Ollantaytambo to Machu picchu train

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

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

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.

About Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most important archaeological wonders and Peru’s most iconic tourist destination. Built by the Inca civilization in the 15th century, this ancient citadel rises between mist-covered mountains, offering a unique landscape that blends history, engineering, and nature. Its terraced architecture, sacred temples, and precisely carved stone walls showcase the Incas’ advanced planning and deep astronomical knowledge. Visiting Machu Picchu is an experience that connects travelers with the greatness of this ancient culture and the majestic beauty of the Andean environment.

The route from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu is one of the most breathtaking journeys in the Sacred Valley. From the Ollantaytambo train station, travelers board tourist trains that pass through stunning Andean landscapes, rushing rivers, and towering mountains on their way to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. The train ride takes between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on the service selected, and it is the most comfortable and popular way to reach the archaeological wonder. Once in Aguas Calientes, you only need to take a bus that climbs up to the citadel, where you can finally enjoy one of Peru’s most iconic experiences.

Weather in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu has a humid subtropical climate with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 24°C year-round. The dry season runs from April to October, offering clear skies and excellent visibility. The rainy season, from November to March, brings frequent showers that make paths slippery but enhance the lush green scenery. Because of its cloud-forest location, weather changes quickly, so visitors should bring light clothing, rain gear, and sunscreen.

Hotels in Machu Picchu

Jaya Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel

• Address: Los Artesanos 207, Machu Picchu, Peru
• Prices from: S/636.00
• Services: This luxurious hotel with mountain and river views offers rooms with jacuzzi and hydromassage, buffet breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. Our rooms are carefully designed and decorated. Breakfast included.

Hotel Taypikala Machupicchu

• Address: Av. Pachacutec 808, Machu Picchu
• Prices from: S/513.00
• Services: This luxurious boutique hotel offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, LED TVs, and breakfast. It features a garden, restaurant, and elevator. The bus station to Machu Picchu is 200 meters away. Breakfast included.

Rockrivers MachuPicchu

• Address: 503 Imperio de los Incas 5, Machu Picchu
• Prices from: S/256.00
• Services: The rooms in this property have a private bathroom with shower and free toiletries, as well as free Wi-Fi. Some rooms also include city views. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. Breakfast included.

Machu Picchu Royal B & B

• Address: Calle Las Orquideas Mza B N°7, Machu Picchu
• Prices from: S/88.00
• Services: This bed and breakfast offers a TV and private bathroom with free toiletries, hairdryer, and shower. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and bed linen for an extra charge. Breakfast included.

El MaPi by Inkaterra

• Address: Av. Pachacutec 109, 084 Machu Picchu
• Prices from: S/642.00
• Services: The well-lit rooms feature thick beige blankets and large windows with blackout curtains. All rooms offer cotton bathrobes and a 32-inch cable TV. Breakfast and dinner included.

Hotel Horizonte

• Address: Avenida Hermanos Ayar 503-H, Machu Picchu
• Prices from: S/142.00
• Services: This smoke-free hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The rooms include a desk, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, bed linen, and towels. Breakfast included.
  
  

Restaurants in Machu Picchu

Mapacho Craft Beer Restaurant

• Address: Avenida Imperio de Los Incas 614, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
• Services: Suitable for vegetarians, vegan options, gluten-free options, accepts credit cards, lunch, dinner, brunch, open late, drinks.

Chullos Machupicchu Restaurant

• Address: Avenida Imperio de Los Incas 612, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
• Services: Specializes in Peruvian cuisine, XXL burgers, pizzas, pisco cocktails, craft beer made with local ingredients. Offers exceptional views.

Ponchos Peruvian Kitchen

• Address: Av. Imperio de los Incas 503, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
• Services: With a minimalist and sophisticated ambiance, it presents a proposal of high-end Peruvian cuisine—stylized, avant-garde, and research-based—combined with personalized and solid service.

Full House Peruvian Cuisine

• Address: Imperio de los Incas 620, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
• Services: Suitable for vegetarians, vegan options, gluten-free options, digital payments, cash-only option, accepts credit cards (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa), lunch, dinner, drinks.

Inka Wasi Museum Peruvian Restaurant

• Address: Pachacutec 112, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
• Services: Suitable for vegetarians, vegan options, gluten-free options. Accepts credit cards (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa). Lunch, dinner, brunch, open late, drinks.
  
  

Tourist Attractions in Machu Picchu

●  Huayna Picchu Mountain: Offers panoramic views after a steep 1.5–2-hour hike. Its narrow trail is famous for being one of the most challenging and thrilling routes in the entire complex.

●  Temple of the Sun: A ceremonial structure made of finely carved stones used for astronomical rituals. This temple aligns with the sun during solstices, showcasing the Incas’ advanced astronomical knowledge.

●  Intihuatana Stone: A sacred carved stone that functioned as a solar clock to measure solstices. Its precise design allowed Inca priests to determine agricultural and ceremonial cycles.

●  Main Temple: A ceremonial structure featuring highly precise stonework. It is one of the most sacred spaces in the citadel, associated with important religious rituals.

●  Sun Gate (Intipunku): The arrival point of the Inca Trail with special sunrise views. It served as the ancient checkpoint to access the sanctuary and offers a unique perspective of the citadel.

●  Machu Picchu Mountain: A longer hike that provides elevated views of the valley. Its wider and less steep trail makes it ideal for visitors seeking broad landscapes without extreme difficulty.

●  Guardian’s House: The ideal spot for the classic Machu Picchu photo. From here, visitors can capture the most iconic and widely recognized panorama of the archaeological site.

Important Dates in Machu Picchu

● 24th July, 1911 – Scientific Rediscovery: Hiram Bingham introduced Machu Picchu to the world. His discovery sparked international archaeological interest in Inca culture.

● 9th December, 1983 – UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized by UNESCO as a cultural and natural treasure. This designation helped promote its preservation and sustainable tourism initiatives.

● 7th July, 2007 – Chosen as One of the New 7 Wonders: Global recognition of its historical value. It was selected by millions of voters worldwide, solidifying its fame on a global scale.

● June 24 – Inti Raymi: Annual celebration of the Inca Festival of the Sun. It marks the symbolic rebirth of the sun during the Andean winter solstice.

Gastronomy in Machu Picchu

• Ceviche
• Grilled trout
• Roasted guinea pig
• Quinoa dishes
• Andean soups
  
  

How to Get to Machu Picchu?

• Train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo: About 1.5 hours from Ollantaytambo; 3–3.5 hours from Cusco.
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance: A 25–30-minute uphill ride.
• Inca Trail (trek): A 2–4-day hike ending at the Sun Gate.
• Salkantay Trek: A 4–5-day adventure alternative.
• Hydroelectric Route: Budget option combining land transport + a 2–3-hour walk.
  
  

How to Move Around Machu Picchu?

• Walking: The only way to explore the citadel; requires moderate physical effort.
• Shuttle Bus Aguas Calientes–Entrance: Official transport to reach the site.
• Mountain trekking routes: Access to Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or Intipunku with prior permit.
  
  

Things to Buy in Machu Picchu

• Textile handicrafts
• Alpaca accessories
• Magnets and souvenirs
• Andean pottery
• Sacred Valley chocolates and coffee
  
  

Machu Picchu Facts

Machu Picchu sits at an altitude of 2,430 meters above sea level and was built in the 15th century, attributed to Inca Pachacutec. The citadel is divided into agricultural and urban sectors and contains over 200 structures in total. It is also located in one of Peru’s most biodiverse regions, which enhances both its historical and natural significance.