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Ollantaytambo before the tour buses is atmospheric: Inca cobblestones, water channels, backpackers dragging luggage to early trains.
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Pulling route notes, destination cards, map points, and seasonal planning data.
Pulling route notes, destination cards, map points, and seasonal planning data.
[ 2 - 4 days ]
A string of Inca ruins, colonial villages, and agricultural terraces running along the Urubamba River between Cusco and Machu Picchu, sitting at a merciful 2,800 m, lower and warmer than Cusco itself. Ollantaytambo is the hub: a living Inca town with massive fortress ruins, the train departure point for Aguas Calientes, and a cluster of hostels and cafes serving the Machu Picchu pipeline. Pisac adds a famous market and clifftop ruins. Moray offers surreal circular terraces.
Updated · Jun 2026
Ollantaytambo before the tour buses is atmospheric: Inca cobblestones, water channels, backpackers dragging luggage to early trains.
1-3 nights; or as a day-trip loop from Cusco
Skip the organized day trip and explore independently by colectivo if you have 2-3 days. Skip entirely if transiting straight to Machu Picchu on a tight timeline.
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Colectivos from Cusco to Pisac leave from Calle Puputi (1 hour, 5-8 PEN). For Ollantaytambo, colectivos depart from Pavitos street in Cusco (1.5-2 hours, 10-15 PEN). Private taxis for the full valley loop cost 150-250 PEN for a day. Organized Sacred Valley tours from Cusco agencies (80-150 PEN including guide and entries) hit Pisac, Moray, Maras salt mines, and Ollantaytambo in one long day. From Ollantaytambo, trains to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) run via PeruRail and Inca Rail (60-80 USD one way, 1.5 hours).
Same seasons as Cusco: dry May-Sep best for clear ruins and comfortable temperatures. Jun-Aug peak season fills trains and hostels. Pisac market runs year-round but is biggest on Sundays. Wet season Nov-Mar brings afternoon showers but ruins are less crowded and still visitable. The valley is sheltered and receives less rain than Cusco or the Inca Trail. Inti Raymi (Jun 24) spills visitors from Cusco into the valley.
ATMs in Ollantaytambo (one BCP) and Pisac (limited). Bring cash from Cusco, especially for market purchases and colectivos. Boleto Turistico (130 PEN) covers entry to most ruins across the valley and Cusco. Altitude is lower than Cusco, making it a good acclimatization stop before trekking higher. WiFi available at hostels and cafes in Ollantaytambo but variable.
Very safe for travelers. Low crime in the small valley towns. Main concerns are petty: overcharging by taxi drivers for the valley loop (negotiate before departing) and persistent vendors at Pisac market. Ruins involve steep stone steps without railings, watch footing especially when wet. Train tickets sell out, book early to avoid scramble pricing.