How to start your adventure toward the Inca citadel? The journey from Cusco to Ollantaytambo is the most common and scenic route for those looking to reach the wonder of the world. The archaeological site of Ollantaytambo is one of the most important Inca structures and is located at a strategic point of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, right on the way to Machu Picchu.
Located at 2,800 meters high and surrounded by two imposing mountain ranges, this place is much more than a simple logistical stop. It is the point where history, architecture, and modern transport meet, offering the traveler a unique chance to explore the "Living Inca City" before continuing their journey on the train tracks. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know to make this trip efficiently and enjoy every stop along the way.
About Ollantaytambo
Where does its name come from? The town was named in honor of Ollantay, an Inca general who expanded the borders of the Tawantinsuyo as far as northern Argentina under the reign of Pachacutec. Local history says that the general fell in love with the emperor's daughter, but his marriage request was rejected because he did not belong to the blood nobility.
Although the romance ended in rebellion and the imprisonment of the general, the legacy of this legend lives on in the mysticism of the town. Today, the journey from Cusco to Ollantaytambo allows you to walk those same stone streets and houses that form a lush landscape with a deep history.
A look at local life
Unlike other tourist spots that have changed drastically, the traditional atmosphere of Ollantaytambo remains untouched. If you are looking for an authentic experience beyond the classic photos, we recommend exploring:
- Best-kept secret: Go up to the second floor of the market; toward the back, you will find the natural juice stations. It is a mandatory stop to refresh yourself with fresh fruits from the region before continuing toward Machu Picchu.
- The Local Market: It is located very close to the Plaza de Armas and the main collective bus stop. It is the ideal place to observe the real life of the residents, away from the commercial circuits.
About the trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
How to make this journey in the best way? It is worth visiting the ruins of Ollantaytambo starting from the imperial city. This site is included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which is essential to enter. If you do not have the full ticket, the individual entry to this archaeological complex costs 70 soles. There are two main ways to make the trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo:
1. By train
The only place in the Sacred Valley directly connected by rail is Ollantaytambo, located halfway on the route to Machu Picchu.
- Journey: All trains departing from San Pedro or Poroy stations (Cusco) to Aguas Calientes make a mandatory stop here. The trip lasts approximately 90 minutes.
- Location: The train station is located about a 15-minute walk from the main square of the town. It is important to remember that the train is the only motorized option to get from Ollantaytambo to the Inca citadel.
2. By bus or shared van (colectivo)
If you prefer road transport, there are services that connect both cities continuously:
- From Cusco: You must take transport that usually makes a stop or change of vehicle at the Urubamba terminal. The buses usually drop off passengers at the Plaza de Armas of the old town, one kilometer from the ruins.
- Return to Cusco: To return, the buses and shared vans to Cusco leave from Estación Avenue (the main street that connects to the railway). If your destination is Urubamba, the shared vans leave directly from the Plaza de Armas.
Ollantaytambo: Connection Center
Due to its location, Ollantaytambo is the logistical starting point for visiting Machu Picchu. For this reason, a visit to the ruins can be easily combined with your train trip or with various trekking routes, such as the Inca Trail, the Cachicata Inca Quarry, or the Lares Trek.
The town offers a complete infrastructure for the traveler, with a beautiful main square, quiet side streets, and a wide range of hostels, guest houses, and lodges. Additionally, you will find small cafes, restaurants, and craft shops that make the stay very pleasant.
Exclusive tips for your visit
We recommend having enough time on your trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, as there are corners that very few tourists visit and are completely worth it:
- The Pinkuylluna Storehouses: Right in front of the main fortress, on the slope of the opposite mountain, you will see other Inca constructions. These are ancient storehouses or "colcas". Thanks to the shade and the fresh winds of the area, the Incas stored foods like potatoes there.
- The best view: You can go up to these ruins by a somewhat steep and unpaved path. From the top, you will have a privileged view of the city center and the main ruins, allowing you to get away for a moment from the tourist hustle and enjoy the landscape in silence.
Hiking tours from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek
- 5 Day Inca Trail
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail Intrepid
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2026 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
