Explore the Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is one of the most famous towns in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the perfect base for exploring this beautiful part of Peru. Famous for its Inca ruins, culture and nearby attractions, day trips from Ollantaytambo are a must on any trip to the Sacred Valley. Whether you are looking for cultural experiences, outdoor adventures or historical exploration, the Sacred Valley has something for you.
Explore the enigmatic ancient ruins like a local. Step back in time as you explore the impressive ruins scattered throughout the Sacred Valley. Our expertly guided tours and day trips from Ollantaytambo will take you on a journey through the ancient Inca civilization, with highlights including the majestic Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site, the fascinating terraces of Moray, the famous Salt Mines of Maras and the captivating Pisac Ruins. Immerse yourself in history as our expert guides bring these archaeological wonders to life, sharing stories of the Inca Empire and its ingenious engineering feats. Experience the mystical atmosphere, marvel at the intricate stonework and capture breathtaking photographs you will treasure forever.
Why Choose Tours from Ollantaytambo?
Ollantaytambo is located between Cusco and Machu Picchu, making it the perfect starting point for tours in the Sacred Valley. The town itself is a living Inca town, almost 50% of which is still original from the Inca period, with cobblestone streets, terraced hillsides and impressive archaeological sites that offer visitors a glimpse into Peru’s ancient past.
Top Attractions in Ollantaytambo
- Ollantaytambo Ruins: One of the most important archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, the Ollantaytambo ruins were an Inca military, religious and agricultural centre. The terraces, temples and the impressive Inca Sun Temple will give you an insight into Inca construction and history.
- Chinchero: Famous for its traditional weaving and textiles, Chinchero is the place to go if you want to get deeper into Inca culture. This small town also has an Inca site and a colonial church.
- Pisac: Famous for its market and ruins on top of a mountain, Pisac is another must-see on tours from Ollantaytambo. The Pisac ruins have agricultural terraces and temples with views of the valley.
- Moray and Maras: Just a short trip from Ollantaytambo, Moray has circular terraces that the Incas used for agricultural experimentation and Maras has ancient salt mines still in use today.
Popular Tours from Ollantaytambo:
Ollantaytambo is the perfect starting point for a wide range of day tours in the Sacred Valley. Whether you have a full day or just a few hours, there are several options for exploring the amazing ruins and rich history of the Incas, their breathtaking scenery and living culture. These are some of the most popular excursions from Ollantaytambo:
- Sacred Valley Full Day Tour from Ollantaytambo: On this full-day tour, you will visit the most important sites in the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero. This itinerary includes everything from ancient Inca ruins to local markets and traditional Andean culture that will leave you feeling like you’ve seen the best of what the valley has to offer within a day.
- Half Day Tour to Maras Moray from Ollantaytambo: A condensed version of a tour best for those short on time. Explore the unusual Moray ruins, which are arranged in concentric circles for Inca crops, then head on to the Maras Salt Mines that still use ancient methods of extraction. This tour provides a glimpse into Inca agricultural practices as well as the traditional salt production methods in Peru.
- Tour to Pisac: Enjoy the view from the Pisac ruins high above the Sacred Valley, as well as insight into Inca agriculture and religion. After that, stop at the market in Pisac where you have the chance to buy some local crafts or textiles.
- Tour to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo: Take the train to Machu Picchu, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, from Ollantaytambo. The guided walking tour takes you around the ancient site of Machu Picchu while explaining its history and importance. This is a must-do for anyone coming to the Sacred Valley.
- Ollantaytambo Humantay Lake Tour: If you’re an adventure lover, a Humantay Lake tour is something you will never forget. This beautiful turquoise lake sits high in the Andes and offers impressive views of snow-capped mountains and surrounding valleys.
- Tour Rainbow Mountain from Ollantaytambo: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is one of the most colorful places in Peru, famous for its bright and multicolored slopes. The reward for making the challenging hike is breathtaking views of the surrounding high-Andean landscape.
- Short Inca Trail from Ollantaytambo: For those who want to try the famous Inca Trail but don’t have time for the full trek, the Short Inca Trail is the perfect option. This 2-day trek takes you to the impressive ruins of Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu, giving you an insight into Inca history and spectacular scenery along the way. This tour can be arranged to pick you up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo.
- Half-Day Excursion to Chinchero from Ollantaytambo: Chinchero is known for its traditional weaving techniques and textile interpretation centers. This half-day excursion will take you through this Quechua village, where you can witness the skills of local artisans and explore the impressive Inca ruins and colonial church of Chinchero located in the center of the village.
Places You Will Visit During Our Tours from Ollantaytambo
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most enchanting regions of Peru, and our tours from Ollantaytambo offer an immersive experience that will allow you to fully appreciate its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Our tours take you on a journey through the heart of the Sacred Valley, where you’ll discover the ancient ruins of the Inca civilization, marvel at the towering peaks of the Andes and experience the vibrant culture of the local communities.
Some of the highlights of our tours in the Sacred Valley include:
Ollantaytambo: This charming town is one of the best-preserved examples of Incan urban planning and architecture. Our tours give you the opportunity to explore the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo, which served as a strategic military, religious and agricultural center for the Inca Empire.
Pisac: The terraced ruins of Pisac offer stunning views of the Sacred Valley and are a testament to the incredible engineering and construction skills of the Inca civilization. Our tours allow you to explore the ruins and witness firsthand the ingenuity of the Inca engineers.
Maras Salt Mines: The Maras Salt Mines are a unique and fascinating example of pre-Inca salt extraction methods. Our tours take you to this remarkable site, where you can see the thousands of small salt ponds that have been used for centuries to harvest salt.
Moray Ruins: The Moray ruins are a fascinating and unique archaeological site located in the Sacred Valley of Peru. Our tours from Ollantaytambo offer the opportunity to visit these incredible ruins and gain insight into the agricultural practices of the ancient Inca civilization.
Chinchero: This traditional Andean village is home to a vibrant market where locals sell handmade textiles, ceramics and other crafts. Our tours give you the opportunity to experience the colorful bustle of the market and learn about the traditional techniques used to create these beautiful works of art.
Alpaca Farms: Alpaca farms are a popular attraction for anyone traveling through the Sacred Valley of Peru. Our tours from Ollantaytambo offer the opportunity to visit these farms and learn about the cultural significance of alpacas in the Andes.
Join us on one of our tours in the Sacred Valley from Ollantaytambo and embark on an unforgettable journey through this enchanting region of Peru.
Visit Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo
Machu Picchu can be visited as a day trip from Ollantaytambo, saving time and simplifying your journey. If you are visiting Machu Picchu as a day trip, we suggest staying the night before in Ollantaytambo and traveling to Machu Picchu by train the next day. The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes each way.
There are two major train companies that operate this route: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both offer similar services and operate from Ollantaytambo. PeruRail offers several service categories, including Expedition and Vistadome, as well as multiple departure times.
Things to Do in Ollantaytambo, Perú
Ollantaytambo is known for its well-preserved Inca ruins and rich history. Here are some things to do in Ollantaytambo:
Explore the Inca Ruins: The Inca ruins in Ollantaytambo are some of the best-preserved in Peru. They include impressive terraces, temples and other structures built from massive stone blocks. Exploring the ruins is a must-do activity in Ollantaytambo.
Visit Ollantaytambo Town: The town of Ollantaytambo is also worth exploring. Its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and colorful houses make for a picturesque setting. There are also plenty of restaurants, shops and markets to explore.
Hike to Pinkuylluna: For a great view of the town and the surrounding mountains, you can hike up to Pinkuylluna. This ancient Inca storehouse is perched on a hill overlooking the town, and the hike up is not too difficult.
Take a Bike Tour: Another way to explore the town and surrounding countryside is by taking a bike tour. You can rent bikes in Ollantaytambo and ride to nearby sites like the Moray agricultural terraces or the Maras Salt Mines.
Visit the Choco Museo: If you’re a chocolate lover, be sure to visit the Choco Museo in Ollantaytambo. Here you can learn about the history of chocolate in Peru and even make your own chocolate.
Attend a Traditional Market: Ollantaytambo has local markets where residents sell a variety of products. Visiting a market is a great way to experience local culture and find traditional souvenirs.
Take a Train to Machu Picchu: Ollantaytambo is one of the main starting points for train journeys to Machu Picchu. You can catch a train from Ollantaytambo station and enjoy the scenery of the Sacred Valley along the way.