Ollantaytambo is one of the most picturesque towns in Peru. Located in the Sacred Valley, it is also home to the main train station to Machu Picchu, making it almost a mandatory stop. In addition, it is home to one of the most famous Inca archaeological sites, beautiful waterfalls, an impressive lagoon, and many other historical places. What other destinations can I visit in the town of Ollantaytambo?

• Features of Ollantaytambo
• Archaeological Fortress of Ollantaytambo
• Tour of the town
• Main Square and Church of Ollantaytambo
• Inti Punku Gate
• Pinkuylluna Archaeological Site
• Perolniyoc Waterfalls
• Ñaupa Church Ceremonial Center
• Experiential tourism in Ollantaytambo
• Inca Trail
• Frequently Asked Questions

View of Ollantaytambo Town

Features of Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo, one of the most beautiful towns in the Sacred Valley, is framed by mountains, valleys, snow-capped peaks, agricultural fields, rivers, lakes, and a great diversity of Andean fauna. This place was one of the main citadels during the Inca era, and not only the archaeological sites around it, but also its streets, which preserve the walls and foundations from the time of the Tahuantinsuyo, bear witness to its importance. Today, Ollantaytambo is almost a mandatory stop for travelers heading to Machu Picchu, as it houses the main train station due to its proximity to this world wonder.

Archaeological Fortress of Ollantaytambo

The main tourist attraction of Ollantaytambo is, without a doubt, its archaeological site. The structures built by the Incas there are as impressive as the buildings in Machu Picchu.

• Built on a mountain in Ollantaytambo, the archaeological fortress is very close to the main square. The walk is on foot, discovering archaeological structures from the base to the top of the summit.
• The archaeological site was a military and religious center, located in a strategic area; from the top, you can appreciate and control the entire surrounding valley.
• The main Inca constructions in the area include: the Temple of the Sun, the Monumental Gate, the Ñusta Bath, agricultural storage facilities, and the immense terraces.
• The full tour takes more than an hour, so it is recommended to explore each attraction and landscape of the archaeological fortress at a leisurely pace.

How to visit this place? Entry is with the Cusco tourist ticket, in its all-inclusive mode (16 tourist destinations included) or in circuit 1 (including Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Chinchero, and Moray).

What are the opening hours? The Ollantaytambo archaeological site is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
The classic Sacred Valley tour includes a visit to the Ollantaytambo archaeological fortress, along with other historical sites like Pisac and Chinchero (the VIP option includes Maras and Moray). This service also includes tourist transportation, a professional guide, and lunch in the town of Urubamba. It is the most efficient way to see the main attractions of the Sacred Valley in just one day.

Tour of the town

The town of Ollantaytambo preserves its urban design from the Inca era (15th-16th century). Touring it is a destination in itself, discovering not only archaeological remains but also incredible landscapes.

• Ollantaytambo is a small town full of attractions that can be completely explored on foot.
• The main streets are located in front of the square, are narrow, and run alongside water channels, preserving their original structure.
• In its streets, you will find a mix of Inca, colonial, and modern structures. Walking through the town is like walking through a museum city.
• As you walk through it, you will discover many mountain landscapes that guard the town, as well as snow-capped peaks (Verónica, Huayanay, and Salkantay), the Urubamba River, and colorful agricultural fields.

How to explore the town? The best way is to start at the Main Square, then head to the main streets in the front and finish at the lower section of the Ollantaytambo archaeological fortress.

Streets of Ollantaytambo Town

Main Square and Church of Ollantaytambo

One of the must-visit places in Ollantaytambo is the Main Square. Many tourist services are located here, along with balconies and beautiful views of the town.

• The Main Square of Ollantaytambo is the busiest spot in the town. It features floral fields, trees, monuments, panoramic benches, and several tourist cafés, bars, and restaurants.
• It is also home to the main hotels and tourist services. Just a short distance from the Main Square, you will find the train station to Machu Picchu.
• Near the square, you can also visit and discover the architecture of the Church of Santiago Apóstol, the town’s patron saint.

How to get to the Main Square? Buses that travel the route from Cusco to Ollantaytambo stop at the Main Square. You can also walk from any part of the small town.

Inti Punku Gate

One of the most surprising and best-preserved Inca constructions is the Inti Punku gate (sun gate), which can be reached after a hiking adventure.

• The hike is approximately 8.5 kilometers long and can be completed in 5 to 6 hours (round trip).
• It is considered of medium difficulty, as the elevation gain is nearly 1200 meters.
• The entire route is very scenic, starting from the Main Square and passing by areas such as the Inca bridge, the pyramid viewpoint, and the Cachicata quarries.
• From the Inti Punku gate, you can see Inca archaeological remains, but the main attraction is the panoramic views from this location (3,900 meters above sea level).
• You will enjoy wide views of the valley, especially the huge snow-capped Verónica mountain in all its glory. This route follows authentic Inca paths.

Additional details of the hike: Upon arrival, you can also camp very close to the Inti Punku, and the sunrise viewed from the gate is one of the most stunning natural spectacles.

Inti Punku Gate

Pinkuylluna Archaeological Site

The Pinkuylluna warehouses are one of the lesser-known attractions of Ollantaytambo and Cusco. They are located in the middle of a steep mountain. From there, you can see the entire town as a beautiful landscape.

• From anywhere in the town, you can see Inca constructions in the shape of houses located on the slopes of a mountain.
• These Inca structures are known as the Pinkuylluna warehouses. The Incas built these storage buildings to store various products like corn, potatoes, coca, and more.
• From Pinkuylluna, you can see the entire town and its surroundings. The Incas built it at this height to better preserve food in the climate.
• The route is very scenic, offering full views of the town, and it is a completely free adventure.

How to get to Pinkuylluna? The hiking route starts from the Main Square, following the street ‘Qosqo Ayllu’. The trip takes about 30 minutes with a constant ascent.

Perolniyoc Waterfalls

Ollantaytambo also offers natural tourist attractions. The Perolniyoc waterfalls are a destination that also includes a short hike.

• The Perolniyoc waterfalls are a very beautiful natural attraction located just outside of Ollantaytambo. You can get there on your own or through an adventure tour.
• The waterfalls have a drop of over 100 meters in height. The scenic beauty of the place is perfect for resting and enjoying a day in the countryside.
• You do not need to purchase an entry ticket to visit the Perolniyoc waterfalls. This place is also home to many Andean ceremonies, along with many archaeological remains in the area.
• At the top of the waterfall, you can also visit the Perolniyoc archaeological site, also known as “Raqaypata.”

How to get to the waterfalls? To reach Perolniyoc, you first need to travel by car to the town of Socma (30 minutes), and from there, you will begin a short one-hour hike to the waterfalls.

Ñaupa Church Ceremonial Center

One of the most mystical and lesser-known archaeological attractions is Ñaupa Church. Located inside a cave, it preserves buildings filled with mysteries and great beauty.

• Located on the slope of a mountain, Ñaupa Church preserves few constructions, but they are large and very well preserved.
• The main highlight is a finely carved portal, so precise that it seems magical. Visitors often place their hands on it to sense its historical energy.
• Another important construction is a huge “huaca” (sacred stone or place), which is partially destroyed, but you can still see carvings of chakana (Andean crosses) and altars on it.
• At the back of the cave where Ñaupa Church is located, there is also what is probably a very important tomb. Upon leaving, there is a very small space, which was likely for children during the Inca era.
• From this place, you can also enjoy panoramic landscapes, which add further value to the archaeological site.

How to get to Ñaupa Church? First, you should drive to the entrance of Ñaupa Church (20 minutes by car), then follow a short path to the top of the cave (15 minutes on foot).

Ñaupa Church

Experiential Tourism in Ollantaytambo

One of the alternative activities in Ollantaytambo is experiential tourism, especially in the community of Willoq, a town that preserves a traditional way of life.

• The community of Willoq is located 45 minutes by car from Ollantaytambo. This small town has been visited by tourists since 1992.
• The main customs in Willoq include land cultivation and ancestral weaving techniques.
• By visiting the community, tourists can better understand the way of life of Andean communities, as well as learn about their worldview.
• Along with the diverse Andean flora and fauna in the area, you can also appreciate pre-Inca constructions in Markacocha, as well as a small colonial church.

How to do experiential tourism in Ollantaytambo? There are several tour agencies that offer this activity in Willoq. You can contact them online to get more information.

Inca Trail

Ollantaytambo is a mandatory stop for reaching Machu Picchu by train and also to experience the Inca Trail. This 4-day hiking route is considered one of the best in the world.

• The starting point for the Inca Trail is at kilometer 82 of the railway leading to Machu Picchu. From Ollantaytambo, it’s 15 kilometers by car (33 minutes).
• From there, tourists walk a total of 39.6 kilometers along ancient Inca trails to reach Machu Picchu on the morning of the fourth day.
• Along the way, you will appreciate stunning natural landscapes, as well as exclusive archaeological sites like Patallacta, Llactapata, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna, and the Inti Punku gate of Machu Picchu.
• Nighttime is spent camping under the stars. It is the most immersive experience you can have, discovering attractions and trails once walked by the Incas themselves.

How to do the Inca Trail? The Inca Trail can only be done by booking with a tour agency. Reservations must be made five months in advance due to high demand.

The Short 2-Day Inca Trail
An alternative to the classic 4-day Inca Trail is the 2-day version. In this experience, you only walk 11 kilometers to reach the Machu Picchu citadel. You also visit archaeological sites (Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and the Inti Punku gate) and trails full of biodiversity. The reservation is much simpler and should be made 2 to 3 months in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is Ollantaytambo like?

  The town of Ollantaytambo is known for preserving its original Inca urban design and for its natural surroundings surrounded by mountains, snow-capped peaks, and agricultural fields. It is a destination to visit not only as a stop on the way to Machu Picchu, but as a destination in itself, where you can enjoy its history, landscapes, and traditions.

• 2) How can I visit the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Fortress?

  To enter the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Fortress, you need to purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket, either in its all-inclusive mode or in circuit 1, which includes this site.

• 3) What are the opening hours for the archaeological site?

  The archaeological fortress is open every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We recommend entering early to avoid crowds and make the most of the natural light to fully appreciate the landscapes.

• 4) What can I see in the Main Square of Ollantaytambo?

  In the Main Square of Ollantaytambo, you will find cafés, restaurants, hotels, and a direct view of the mountains surrounding the town. You can also visit the Church of Santiago Apóstol, located just a few steps away.

• 5) Is it worth visiting Pinkuylluna?

  Yes, the Pinkuylluna archaeological site offers one of the best panoramic views of the town. The climb takes about 30 minutes and is free. It’s ideal for those looking for a less crowded experience.

• 6) How can I get to the Perolniyoc waterfalls?

  The Perolniyoc Waterfalls are located outside of Ollantaytambo. First, travel by car to Socma, and then take a short one-hour hike to the waterfalls. You can also combine the visit with the Raqaypata archaeological site, located at the top of the falls.

• 7) What is Ñaupa Church?

  The Ñaupa Church ceremonial center is an archaeological site located inside a cave. Among its constructions, the finely carved stone portal and a huge huaca stand out. It’s a place for a brief visit, perfect for those seeking quieter archaeological spaces.

• 8) Is there a shorter version of the Inca Trail?

  Yes, there is also a 2-day version of the Inca Trail, ideal for those with less time. It includes visits to Wiñay Wayna and entry to Machu Picchu via the Inti Punku gate. Reservations should be made at least two or three months in advance.

• 9) How much time do I need to explore Ollantaytambo?

  We recommend dedicating at least one full day to visit the archaeological fortress and explore the town. If you wish to include hikes like to Inti Punku or Perolniyoc, it’s best to stay for two days.

• 10) Is it worth booking a tour of the Sacred Valley?

  Yes, the Sacred Valley tour is a great option if you have limited time. It includes transportation, a professional guide, and visits to archaeological sites like Ollantaytambo, Pisac, and Chinchero. It’s a convenient option to get a general view of the valley in just one day.

Advice from people who have been there

Ollantaytambo

By: Aaron R.

“Impressive Views“

“The views from Pinkuylluna are breathtaking, I am surprised so few people visit this place. I stayed there with my partner to enjoy a peaceful day on the top, a highly recommended experience if you travel to Ollantaytambo.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, March 6, 2026