Ollantaytambo: the complete guide
Ollantaytambo is the Sacred Valley's hidden gem — a living Inca town whose streets, walls and water channels still follow their original 15th-century plan, crowned by a magnificent terraced fortress. It's also the gateway to Machu Picchu, where most trains depart. Here's everything to see and why it deserves more than a quick stop.
The fortress and temple
Rising in vast terraces above the town, the Temple Fortress of Ollantaytambo is the headline sight. Climb the terraces to the Temple of the Sun, built from enormous pink-granite blocks quarried on a mountainside across the valley and somehow moved into place — a feat of Inca engineering that still puzzles archaeologists. It was also one of the few places the Inca resistance defeated the Spanish in battle.
The living Inca town
What makes Ollantaytambo unique is that it's still inhabited along its original Inca layout. Wander the cobbled lanes of the old town (the Qosqo Ayllu neighbourhood) and you'll see Inca foundations supporting lived-in homes, original doorways, and stone water channels still running through the streets. It's the best surviving example of Inca urban planning — a town you can walk through, not just look at.
More to see around town
- Pinkuylluna — the Inca granaries (qollqas) on the opposite hillside; a free, steep hike with superb views over the fortress.
- The 'Face of Wiracocha' — a natural rock profile on the mountainside, said to depict the creator god.
- The main plaza — relaxed cafés and artisan stalls.
The gateway to Machu Picchu
Ollantaytambo is where most Machu Picchu trains depart, and where the Classic Inca Trail begins (km 82, nearby). Because it sits lower than Cusco and closer to the citadel, many travelers spend a night here before Machu Picchu — it aids acclimatization and makes for a shorter, calmer morning train. See how to reach Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley sites guide.
Planning your visit
Entry to the main fortress is covered by the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico); Pinkuylluna is free. Go early to beat the tour-bus crowds and the midday sun, allow 2–3 hours for the fortress and old town, and consider staying overnight to enjoy it once the day-trippers leave. Combine it with Pisac and the wider valley — see one day in the Sacred Valley and the Boleto Turístico guide.
Explore the Sacred Valley
See Ollantaytambo, Pisac and more with a local guide, then continue to Machu Picchu.
Frequently asked questions
Ollantaytambo is famous for its great terraced Inca fortress and Temple of the Sun, and for being a living Inca town that still follows its original 15th-century street plan. It's also the main departure point for trains to Machu Picchu.
Absolutely. The fortress is one of the Sacred Valley's most impressive sites, and the inhabited old town is the best surviving example of Inca urban planning. Many travelers also stay overnight before Machu Picchu.
Most Machu Picchu trains depart from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes, a journey of around 1.5–2 hours. From Aguas Calientes, a shuttle bus or walk takes you up to the citadel.
Allow 2–3 hours for the fortress and old town. Staying overnight is popular, as it aids acclimatization (it's lower than Cusco) and makes for an easier morning train to Machu Picchu.
