction. Ever the ingenious builders, they diverted the river to flush the stones down to a construction site.

Ways to explore

Options for exploring the Ollantaytambo Ruins are plentiful. Sacred Valley day trips from Cusco often combine Ollantaytambo with other Inca highlights, such as the weaving town of Chinchero, the agricultural terraces of Moray, and the pink-tinted salt pools of Maras. Ollantaytambo train station is the most popular departure point for trains to Machu Picchu, so many multi-day trips spend some time at the ruins before heading off to visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Other tour options make the most of Ollantaytambo’s exquisite scenery on mountain bikes and ATVs, letting you get off the beaten path.

Accessibility

A flat, relatively even path leads from the entrance to the lower areas of the ruins, though some of the uneven upper sections might pose more difficulties.

Age limits

None, although the ruins might not interest young kids.

What to pack

High altitude intensifies the sun's rays, so pack plenty of SPF even if it looks cloudy.

What to wear

Dress for all eventualities, as Ollantaytambo is fully exposed and the Sacred Valley is prone to everything from hot sun, strong winds, and heavy downpours.

Not allowed

Climbing on the ruins, drones

Amenities

Restrooms, snack stalls, ticket office

Address 

The Ollantaytambo Ruins are about 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Urubamba, and 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Cusco.

Driving

From Cusco Historic Centre, head northwest towards Chinchero, following signs for the Sacred Valley. Continue towards Urubamba and stay on the main paved highway heading towards Ollantaytambo. There’s ample parking near the station.

Public transportation

Trains running between Cusco and Aguas Calientes (for Machu Picchu) stop at Ollantaytambo, the halfway point along the route. Popular rail services such as the Vistadome by Peru Rail, famous for its floor-to-ceiling windows, depart from this station.

Best times to visit

Most day trips visit Ollantaytambo in the late morning or early afternoon before taking the train to Aguas Calientes, so come in the late afternoon for fewer crowds.

Best days to visit

Weekdays see slightly fewer crowds than the busy weekend days.

Best months to visit

For the best weather for outdoor exploration, visit the Sacred Valley in the dry season from May through December.

Special events

Ollantaytambo’s biggest celebration is the Festivity of the Señor de Choquekillka, which honors the town’s patron saint with parades, music, and dancing.