GETTING THERE

By Train -- Ollantaytambo lies midway on the Cusco–Machu Picchu train route. Trains traveling to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) from Cusco or Urubamba stop first at Ollantaytambo, though many other services start the journey from here. PeruRail trains depart Cusco from Estación Poroy (tel. 084/221-352), a 15-min. taxi ride from Cusco, and arrive in Ollantaytambo 90 min. later. The train station in Ollantaytambo is a long 10-min. walk from the main square. For additional details, see “Getting There” in Chapter 8.

By Bus -- The cheapest way to Ollantaytambo is to catch a combi or colectivo from Cusco to Urubamba (S/7) and transfer at the terminal there to a frequent combi (S/3) for Ollanta (30 min.). Buses drop passengers at the Plaza de Armas in the old town, about a kilometer from the ruins.

By Taxi -- Taxis between Ollantaytambo and Cusco generally charge about S/80 to S/90 each way. Shared taxis (for about S/10 per person) to Ollanta are also available from Cusco, while a private taxi from Urubamba to Ollanta will run about S/15 to S/20.

Visitor Information

You’re better off getting information on the Sacred Valley before leaving Cusco at the main Tourist Information Office (tel. 084/263-176), Av. El Sol 103. Your best bet for exchanging cash in Ollantaytambo is in small shops. If you need medical assistance, go to Centro de Salud, Calle Principal (tel. 084/204-090). The post office is on the Plaza de Armas.

When Not to Go

The Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo are often overrun with tourists doing the bus tour of the Sacred Valley on Sunday afternoons, typical market day. The ruins are so special and so enjoyably serene on other days that if you can't get there early in the morning on Sunday, it's worthwhile visiting another day, if you can.

Getting There

By Train

Ollantaytambo lies midway on the Cusco-Machu Picchu train route. Trains traveling to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) from Cusco stop first at Ollantaytambo; two new competitors of PeruRail originate in Ollanta for travel to Machu Picchu. Peru Rail trains depart Cusco from Estación Poroy (tel. 084/221-352) a 15-minute taxi ride from Cusco and arrive in Ollantaytambo 90 minutes later. The train station in Ollantaytambo is a long 15-minute walk from the main square. Peru Rail's Backpacker shuttle ($31-$43 adults one-way) departs Ollantaytambo starting at 5:45am, with the last train leaving for Machu Picchu at 5:55pm. Coming back, the first train leaves at 5:45am and the last at 8:40pm. The slightly more upscale Vistadome Valle train ($43-$60 adults one-way) departs Ollantaytambo beginning at 6:40am, with the last train leaving at 4:05pm. The first Backpacker leaves Machu Picchu for Ollantaytambo at 8:30am and the last at 6:55pm.

By Bus

The cheapest way to Ollantaytambo is to catch a combi or colectivo from Cusco to Urubamba (S/5) and transfer at the terminal there to a frequent combi (S/3) for Ollanta (30 min.). Buses drop passengers at the Plaza de Armas in the old town, about a kilometer (1/2-mile) from the ruins.

By Taxi

Taxis between Ollantaytambo and Cusco generally charge about S/100 each way. Shared taxis (for about S/10 per person) to Urubamba are frequently available; a private taxi from the bus station in Urubamba to Ollanta will run another S/10 to S/15.

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