Machu picchu to Ollantaytambo Train

The road journey from Machu picchu to Ollantaytambo is pleasant and relaxing. At redBus, we work with different train companies that operate on this route with well-maintained trains and experienced drivers. Although the travel time varies from one train operator to another because of traffic and climatic conditions, our continuous availability of train services between Machu picchu and Ollantaytambo reduces uncertainty and offers convenience for travelers.

You can also time-to-time redBus offers while booking your train tickets online from Machu picchu to Ollantaytambo. Follow a simple, fast and secure train booking procedure. This helps save time and also helps to create a joyful travel experience!

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca city built high in the Andes Mountains, renowned for its monumental architecture and perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape. Considered a masterpiece of engineering, it features temples, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial structures that reveal the Incas’ advanced astronomical and architectural knowledge. Its strategic location, surrounded by sacred mountains and mist-covered peaks, makes it one of the most mystical and visited destinations in the world.

About Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo is an ancient Inca town in the Sacred Valley, renowned for its perfectly engineered agricultural terraces, sophisticated hydraulic system, and impressive ceremonial fortress. Located about 60 km from Cusco, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, and the town stands out for preserving its original Inca urban layout, with cobblestone streets, functioning water channels, and houses built on ancient Inca foundations. It is also one of the main departure points to Machu Picchu, as most trains to Aguas Calientes depart from its station, making it the railway gateway to Peru’s most iconic archaeological site.

The route from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo is one of the most scenic journeys in the Sacred Valley, connecting the town of Aguas Calientes with one of the region’s main railway hubs. After visiting the citadel, travelers take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where they board the train back to Ollantaytambo. The ride takes between 1.5 and 2 hours and passes through stunning Andean scenery filled with rivers, mountains, and lush vegetation. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, visitors can either continue their trip to Cusco or explore this historic Inca town, known for its cobblestone streets and impressive archaeological site.

Weather in Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo has a mild Andean climate, with temperatures generally ranging from 7°C to 23°C throughout the year. The dry season, from April to October, offers sunny days ideal for exploring ruins and walking through the Sacred Valley. The rainy season, from November to March, brings frequent showers that intensify the greenery but may make some trails slippery. Due to its deep valley location, mornings are usually cool and afternoons warmer, so layered clothing is recommended.

Tourist Attractions in Ollantaytambo

●  Ollantaytambo Fortress: An archaeological complex with massive terraces and temples, known for its defensive function and panoramic valley views.

●  Temple of the Sun: A ceremonial structure built from enormous, perfectly carved stones aligned with astronomical events.

●  Living Inca Town: The historic center retains original Inca streets, canals, and houses that remain inhabited today.

●  Pinkuylluna Archaeological Park: A mountainside site featuring Inca storehouses built strategically for food preservation.

●  Half-Moon Terraces: A semicircular agricultural area showcasing the Incas’ advanced engineering techniques.

●  Patacancha River: A scenic area ideal for short walks and observing local community life.

Important Dates in Ollantaytambo

●  June 24 – Inti Raymi: Andean celebration dedicated to the sun, featuring traditional dances, music, and rituals.

●  Lord of Choquekillka Festival (May/June): One of the largest festivals in the Sacred Valley, with parades, processions, and ancestral ceremonies.

●  Corpus Christi (June): Religious celebration blending Catholic traditions with Andean customs.

●  Cusco Tourism Week (June): Ollantaytambo participates with fairs, cultural events, and artistic presentations.

What to Eat in Ollantaytambo

• Fried or grilled trout
• Roasted guinea pig
• Chicha morada and chicha de jora
• Quinoa soups and stews
• Rocoto relleno
• Ají de gallina
  
  

How to Get to Ollantaytambo?

• Bus from Cusco: Distance of 60 km; travel time is 1.5 to 2 hours by road.
• Private taxi: A more comfortable option; around 1.5 hours, ideal for groups or luggage.
• Train from Cusco (Poroy or San Pedro): Some services reach Ollantaytambo in 1.5–2 hours.
• Organized tour: Includes transportation and guide; usually a half-day tour with stops in the Sacred Valley.
  
  

How to Get Around Ollantaytambo?

• Walking: The historic center is compact and easy to explore on foot.
• Mototaxi: Ideal for short distances within the village.
• Local taxi: Useful for reaching nearby communities or archaeological sites.
• Bicycle: Popular for exploring trails along nearby valleys and rivers.
  
  

Things to Buy in Ollantaytambo

• Handmade textiles
• Alpaca products
• Traditional pottery
• Accessories with Inca iconography
• Sacred Valley coffee and chocolate
• Knitted chullos and scarves
  
  

Ollantaytambo Facts

• Located at 2,792 meters above sea level
• Built during the reign of Inca Pachacutec
• Known as “the living Inca town”
• Home to one of the most important archaeological complexes in the Sacred Valley
• Its train station is one of the main gateways to Machu Picchu
• Surrounded by the Urubamba and Patacancha rivers
  
  

In Conclusion

Traveling to Ollantaytambo means immersing yourself in a town where Inca history remains alive, blending culture, tradition, and stunning landscapes. Its monumental ruins, preserved urban layout, and direct connection to Machu Picchu make it an essential destination in the Sacred Valley. Moreover, thanks to the partnership between redBus and Inca Rail, reaching this historic village and continuing your journey toward Machu Picchu is now easier, safer, and more convenient than ever.