Ollantaytambo: The Inca Fortress Town of the Sacred Valley Explained

Where Is Ollantaytambo and How High Is It?

Ollantaytambo sits at the western end of the Sacred Valley, where the Patakancha River meets the Urubamba River, in Peru's Cusco Region. The town lies at about 9,160 feet (2,792 m), around 2,000 feet lower than Cusco, which makes it a gentle place to spend your first nights at altitude.

Ollantaytambo is roughly halfway by rail between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Its lower elevation is why many itineraries start here; our Cusco altitude guide explains the Sacred Valley first approach.

Distances and elevations are rounded and vary slightly by source.

What Is the History of Ollantaytambo?

Ollantaytambo became a royal estate of the Inca emperor Pachacuti in the 15th century, who rebuilt the town and built ceremonial structures on the hill above it. During the Spanish conquest it served as a stronghold for the Inca rebel Manco Inca, who defeated a Spanish force near here in 1537.

At the Battle of Ollantaytambo, Manco Inca's forces held the terraces and reportedly flooded the plain below to stop Spanish cavalry led by Hernando Pizarro. Manco later withdrew to Vilcabamba, and the Spanish took the town.

The name is often linked to Ollantay, a legendary general in a Quechua drama, though the origin is debated. Tambo means a waystation or inn. For the wider story, see our Machu Picchu history guide.

What Can You See at the Ollantaytambo Ruins?

The Ollantaytambo ruins climb a steep hill called Cerro Bandolista above the town. Highlights include the giant agricultural terraces, the unfinished Temple of the Sun with its Wall of the Six Monoliths, carved fountains such as the Baño de la Ñusta, and wide views over the valley. Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Pumatallis terraces: steep stepped platforms leading up the hill.
• Wall of the Six Monoliths: huge pink rhyolite blocks fitted tightly together.
• Temple Hill: unfinished ceremonial complex with fine stonework.
• Baño de la Ñusta: carved stone fountain fed by Inca channels.
• Templo de Agua: water shrine with flowing channels.
• Kachiqhata quarries: visible across the river, source of the stones.

The pink stones were hauled about 3 miles from the Kachiqhata quarries across the Urubamba River, and some abandoned blocks, called tired stones, still lie along the route.

Why Is Ollantaytambo Called a Living Inca Town?

Ollantaytambo is called a living Inca town because families still live in houses built on Inca foundations, laid out in the original grid of narrow stone streets. The old quarter, known as Qosqo Ayllu, keeps Inca water channels running beside the lanes. It is one of the best preserved Inca town plans in Peru.

Walk the blocks north of the Plaza de Armas to see courtyard doorways, trapezoid entrances and canals. Be respectful: these are private homes, so ask before photographing people or entering courtyards.

Which Other Things to Do in Ollantaytambo Are Worth Your Time?

Beyond the main ruins, the best things to do in Ollantaytambo are hiking up to the Pinkuylluna storehouses on the mountain facing the fortress, wandering the Inca streets, eating around the Plaza de Armas, and visiting nearby sites like Moray and the Maras salt mines on a valley day trip.

Travelers planning this often read our Pisac ruins guide next.

Pinkuylluna is a steep, stepped trail with drop-offs, so skip it in heavy rain. Our Sacred Valley tour links Ollantaytambo with Pisac in one day.

Both nearby sites have their own guides: the Moray circular terraces and the Maras salt pools.

How Much Does It Cost to Enter the Ollantaytambo Ruins?

The Ollantaytambo ruins do not sell a single-site ticket for most visitors. Entry is through the Cusco Tourist Ticket, the Boleto Turístico, reported at about S/130 for the full 10-day pass or about S/70 for a partial pass covering the Sacred Valley sites. Prices can change, so check the official ticket office.

The partial Sacred Valley pass also covers Pisac, Moray and Chinchero, so plan those visits within its validity. The Maras salt mines are not included and charge a separate fee.

How Do You Use Ollantaytambo Train Station for Machu Picchu?

Ollantaytambo train station is the main departure point for trains to Machu Picchu, run by PeruRail and Inca Rail, with the journey to Aguas Calientes taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. The station sits about a 15-minute walk downhill from the plaza. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure with your passport.

1. Book your train after securing your Machu Picchu ticket.
2. Arrive in Ollantaytambo with time to spare from Cusco.
3. Walk or take a mototaxi down Avenida Ferrocarril to the station.
4. Show your ticket and passport at the gate.
5. Keep luggage within the train limit, about 5 kg per person.
6. Board and sit on the left side for river views toward Aguas Calientes.

Classes, fares and schedules are compared in our Machu Picchu train guide, and the two rail companies in PeruRail vs Inca Rail.

How Do You Get From Cusco to Ollantaytambo?

You can get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by shared van, called a colectivo, by private taxi or transfer, by a Sacred Valley tour, or by train from Poroy or San Pedro stations. The road trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Colectivos are cheapest, while a private transfer lets you stop at viewpoints.

This fits into the wider planning covered in our day trips from Cusco guide.

Full journey planning is in our guide on how to get to Machu Picchu.

How Long Should You Stay in Ollantaytambo?

One night in Ollantaytambo is enough for most travelers to see the ruins and catch a morning train to Machu Picchu. Two nights suit those who want Pinkuylluna, a Moray and Maras trip, and slower acclimatization. Staying overnight also lets you visit the ruins early or late, when tour groups thin out.

Ollantaytambo hotels are mostly small guesthouses and boutique lodges; compare them with town and gate options in our Machu Picchu hotels guide.

Prefer a guided option? See our Lares trek.