June 16, 2025
The town of Ollantaytambo
A mandatory stop on the way to Machu Picchu by train is Ollantaytambo, a traditional town that preserves much of its infrastructure based on Inca foundations. But it’s not just a place with one of the most important train stations to reach the Wonder of the World—Ollantaytambo also safeguards an Inca fortress, as well as many archaeological attractions that tell stories throughout each of their paths. Discover everything you can do in this incredible town and make your visit to the Sacred Valley an unforgettable experience.
Contents
- What will I find in Ollantaytambo?
- Where is Ollantaytambo?
- What are the best activities I can do in Ollantaytambo?
- Tips for visiting Ollantaytambo
- Frequently Asked Questions
What will I find in Ollantaytambo?
In Ollantaytambo, you’ll find a place full of emotional variety. As a destination frequently visited by people from all around the world, the experiences and preferences are just as diverse. From tourist services and cultural activity centers to tours of some of the most iconic Inca structures.
During the Inca era, Ollantaytambo was a hub where many of their temples and main constructions were located, thanks to its privileged location alongside the Urubamba River, as well as its surrounding agricultural valleys and mountains.
Additionally, throughout each of our walks, we’ll see streets that preserve Inca foundations, which gives beauty to every corner. If we head through the main streets, we’ll follow long water channels in a journey through its historical roots.
Where is Ollantaytambo?
The town of Ollantaytambo is located in the province of Urubamba, approximately 70 kilometers from the city of Cusco. The drive typically takes more than 1 hour and 30 minutes, but the route is filled with breathtaking landscapes.
In any classic tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Ollantaytambo is an essential stop. It’s one of the smallest towns, making it easy to explore on foot. In terms of altitude, it’s one of the most ideal places to acclimate, as it sits at 2,792 meters above sea level.
What are the best activities I can do in Ollantaytambo?
Thanks to its geographic location and the importance it held for both the Inca and pre-Inca cultures, Ollantaytambo offers a wide variety of attractions to explore—natural sites, archaeological locations, tourist services, and cultural centers that provide a much more enriching experience during your visit.
Architectural Fortress of Ollantaytambo
The main attraction of Ollantaytambo, and the Inca legacy through which we can understand the importance of this territory, is the architectural fortress located on one of the main mountains. No extra tours are needed—this site is just a few steps from the center of Ollantaytambo, making it visible from nearly any angle.
Next to this archaeological site, we can explore various historic structures like the Temple of the Sun, the Ñusta’s Bath, the Royal House of the Sun, the Monumental Gateway, and its incredible terraces. The tour begins at the base of the mountain, with a steady climb where we’ll be increasingly amazed, along with stunning scenic views.
Entry is only allowed with the Cusco Tourist Ticket, either through Circuit 3 or the full ticket. Visiting hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Pinkuylluna
The Pinkuylluna fortress is located on the hills above Ollantaytambo. It is believed to have served as a storage facility, as well as for defense and surveillance. Today, it can be reached via a 25-minute walk from Ollantaytambo’s main square.
Entry is completely free, so you can include it in your itinerary without issues. From Pinkuylluna, you’ll see ruins of the fortress, historical enclosures and tombs, along with panoramic views of the entire Sacred Valley.
Ñaupa Church
One of the most mysterious and awe-inspiring places is the Ñaupa Church ceremonial center, located about 15 minutes by car from the center of Ollantaytambo. Once there, a 10-minute hike uphill leads to all the key features of this site.
At the summit, you’ll see a massive stone structure often called a “Huaca” (sacred site), as well as niches in a large adobe wall, a small cave that seemed to have held something important, and a finely carved stone portal. People approach it to feel the unique energy it’s said to emit. The site is also used for various Andean rituals.
Entry to Ñaupa Church is completely free, so you can visit at any time, though we recommend going early in the morning to take in its stunning surroundings.
Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
An impressive structure atop a mountain, Inti Punku or Sun Gate can only be reached by a strenuous four-hour hike from central Ollantaytambo. This site is part of the famous Inca Trail, or Qhapaq Ñan, which connected the entire Tahuantinsuyo empire.
The hike can be a bit tiring due to the constant uphill sections, but the adventure is well worth it, surrounded by majestic landscapes that add even more value to the journey. At the top, you’ll find a large stone gateway with small stairs leading up to it, as well as nearby resting spots to enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and snow-capped peaks.
Entry to Inti Punku is free—the only cost is the effort required to reach it. Near the site, there’s also a perfect spot for camping. It’s definitely one of the most thrilling adventures you can have in Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley.
Walking Through Its Streets
The streets of Ollantaytambo transport you to a magical town where you’ll find views worth pausing to admire. Narrow paths surrounded by Inca walls and water canals tell their own stories as you wander through them.
Whether exploring the traditional market, archaeological sites, or any tourist service, you’ll walk on cobblestone roads that add even more cultural value through their legacy. Every site you visit will enrich your experience in Ollantaytambo—an unmissable gem in the Sacred Valley.
Tips for Visiting Ollantaytambo
Visiting Ollantaytambo is a must during your trip through Cusco and any tour of the Sacred Valley. That’s why we’ve prepared a list of recommendations and tips to help you make the most of your experience—discover them:
- Ollantaytambo is located at an altitude of approximately 2,792 meters above sea level, making it an ideal destination to acclimate during your first days in Cusco.
- You can visit the archaeological fortress of Ollantaytambo between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Access to the Ollantaytambo archaeological site is granted with the full Cusco Tourist Ticket or the Circuit 3 ticket. This ticket also allows visits to Chinchero, Pisac, and Moray.
- Stroll through the streets of Ollantaytambo and take a break from your journey—every corner will surprise you.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks for any of your routes through Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley. Most places you visit will offer perfect spots to rest and relax.
- If you visit Ollantaytambo during the dry season (April to October), you’ll find sunnier and clearer weather, but mornings and nights can be quite cold.
- During the rainy season (November to March), there’s a higher chance of precipitation, but tourist crowds will be much smaller.
- Hiking to Inti Punku is one of the best trekking routes in the Sacred Valley—each landscape you encounter will make the effort absolutely worth it.
- All classic Sacred Valley tours include Ollantaytambo as part of the itinerary, so you won’t need to worry about adding it separately.
- Remember, you can plan your tour of Ollantaytambo and the entire Sacred Valley by deciding how your itinerary will go. Contact our travel advisors to explore all your available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the main attractions in Ollantaytambo?
The main attraction in Ollantaytambo is its archaeological site. You can also visit the Pinkuylluna archaeological complex, Ñaupa Church, and take a hike to Inti Punku.
2. Where is Ollantaytambo located?
Ollantaytambo is located in the Urubamba province, about 70 kilometers from Cusco. The car ride takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
3. What activities can I do in Ollantaytambo?
You can visit archaeological sites such as the Ollantaytambo fortress or Pinkuylluna, hike to Inti Punku, and enjoy a wide range of local experiences offered by the town.
4. What are the visiting hours for the Ollantaytambo archaeological site?
The Ollantaytambo fortress is open to the public from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Entry is granted with either the full Cusco Tourist Ticket or the Circuit 3 partial ticket.
5. Do I need to pay to visit Pinkuylluna or Ñaupa Church?
No, both sites are free to enter. Pinkuylluna is just a 25-minute walk from the center of Ollantaytambo, and Ñaupa Church requires a 15-minute car ride plus a short hike.
6. How difficult is the hike to Inti Punku?
The hike to Inti Punku takes about four hours. It is physically demanding but offers spectacular scenery along the way.
7. What is the best time of year to visit Ollantaytambo?
The dry season (April to October) is the best time to enjoy clear skies and sunny days, although nights can be cold. During the rainy season (November to March), there’s a higher chance of rain but fewer visitors.
8. Do I need to acclimate before visiting Ollantaytambo?
Ollantaytambo is located at 2,792 meters above sea level, making it an excellent place to acclimate before heading to higher-altitude destinations like Cusco or Machu Picchu.
9. How do I get from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu?
The most common and fastest way is to take the train from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes, the base town for visiting Machu Picchu. The trip takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
10. What ticket do I need to enter the Ollantaytambo fortress?
To enter the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, you need either the Circuit 3 Tourist Ticket or the full Cusco Tourist Ticket. Both include other key sites in the Sacred Valley as well.