The Best Things to do in Ollantaytambo

There are many things to do in Ollantaytambo and its well worth spending a few days here to see the historical sites and participate in some outdoor activities.

Most travellers who visit the Sacred Valley do so from Cusco in Peru. They will catch the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, see Machu Picchu and return 24 hours later.

However, in doing so, they miss out the very best parts of the Sacred Valley and many of the activities in Ollantaytambo.

An image of Ollantaytambo town

Ollantaytambo is one of the best places to visit in Peru, and I enjoyed my time here probably more than at Machu Picchu.

This guide will give you all the information you need to plan your sacred valley tour when choosing what to do in Peru.

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What to do in Ollantaytambo Peru in the heart of the Sacred Valley

 Table of Contents
1Inca Ruins of Ollantaytambo
2Pinkuylluna
3Ollantaytambo Village
4Mercado San Pedro
5Restaurants
6Sacred Valley Brewery
7Walk to the Inca Bridge
8Day trips from Ollantaytambo
9Moray
10Maras
11Visit an Andean rural village
12Top things to do in Peru (Ollantaytambo) for Adrenaline Seekers
13Moray to Maras Bike ride
14Stay overnight at the Sky Lodge
15Horseback riding tour to Inti Punku
16FQA about things to do in Peru
17Where to stay in Ollantaytambo

The first section of this Ollantaytambo guide focuses on the best things to do in Ollantaytambo, while the second part gives information on the best day trips in the Sacred Valley.

Things to do Ollantaytambo

Top of your Ollantaytambo what-to-do list has to be a visit to the Ollantaytambo Inca ruins.

Inca Ruins of Ollantaytambo.

The main attraction in town is the Ollantaytambo ruins. Although smaller than Machu Picchu they are equally impressive. The best part about staying in the Sacred Valley of the Inca’s is that you can visit before the day tours arrive.

An image of Ollantaytambo ruins Peru

Opening times of ruins, Ollantaytambo

If you wish to visit Ollantaytambo Inca fortress it opens between 7 am and 5.30 pm every day of the week.

The tourist buses start to arrive at the ruins of Ollantaytambo from 11 am so its best to get there early.

Unfortunately, this small town becomes busy with day tours from Cusco to Sacred Valley from midday onwards.

As we stayed at a hotel in Ollantaytambo, we were able to visit the ruins first thing. There was only a handful of people there, and it felt like we had the Ollantaytambo ruins to ourselves.

What can you see at the ruins in Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley

The Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo is thought to have been built in 1400, and the site was mainly used for religious ceremonies.

It was, however, used as a fortress by Emperor Pachacuti and the site is no stranger to battles.

The fortress sits on Temple Hill and its impressive from all angles, but the vistas from the top are incredible.

From here you get spectacular views over the town of Ollantaytambo, and the mountains form a stunning backdrop to the Urubamba valley below.

An image of the view from the top of Peru Ollantaytambo ruins

Of course, you have to climb the 200 giant steps to get there. Thankfully there are plenty of resting points on the various tiers along the way.

Before you reach the top of the fortress, you’ll arrive at the Temple of the Sun. The stonework here is as impressive as that seen at Machu Picchu.

Image of the Temple of the Sun at Ollantaytambo ruins
Ollantaytambo Temple of the Sun

The Sun Temple Ollantaytambo is incomplete, but the wall of the six monoliths is both huge and impressive.

It’s almost inconceivable to think how the Incas transported these stones weighing 50 tonnes each, up the hill.

At the bottom of Temple Hill, you enter the leading ceremonial site, which has numerous baths and fountains.

The irrigation system designed by the Inca’s is a feat of engineering, and I think its clearer to see at these ruins than most of the other Peru sights.

An image of me at the Inca ruins in Ollantaytambo with the storehouses in the background
Standing at the top of the Ollantaytambo Fortress

Standing at the top of the fortress, you’ll be able to see the Ollantaytambo storehouses or Pinkuylluna as its known.

Pinkuylluna

You can climb the hill to see the storehouses, but it’s a challenging hike, and the path is rather treacherous.

An image of the granaries known as Pinkuylluna

If you do want to climb to see them, it takes an hour and its a steep climb. You’ll see the signpost for the path at Plaza de Armas.

Ollantaytambo Village

Exploring the town is one of the most beautiful things to do in Ollantaytambo. The narrow cobbled streets are full of charm and character.

Of course, you can see remnants of the Inca’s work everywhere but most of all in the cascading water irrigation channels that flow down the side of the streets.

Locals still use these channels as a source of water today in Ollantaytambo town.

An image of Dave with a Peruvian man dressed in traditional clothes

The Ollantaytambo market at the foot of the ruins is an excellent place to buy souvenirs, and you’ll often spot Peruvians dressed in traditional clothing, just going about their daily business.

Mercado San Pedro

For a taste of real Peruvian life, the Mercado San Pedro is an excellent place to visit. Here you’ll find all sorts of Peruvian delights and its a great place to try a few exciting snacks.

An image of the market at Ollantaytambo, Peru

If your interested in taking a cooking class which includes a visit to the market, click here for more information.

Ollantaytambo Restaurants

The town has several good bars and restaurants but for a terrific view of both the ruins and the cobbled streets below, make sure you visit the Inca towers resto-bar.

An image of the Inca Towers Resto Bar Ollantaytambo best restaurants with a view
Ollantaytambo best restaurants with a view

The pancakes are delicious, and the world flags covering the ceiling makes for interesting conversation.

The town has several excellent restaurants many of which are situated around the Ollantaytambo Plaza de Armas.

Restaurants in Ollantaytambo generally have a vegetarian option and I never found it difficult to find tasty food.

If you are gluten intolerant I can highly recommend purchasing the Latin American Gluten-free travel card by Jodi Ettenberg.

If you are gluten intolerant I can highly recommend purchasing the Latin American Gluten-free travel card by Jodi Ettenberg.

Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley Brewing)

This local brewery is on the outskirts of town, but it’s easy to get there in a tuk-tuk or taxi, and if you like beer, you’ll love it here.

Image of the brewing tanks at the Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado_

Ask the driver to drop you at the Pachar Bridge. The brewery offers tastings and the food in the restaurant is delicious.

You can read more about Cerveceria del Valle here.

Walk to the Inca bridge.

Although the Inca bridge is not an impressive Inca ruin the walk along the Urubamba River is undoubtedly worthwhile.

The scenery is beautiful, and it’s so peaceful its a real treat. You’re likely to have hummingbirds in your company and some pretty butterflies.

To get to there, follow the paved road out of Ollantaytambo to Cusco, as you approach the second significant bend there’s a path on the right that goes along the river.

Take this path and continue to follow it. It does get steep at times, so make sure you wear a good pair of hiking boots.

A picture of the Urubamba Valley

It takes about 30 minutes to get to the bridge and its worth crossing over it and continuing a bit further as the vistas get better and better.

If you wish you can continue to the quarry where the stone for the fortress was extracted. However, it’s about 6km and in the heat of the midday sun its quite strenuous.

Make sure you carry plenty of water, lots of sun protection and a hat. It’s also wise to cover yourself in insect repellent.

Day trips from Ollantaytambo.

Heres my guide on things to do in Sacred Valley, Peru from Ollantaytambo

Moray

The ruins at Moray are one of the more unusual Inca Peru sights. They have a unique layout that comprises of circular depressions in the earth.

The deepest circle is 30 metres below ground level. As each tier gets higher, it also gets bigger.

An image of the Inca Circles at moray

It’s not known what these tiers and circles were used for by the Incas. However, as with many other sites, there’s an intricate irrigation system and its believed that these were used for agricultural experiments and to grow crops.

The circular tiers act as-as a microclimate, but in recent years there have been concerns over the erosion to the structure. Consequently, new structures support several sections.

How to get to Moray

The easiest way to get from Ollantaytambo to Moray if you do not wish to go as part of a tour is by taxi. The taxi rank is near the main square in the town.

Maras

The Maras salt mines are an incredible sight on the side of the mountain. The white salt pans glitter under the suns rays when you see them from a distance.

An image of the glistening white salt pans of Maras
The view of the salt mines ahead as we travelled from Ollantaytambo to Maras.

Since the time of the Incas, Maras has collected salt here. The salty water originates from an underwater stream and emerges from a spring.

It then travels through a complex set of pools while the water evaporates. You can walk around the mine and see the different stages of the process.

An image of myself stood at the Salt pans in Maras, Peru
Me with my partner on our bike tour of Moras and Moray

Members of the local community each have a pool, and many of the locals make a living from selling their produce.

Its such good value you’ll be tempted to purchase lots.

Visit an Andean Rural Village

If you’re interested in learning more about Peruvian textiles, the wool and dye the women use, this is a fabulous sacred valley tour.

An image of a Peruvian lady weaving
tours from Ollantaytambo

On a visit to a Quechua community, you can learn all about traditional weaving here in the Sacred Valley and lots about Andean indigenous culture.

After learning how to spin your yarn from Alpaca wool and how to use natural dyes to colour it, you’ll get to have a go at weaving yourself.

You’ll also have the chance to enjoy a homecooked meal prepared by one of the villagers. It’s a fabulous trip which gives a unique insight into the lives of the rural people here in Peru.

Click here if you want to learn more.

The Top Things to do in Peru (Ollantaytambo) for Adrenaline Seekers

Moray to Moras Bike Tour

Taking a tour by mountain bike is a fantastic way to explore the Urubamba Valley and the sites of Moray and Maras. If you like mountain biking and you’re looking for things to do in the Sacred Valley, this tour is for you.

The ride is moderately tricky and off the road, so some experience of handling mountain bikes is beneficial.

An image of me with a helmet on at the start of the Moray to Maras bike ride
Maras Moray Ollantaytambo tour by bike

The tour begins by driving from Ollantaytambo through the Sacred Valley of Peru to the site of Moray. After exploring the place of Moray, there’s a 9 km ride along a single track which takes you through local farmland.

The views of the Urubamba glacier range are stunning along the way.

The end of this trail brings you to Maras, and after a short detour around the town, the mountain bike ride becomes a little more challenging.

An image of the statue in the centre of Maras with a donkey on the top and an image of moray Inca site on the side.

Negotiating the somewhat rocky, steep and narrow track down to the salt mines is not easy. I have to admit that I had to get off the bike on quite a few occasions. However, the guide was fabulous and was happy to wait for me and some of the others to catch up.

From the salt mines, there’s quite a steep albeit short climb back to the river Urubamba where the bus collected us.

It was a fabulous way to spend the afternoon, and the chocolate with salt that we purchased at the mines was divine. It was devoured before we even made it back to Ollantaytambo.

Stay overnight at the Sky Lodge Ollantaytambo

The Ollantaytambo sky lodge capsules are not for those who have a fear of heights. These unique pods hang 400 meters high from the side of the mountain.

An image of the Skylodge pods on the side of the mountain

To reach the pod, you either have to have to climb via cable line or with a zip line. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

In the pod, you’ll enjoy fine dining, with an incredible view to admire. After a cosy night in this, all-glass pod breakfast is served.

Then the adventure begins as you descend via five zip lines. This has to be one of the most fun things to do in Peru.

For more information on this thrilling adventure click here.

Horseback Riding Tour to Inti Punku from Ollantaytambo

If you haven’t got time to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu you can experience part of the journey on horseback. The 8-hour ride takes you past many Inca ruins that are not frequented by tourists.

You’ll stop at Las Canterras, the quarry where much of the stone was extracted from before continuing onto Inti Punku.

Inti Punku Ollantaytambo was once the main entrance to Machu Picchu and although you can’t see the actual site the sun gate is an important archaeological ruin of the area.

Click here for more information about horse riding to Inti Punku.

FQA about Things to do in Ollantaytambo

What’s the elevation of Ollantaytambo Peru?

Ollantaytambo, altitude is 2,792 m (9,160 ft) which is lower than Cusco. Therefore if you’re concerned about altitude sickness it’s better to stay and visit these sacred valley ruins before going to Cusco.

Machu Picchu is also much closer, so it makes a great place to acclimatise to the elevation.

Ollantaytambo Elevation2,792 m (9,160 ft)
Cusco Elevation3,399 m (11,152 ft)
Machu Picchu Elevation2,430 metres (7,970 feet) 

What’s the weather in Ollantaytambo like?

The Ollantaytambo weather changes little throughout the year. The temperature in the summer months (May-September) is around 20°C. However, when we visited in August, it was closer to 30°C.

Between mid-November and the end of March, the weather in Ollantaytambo is more likely to be wet. However, the temperatures don’t really vary that much from the summer months.

How do you get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo?

From Cusco city or airport to Ollantaytambo the easiest way is to get a taxi. The distance from Cusco to Ollantaytambo is approximately 70km by road.

It will take around 1.5 hours from the airport and the drive through the Urubamba Valley is beautiful.

You can prebook a transfer from Cusco airport or your hotel to Ollantaytambo at this link.

Can you get to Macchu Picchu from Ollantaytambo?

Getting the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is easy. Ollantaytambo station is a 5-minute walk from the centre of town, and the Inca train regularly runs along this route.

Image of the Inca rail train passing through the valley
Machu Picchu Ollantaytambo train

Trips to Machu Picchu are easy to arrange from Ollantaytambo, and you can book your Machu Picchu travel arrangements online.

There are several entry tickets available for Machu Picchu and while you can book directly through the Ministry of Culture website the page is not easy to navigate.

Machu Picchu tickets the easier way

Booking your ticket through the third party website Get Your Guide may be more expensive but it’s considerably easier. You will receive an email confirmation straight away and the website is fast and reliable.

Where to stay in Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley

There are plenty of guesthouses to choose from in and around Ollantaytambo. El Albergue is my recommendation if you want to be close to the train station for an early morning departure to Machu Pichhu.

El Albergue

The hotel is rustic but the decor and gardens are beautiful.  From the terrace, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding scenery and the Ollantaytambo ruins are only a short walk away. 

El Albergue also has a sauna to relax in and wifi is free throughout the property.  Continental breakfast is included and the insight cafe sells delightful dishes made from homegrown products. 

You can rent a bike from the hotel to explore the surrounding area and they’ll help you organise transfers to and from the airport.

If you prefer to book through Agoda you can check out their prices here.

Sauce Andes Boutique hotel

If you want to be in the centre of town the Sauce Andes boutique hotel is family run and an excellent choice.  Breakfast includes products such as honey and fruit from the property’s own farm. 

The hotel is brightly decorated and all rooms are ensuite.  The train station is only a short walk away and the view of the Ollantaytambo ruins is beautiful from the property. 

Wifi is free and they will help you book transfers to and from the airport if needed.

You can also book the Sauce Andes hotel through booking.com if you prefer.

Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco to Ollantaytambo

If you are not able to stay in Ollantaytambo it’s definitely worth taking a sacred valley tour from Cusco. The area has so much to offer and the scenery is breathtaking.

You can check out the tours available through TripAdvisor here or if you prefer to use Get Your Guide this link will take you directly to their tours.

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Fiona
Fiona

Hi, I’m Fiona Berry- I live in Lancashire in the North of England, but my job as an instrumental music examiner takes me all over the world. Travel has enriched my life in so many ways and allowed me to experience different cultures, make new friends and see extraordinary sights. Through this blog, I share my knowledge and expertise so that my readers have all the resources they require to ensure their travels provide unique and unforgettable memories to destinations that are beyond the ordinary.

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