Cusco, Peru: Ollantaytambo Ruins Travel Guide…With Alpacas! 

Ollantaytambo Ruins: Exploring Incan Ruins In The Sacred Valley Of Peru

Walking around the Ollantaytambo Ruins in the Sacred Valley of Peru feels kind of like walking through a time machine in the middle of the Andes. It’s part pre-Incan, part Incan, and part Spanish architecture, so you get to see little snapshots of the reality of war and history in the region. And the Incan stonework is truly something special.

I spent a few hours inside the Ollantaytambo Ruins, by myself, just wandering around and exploring…higher and further than most people tend to explore.

I wandered secluded, ancient stone terraces, climbing to the top for epic views of the town and the Sacred Valley. I
even took a short nap under a tree beside the tiny manmade canal near the alpaca field, lulled by the sound of rushing water.

The little village of Ollantaytambo is small and charming, with plenty to eat, drink, and take in. And while plenty of day tours from Cusco stop there on their circuits, it’s easy to make your own Ollantaytambo day trip if you’re up for a bit of DIY adventure and a collectivo or two.

There are also a few hotels in and near Ollantaytambo, Peru, so if you want to experience the small town overnight, you can check current rates here:

Getting To Ollantaytambo From Cusco

If you’re coming from Cusco, you’ve got a few solid options. A Cusco to Ollantaytambo collectivo (shared van) is the budget traveler’s favorite—cheap, frequent, and surprisingly comfortable. To be honest, this was another time when I flexed my “trust” muscles…

A man with a nice, new, comfy looking SUV was right near the colectivo stand, offering rides to Ollantaytambo for 5 SOL more than a standard colectivo.
Seemed safe enough 🤷🏼‍♂️ …so I checked with the couple already sitting in the back that they were indeed going there, and hopped in! Payed upon arrival in Olly!

A normal collectivo is about $10 SOL (about $3-4+ USD) each way than It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, winding through stunning Andean scenery.

The scenery is beautiful, even though the actual ride can be a bit nauseating due to the crazy way everyone drives in Cusco.

You can also take a private car or grab one of the many day tours from Cusco that include the ruins of Ollantaytambo as part of a larger Sacred Valley circuit.

If you’re heading onward to hike Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo is also the main train departure point, making it a good overnight stop. There are plenty of hotels in Ollantaybambo. That said, if you do a tour, you will be limited on how much time and freedom you have at each stop.

Exploring The Ruins Of Ollantaytambo

The ruins are pretty big, although my favorite…and even bigger ruins in the Sacred Valley were the Pisac Ruins. (Check out my hike in the rain there…) These ruins show off the Incas’ skill at blending architecture with landscape. The terraces climb up the hillside, leading to the Sun Temple and other ceremonial structures.

From the main “pyramid” top, you can continue on like I did, up and up and up another 15-20 minutes to the highest point in the ruins. You won’t find a lot of people making this trek since it’s a little steep and the altitude of the Cusco and the Sacred Valley area make it a tough hike.

But from the top, the view of the valley, the Urubamba River, and the streets of the Ollantaytambo below are absolutely worth every step.

You’ll also see storage buildings carved into the mountainside across the valley, designed to keep crops cool. It’s a reminder that this wasn’t just a fortress; it was a vital hub of Incan life. I’d recommend at least two hours here to explore slowly, snap photos, and take in the details of the stonework.

How Much Does Ollantaytambo Ruins Cost?

Entry is included in the Boleto Turístico del Cusco—the general ticket that covers multiple Sacred Valley sites. I got that full ticket, which lasts 10 days and includes 16 different sites in Cusco and the Sacred Valley of Peru. The Boleto Turistico del Cusco ticket price is about $140-150 soles (about $45-50 USD).

Considering most of the bigger sites in and around Cusco are 70 Soles for entry, this +/-$150 full ticket cost more than pays for itself if you’re planning to see muliple sites in or around Cusco.
I also visited Saqsaywaman and Salineras de Maras among other sites on the ticket.

That said, If you’re just visiting Ollantaytambo, you can buy a partial ticket for around 70 soles (~$18 USD). Cash is preferred, and tickets are available at the entrance.

When To Visit & Weather Tips

The best time to visit the is during the dry season—roughly May through October—when you’ll have sunny days and clear views across the Sacred Valley. Mornings are usually crisp and quiet, making it a perfect time for photography or avoiding crowds.

• Dry Season (May–October): Expect blue skies, strong sun, and chilly mornings. Pack layers and sunscreen.
• Rainy Season (November–April): Green hills and fewer crowds, but be ready for afternoon showers and slippery steps.

If you can swing it, visit early in the morning or late afternoon to catch that warm golden light across the stone terraces. Midday gets hot and crowded, especially when day tours from Cusco Peru roll in.

Elevation of Ollantaytambo Ruins

Even though it’s in the Sacred Valley of Peru, Ollantaytambo is at high altitude (2,792 meters / 9,160 feet). Take it slow and stay hydrated. The steps up to the top of the Ollantaytambo Ruins are steep, uneven, and can get slippery after rain, so sturdy shoes with actual grip are a must.

You would be surprised at how many people I saw exploring ruins or even climing a via ferrata in flats or street sneakers with no grip—even flippy-floppies.
Not smert.

There’s very little shade once you’re on the terraces and exploring Ollantaytambo Ruins, so make sure you load up on sunscreen. I also recommend a hat and light jacket—even sunny days can turn windy fast, or a storm can pop up to drench you for a moment before the clouds part again.

Side note…don’t forget to always, always, always consider getting inexpensive travel medical insurance —sometimes as low as $2/day—for your trip, and a separate yearly evacuation insurance policy if you travel internationally often! And check out my list of tips for staying safe while traveling abroad.

Pro-Tip: Pack sunscreen from home! Peruvians don’t really use it, so sunscreen is ridiculously expensive in peru, as much as $30+ USD for a small bottle!

Things To Know Before You Go To Ollantaytambo Ruins

If it’s your first time visiting or you’re planning a DIY Ollantaytambo day trip, here are some quick pointers that can make the trip smoother:

Acclimatize First

Spend at least a full day in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before tackling the Ollantaytambo Ruins. Getting used to the altitude will help prevent headaches, fatigue, or altitude sickness and make your climb far more enjoyable.

Start Early

Beat the tour buses by arriving before 9 a.m. Seriously. If you get a colectivo by 7 a.m. you should beat the crowds and get the best pics you can!

Cash Is King

Bring Peruvian soles (cash) for entry, snacks, and souvenirs.

The ticket booth at Ollantaytambo Ruins does not take credit cards!

Hydrate Constantly

The altitude can sneak up on you. One of the best ways to beat it is to stay hydrated and avoid too much alcohol in general. 

Layer Up

Mornings are cold, afternoons are warm, or even downright hot in the warm season, since there’s very little shade!

Explore The Town

The cobblestone streets, small cafes, and riverfront views are worth a slow wander.

Stay Overnight If You Can

Watching the sunset over the valley without the daytime crowds is magical. And there are plenty of hotels in the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo.

Wrapping This Ollantaytambo Travel Guide

Whether you go from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by collectivo or join one of the many day tours from Cusco, this stop in the Sacred Valley should absolutely be on your itinerary.

If you’re planning more adventures nearby, don’t miss my full travel guide for Cusco—packed with all of the excursions and day tours I took while in Cusco working remote and living for over a month, including hiking Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley, a via feratta on the side of the cliffs of the Sacred Valley, hiking the Pisac Ruins in the rain and more!

Cheers!

— Jason

Related Links:

FAQs : Frequently Asked Questions About Ollantaytambo Ruins

Where Is Ollantaytambo Ruins Located?

The ruins sit in the Sacred Valley of Peru, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of Cusco. It’s one of the most well-preserved Inca archaeological sites in the region.

How Do You Get To Ollantaytambo From Cusco?

You can take a colectivo (shared van) from Cusco, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and should cost about $10-15 soles (+/- $5USD) each way. Private taxis or organized tours are also easy options if you prefer to leave the logistics to someone else.

Do You Need A Ticket To Enter The Ruins?

Yes. Entry is included with the Boleto Turístico del Cusco, which also covers other sites in the Sacred Valley. You can buy it at the entrance or ahead of time in Cusco. Ticket Prices:

• Single entry to the Ollantaytambo ruins: around S/ 70 (about $18 USD)
• Full Boleto Turístico del Cusco (includes 16 sites in the Sacred Valley and Cusco region): around S/ 140-150 (about $40-50 USD)

What Is The Altitude Of Ollantaytambo?

Ollantaytambo sits at about 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) above sea level—lower than Cusco but still high enough to feel the altitude. Spend a day or two acclimatizing before visiting.

How Long Does It Take To Explore The Ruins?

Plan about 1.5 to 2 hours to wander through the terraces, temples, and viewpoints. If you like photography or history, you could easily spend longer. And if you pay a local guide onsite, definitely plan for more time. 

What Should You Bring To The Ollantaytambo Ruins?

Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat—the sun can be intense even on cool days. Comfortable shoes are essential since you’ll be climbing steep stone steps. And snacks. 

Is There A Best Time Of Day To Visit?

Early morning is my favorite, but late afternoon is also good for smaller crowds and softer light for photos. Midday can get super busy, especially with Sacred Valley tour groups.

Are The Ruins Family-Friendly?

Yes, though parents should keep an eye on little ones near the higher terraces and uneven stone paths. There aren’t really many guardrails, so keep an eye on yo ninos!

Can You Visit Ollantaytambo As A Day Trip From Cusco?

Absolutely. Many travelers visit the ruins as part of a Sacred Valley day trip from Cusco, but staying overnight would allow you to enjoy the town when it’s quieter.

What Other Things Can You Do In The Sacred Valley Nearby?

You can visit Pisac, Moray, and the Maras salt mines—all easy day trips from Ollantaytambo or Cusco.