The Very Best Things To Do In Ollantaytambo Peru

Is Ollantaytambo Worth Visiting?

Whilst Cusco remains the biggest urban highlight for tourists heading to this Andean region, we also think it’s really worth stopping off in Ollantaytambo during your trip.

This is because the town is much smaller and less developed than Cusco, meaning it will feel more authentic and have a more traditional feel (which is similar to the town of Pisac in the Sacred Valley). Here we can walk around ancient markets and also see locals dressed in traditional clothing – who are actually dressed that way for preserving their culture rather than just for tourism.

Ollantaytambo is also home to its very own Inca ruins, which tower above the town on a steep hill. The most famous site here is the Sun Temple, which also has an incredible panoramic spot for looking-out over the surrounding Andean region. Other key ancient sites to visit here include the Face of Wiracocha and the Cachicata Quarry, both of which were more fine examples of the Inca’s creative work.

The Best Things To Do In Ollantaytambo Peru

Let’s now take a look at the very best things to see and do in Ollantaytambo, which is a must-visit for anyone that is exploring the Cusco region.

Explore The Ollantaytambo Ruins

One of the main highlights of a visit here, the Ollantaytambo Ruins were first created for agricultural purposes – with many terraces that were once used for growing crops. They are best known for housing the Wall of the Six Monoliths, which are six giant stones that each weigh a hefty 50 tonnes each. Another highlight of this Inca creation is the Sun Temple, which sits at the top and offers some spectacular views out over the surrounding Sacred Valley region.

Hike Around The Inca Quarry

Known as the Cachicata Quarry, this mountain area was once the construction site for many of the finest Inca stone creations that we can spot today. Here we can hike around the site and learn how this civilisation infamously moved these giant stones (some weighing dozens of tonnes), and also see some interesting works that have remained here. The hike will take roughly 2-3 hours to complete from Ollantaytambo, so you’ll want to make sure you wear lots of sunscreen and bring water given you’ll be out in the hot sun.

Visit The Iconic Maras Salt Mines

By far one of the most famous sites of the Cusco region, this area was originally created by the Wari civilization who actually predated the Inca. Here we can find dozens of small pools on the hill that vary from bright whites to darker browns, and make for a really memorable photo. Here you can also buy the authentic Marasal Salt which is harvested directly from these pools. Although they are located roughly 37 km away from Ollantaytambo, this must-visit site is best visited from here given its relative distance and ease of getting here. Here at AB Expeditions we also offer the opportunity to visit the Maras Salt Mines when visiting Ollantaytambo on our Sacred Valley tour.

Chill Out In The Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas is the heart of any Peruvian town or city, and it’s the same case for that of Ollantaytambo too. Here we can sit on a bench and enjoy the impressive mountain views, and even see local performances and festivals too if we’re lucky. The Plaza de Armas is also the center for all things tourism – so we’ll find plenty of accommodation options and restaurants all around this area (which also is the overall best place to base yourself if wanting to spend several days staying in Ollantaytambo).

Browse For Unique Souvenirs In The Local Market

Whilst we can find souvenirs in abundance around Cusco’s historic center, they tend to be more expensive and look quite similar to each other. However the Ollantaytambo Market offers a much more diverse range of local goods, which are also sold at a better price (which is similar with the many other local markets in towns like Pisac and Chinchero). The market is located right outside of the Ollantaytambo Ruins entrance, where we can browse for Alpaca garments, ponchos and traditional handwoven bags.

Photo by George Alvarez

Marvel At The Face Of Wiracocha

The ancient Inca civilisation were well known for their abundance of elaborate and intricate designs, which can be found all throughout the Sacred Valley region. And another more mysterious one can be seen up the Pinkuylluna Mountain, which is a rock sculpture that appears to look like Wiracocha – the creator deity of the Inca. The best views can be seen at the top of Ollantaytambo Ruins, and usually guides will help point out this mysterious creation.

How To Get From Cusco To Ollantaytambo 

Below we’ll explore your main options of getting to Ollantaytambo from Cusco, which are either by public transport or by heading with an organized tour.

Using Public Transportation

If you’re looking to head to Ollantaytambo independently, then you can take the colectivos and small buses from Cisco’s Historic Center.

They tend to board and leave frequently on Calle Pavitos, however there is no set schedule since they are only leaving once filled. The trip will take roughly 1.5-2 hours to reach Ollantaytambo, and you can use the same method to come back to Cusco.

Heading With An Organised Tour

The preferred option for the majority of tourists will be to head on a tour from Cusco. Here you’ll have hotel pick-up and drop-off included, and also head straight to each attraction (instead of having to walk or take separate taxis).

Here at AB Expeditions we operate a Sacred Valley Day Tour where we will visit Ollantaytambo as well as include a private tour around the ancient ruins. We also have options to visit an Alpaca Farm, Moray Ruins, the Maras Salt Ponds and more too during the day trip.

The Best Time To Visit Ollantaytambo 

Like with the rest of the Cusco region, Ollantaytambo has two distinct weather seasons which can really vary your experience.

The dry season is the most popular time to visit, which runs from May until October. Here we will have clear blue skies most days, which are perfect for exploring the ruins and heading out on day trips with zero weather interruptions. Average daily temperatures hover between 48-53°F, with highs of 65°F and lows of 33°F. Rainfall is almost non-existent during these months, with 0.1-0.5 inches falling throughout each month.

The wet season starts around late October, and continues through until April. Temperatures are slightly warmer during this period, with averages of 51-54°F, daytimes highs of 65°F and evening lows of down to 41°F. Rainfall does also increase during these months, where anything from 1-4.2 inches will fall throughout each of these months. It’s a good idea to bring a poncho and waterproofs if heading to Ollantaytambo (and the rest of the Cusco region) during these months.

It’s important to know that regardless of the season you visit, the daytime sun will be quite intense. For this reason you’ll want to wear lots of sunscreen to avoid burning (which is surprisingly easy here – even if temperatures don’t seem so hot on paper), and also to keep drinking lots of water throughout the day.

Things To Do In Ollantaytambo FAQ

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about the best things to do in Ollantaytambo, how to plan your visit as well as anything else important that you need to know.

Is It Better To Stay In Cusco Or Ollantaytambo?

This really depends on what kind of experience you want, and how long you have. Most travelers tend to stay in Cusco and visit Ollantaytambo with a Sacred Valley day tour, which covers the most important sites. However if you do choose to stay here, you’ll find prices are affordable and that you’ll also have more time to see everything at a more relaxed pace (and get a more local feel to the town).

How Long Is The Train Ride From Ollantaytambo To Machu Picchu?

Further along the train tracks, you’ll be much closer to Machu Picchu here than if boarding the train from Cusco. From Ollantaytambo, the scenic train ride will take roughly 1.5 hours to reach the station of Aguas Calientes, where you will enjoy surreal mountain vistas all along the way. From there you’ll then need to take the bus or walk up to Machu Picchu.

How Much Time Is Needed In Ollantaytambo?

Overall it really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking to have in Ollantaytambo. If you just want to see the main sites then you can do this with a day trip from Cusco, however if you want to stay longer and get a better feel for the town then we could recommend spending between 4-7 days here. Many travelers end up spending even longer here too, which is especially the case if they want to do more hiking or integrate better into the local cultures.

Overview Of The Best Things To Do In Ollantaytambo 

And that’s all for this guide on the best things to see and do in Ollantaytambo, Peru.

Ollantaytambo is one of the better-known towns within the Sacred Valley, and is one that is really worth exploring for a more novel perspective of the area. Here we can not only explore the infamous ancient ruins and carved structures, however can also enjoy a more authentic mountainous town whilst getting some brilliant souvenirs from the local market.

Did you know that you will visit the ancient town of Ollantaytambo on the way when hiking the Classic Four Day Inca Trail? It makes for a first great stop, where you will learn more about the Inca Trail and other ancient ruins you will see along the way.