Best Things to Do in Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley Peru
The best things to do in Ollantaytambo go well beyond exploring the spectacular Inca ruins. Nestled beneath towering mountains, this charming little town was one of the highlights of my time in Peru’s Sacred Valley.
I loved the pretty cobblestone laneways, colourful Andean shops and large Plaza de Armas. Above the village, magnificent Inca terraces climb steeply up the mountainside, creating an impressive backdrop.
Many travellers simply pass through Ollantaytambo on their way to Machu Picchu, but it’s well worth staying a little longer.
This traditional Andean village sits beside a fascinating Inca site, and with the remarkable Maras Salt Mines and Moray terraces nearby. There’s plenty to explore here in this attractive village.
Here’s my guide to the best things to do in Ollantaytambo, along with tips on where to stay, eat and how to get around.
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Best Things to Do in Ollantaytambo Sacred Valley Peru
1. Explore the Spectacular Ollantaytambo Ruins
If you’re wondering what to do in Ollantaytambo, you can’t miss the Inca ruins beside the town. Set into the side of the mountain, the Peru Ollantaytambo ruins are among the most impressive Inca archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, and I loved exploring them on my own.
I enjoyed a beautiful, sunny morning wandering around the large terraces, climbing the steep stone steps and taking in the sweeping mountain views.
The scale of the complex is remarkable. Large agricultural terraces climb the mountainside, and the Temple of the Sun, with its enormous, carefully fitted stone blocks, offers a fascinating glimpse into Inca engineering. The precision of the stonework is extraordinary, and I’d recommend hiring a guide if you’d like to learn more about the history, traditions and construction techniques.
The climb is steep but well worth the effort. From the upper terraces, the views stretch across the village to the surrounding mountains.
One of my favourite moments was relaxing on the lawns near the fast-flowing stream, watching llamas grazing beneath the ruins. It was wonderfully peaceful and atmospheric, and a lovely way to enjoy the setting after exploring the archaeological site.
Tips for visiting the Ollantaytambo ruins
- Go early: Visit in the morning to beat the tour groups.
- Entrance tickets: Admission is included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto TurÃstico), and you can buy tickets at the site.
- Allow time: Set aside at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the terraces and upper sections without rushing.
- Take it slowly: Ollantaytambo sits at around 2,792 metres above sea level, and the steep steps can be demanding. Carry water, wear a sunhat and comfortable walking shoes.
2. Wander the Ancient Streets of Ollantaytambo
One of the best things to do in Ollantaytambo is simply wander its historic streets. This charming Inca town has retained its original street layout, with narrow cobblestone lanes built around ancient stone foundations. Traditional buildings line the streets, while narrow stone waterways still carry running water through the middle of the laneways.
Step away from the main plaza and you’ll discover quieter corners and a glimpse of everyday life in this fascinating town in Peru’s Sacred Valley. It’s a lovely way to appreciate Ollantaytambo beyond its famous ruins.
3. Browse the Ollantaytambo Market
One of the simple pleasures of visiting Ollantaytambo is browsing the colourful market stalls near the ruins and the little shops dotted around the town. You’ll find plenty of traditional Andean handicrafts, jewellery, textiles and clothing, including beautifully woven shawls, ponchos and other colourful souvenirs.
The bright displays of handmade crafts and decorations make browsing the market a pleasure. There are of photo opportunities here and visiting the market is one of the best things to do in Ollantaytambo.
4. Hike to the Pinkuylluna Inca Granaries
Perched high on the mountainside opposite the main Peru Ollantaytambo ruins, the Pinkuylluna granaries are well worth adding to your Ollantaytambo itinerary. These ancient stone storehouses were built by the Incas to preserve harvested crops, using the cooler temperatures and natural ventilation to keep food supplies fresh on the mountainside.
Reaching Pinkuylluna involves a steep climb along a rocky path, but it’s well worth the effort. From the top, you’ll enjoy spectacular views across Ollantaytambo, the main archaeological site and the surrounding Sacred Valley mountains.
Tips for visiting Pinkuylluna
- Access: The walking trail starts in town and is accessed via a narrow entrance between buildings. Look for the small sign.
- The climb: The path is steep, uneven and exposed in places, so wear sturdy walking shoes and take your time.
- Allow time: Set aside around 2 hours for the return hike.
- Access: Entry free.
5. Explore the Moray Inca Terraces
One of the most fascinating places to visit near Ollantaytambo is Moray, an extraordinary Inca archaeological site featuring enormous circular terraces carved into a natural depression in the landscape. The concentric stone terraces are remarkably well preserved, creating a striking circular pattern against the mountain.
It’s thought that the Incas used the different terrace levels to experiment with crops, taking advantage of temperature variations to create different microclimates. It’s an impressive example of their agricultural knowledge and ingenuity.
Moray is relatively remote, so arranging private transport is the easiest way to visit if you’re not joining an organised tour. I arranged a private tour by taxi that also included the Maras salt mines, making both sites an easy half-day trip and one of the best things to do in Ollantaytambo.
6. Visit the Spectacular Maras Salt Mines
After exploring Moray, my taxi tour continued to the remarkable Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the mountainside. Set beneath snow-capped mountains, the terraces are a spectacular sight, with the shallow pools reflecting the sunlight in beautiful shades of white, pink and brown.
The salt pools are fed by a natural underground spring, whose mineral-rich water flows into the individual ponds. As the water evaporates in the sunshine, salt crystals are left behind and harvested by local families using traditional methods passed down through generations.
I loved wandering around the salt terraces taking photos. It’s a fascinating place and quite unlike anywhere else I’ve visited in Peru.
Getting to Moray and the Maras Salt Mines
I arranged my private taxi tour in the Plaza de Armas in Ollantaytambo. While I was negotiating the price, 2 American women came along, and we decided to share the taxi and split the fare. It worked out well for all of us and made the trip more affordable.
The drive to Moray took us along some very steep, narrow roads winding up the mountainside. There were a couple of hair-raising moments when we encountered oncoming vehicles on narrow stretches of road, with some very intimidating drops along the edges!
If you’re wondering what to do in Ollantaytamo, exploring Moray and the Maras salt mines independently is an interesting, convenient and affordable way to spend the afternoon.
7. Take the Ollantaytambo Train to Machu Picchu
One of the main reasons travellers include Ollantaytambo in their Peru itinerary is its convenient train connection to Machu Picchu. The town is an important departure point for trains to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, the gateway to the famous Inca citadel.
The Ollantaytambo train journey is a scenic and comfortable way to travel through the Sacred Valley, following the Urubamba River towards the mountains and lush cloud forest. It’s also a convenient option if you’re planning to visit Machu Picchu independently.
I had a smooth journey with PeruRail. The station was only about a 10-minute walk from my accommodation at Parwa Guesthouse. I left at 5.30 am, just as it was getting light, to catch my early morning train.
The journey was beautiful. As we followed the river, the dry mountain scenery gradually gave way to increasingly lush vegetation and cloud forest as we approached Aguas Calientes. It was a lovely contrast and a wonderful way to begin my visit to Machu Picchu.
Booking the Ollantaytambo train
I booked my PeruRail tickets online several months in advance. I’d recommend booking ahead, particularly during busy travel periods, and coordinating your train times with your timed Machu Picchu entry ticket.
Tips for catching the Ollantaytambo train
- Arrive early: Aim to reach the station around 30 minutes before departure.
- Book ahead: Compare PeruRail and Inca Rail services and book directly online.
- Travel light: I left my main luggage in storage at my guesthouse and took a small daypack to Aguas Calientes. The Ollantaytambo train station also provides luggage storage.
- Check luggage allowances: Train operators have restrictions on luggage size and weight, so check the current rules before travelling.
- Plan your return: If you’re returning to Ollantaytambo the same day, allow sufficient time for your Machu Picchu visit and the journey back to the station.
8. Where to Eat in Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is well set up for tourists and has a good selection of restaurants and cafes, particularly around the Plaza de Armas. I recommend finding a table upstairs on one of the balconies overlooking the square. You’ll find a mix of traditional Peruvian dishes, international favourites, and casual cafes.
My recommendations: Koricancha | Inti Killa Pizza Restaurant
9. Where to Stay in Ollantaytambo
You’ll find accommodation to suit different budgets, from simple guesthouses to more comfortable boutique properties. Many are clustered around the town centre and Plaza de Armas, within easy walking distance of restaurants, the market and archaeological sites.
My recommendation: I stayed at Parwa Guesthouse, a charming traditional family home overlooking the river and Inca ruins. It had a lovely, homely feel, with grandma sitting on the lounge, smiling when I arrived. The rooms were comfortable, and the host was very helpful and had excellent English.
The location was perfect and very quiet. I could hear water flowing nearby, and there were lovely views of the ruins, while still being only a short walk from the town centre and train station. I really enjoyed my stay and would happily recommend this guesthouse.
10. How to Get to Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is well connected to Cusco and other towns in Peru’s Sacred Valley. You can travel by local collectivo, bus, train or private transfer.
From Cusco: The journey from Cusco to Ollantaytambo takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Shared collectivos and minibuses depart from around Calle Pavitos in Cusco, making this an affordable way to travel independently.
On my return journey, I caught a direct collectivo back to Cusco, which dropped me near Plaza San Francisco. From there, I took an Uber to my guesthouse.
From Pisac via Urubamba: I travelled from Pisac to Ollantaytambo by collectivo, changing vehicles in Urubamba. This is a straightforward option if you’re exploring several towns in the Sacred Valley.
Travelling by train: PeruRail also operates train services between Cusco and Ollantaytambo. It’s a scenic alternative to road travel.
Collectivos, buses and private transport
- Collectivos: Shared minibuses are generally the cheapest way to travel. They leave when full.
- Private transport: Taxis and private transfers to Ollantaytambo offer more comfort and flexibility.
- Carry cash in Peruvian soles, preferably smaller notes or coins for collectivos.
How Long to Spend in Ollantaytambo
You can visit Ollantaytambo on a day trip from Cusco, but there’s simply not enough time to explore the spectacular Inca ruins, wander around the traditional streets and visit the surrounding attractions without rushing.
I stayed for 2 nights and found it worked well. I had a full morning to explore the main Ollantaytambo ruins, time to browse the town and market, and an afternoon to visit the remarkable Moray terraces and Maras Salt Mines. I also enjoyed having time to relax and soak up the atmosphere rather than rushing my Ollantaytambo itinerary.
In fact, I could happily have stayed another night. If you enjoy exploring at a slower pace, I’d recommend allowing 2 to 3 nights in Ollantaytambo. This gives you time to discover the town, climb up to the Pinkuylluna granaries and explore more of the surrounding Sacred Valley.
Best Time to Visit Ollantaytambo
The best time to visit Ollantaytambo is during the dry season, from May to September, when you can expect sunnier days and less rain. The wet season runs roughly from October to April, with January and February usually the wettest months.
I visited in September, towards the end of the dry season. The days were warm, dry and dusty, but nights were cold. The clear weather was ideal for exploring the Inca ruins and Machu Picchu.
11. Is Ollantaytambo Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
I felt very safe travelling independently in Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley. I travelled by collectivo during the day, explored the town and ruins on my own and had no problems.
As with anywhere in Peru, it’s sensible to keep valuables secure, avoid walking alone on quiet streets late at night and use registered taxis or transport arranged through your accommodation if travelling after dark.
I’d also recommend choosing accommodation within easy walking distance of the town centre and booking transport ahead. Overall, I found Ollantaytambo a comfortable and welcoming place to explore as a solo female traveller.
Final Thought: Is Ollantaytambo Worth Visiting?
Ollantaytambo is a wonderful place to visit and I absolutely loved this pretty little town! The best things to do in Ollantaytambo include exploring the spectacular Inca ruins, enjoying the dramatic mountain scenery and wandering through the charming traditional village. It was one of the highlights of my time in Peru’s Sacred Valley.
Although Ollantaytambo is often visited as a day trip from Cusco, I’d suggest staying for 2 or 3 nights. I loved having the time to wander its cobblestone streets, explore the ruins and enjoy the relaxed pace of this traditional Inca town.
If you’re planning a trip to Peru, take a look at my guides toexploring Pisac Peru, Machu Picchu and my 2-week Peru itinerary for more ideas to help plan your adventure.
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