Ollantaytambo is a small town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Cusco and about a 2 hour drive from Machu Picchu. It is believed to have been built as a military stronghold around 1450 AD to protect the southern approach to the Inca Empire. The Incas used it as a base for their campaigns against the Portuguese in the 1530s, and it was transitional point on the way to Machu Picchu for tourists until the construction of the Cusco-Machu Picchu railway in the early 1900s. The town still maintains its original layout and many of its Inca walls, making it a popular tourist destination.
The Inca site of Ollantaytambo is located approximately 64 kilometers (40 miles) from Machu Picchu.
How long is the train ride from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu?
If you’re arriving at the Ollantaytambo Train Station, it will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Keep in mind that this time may vary depending on factors such as traffic and weather conditions.
If you are interested in investigating the history of the first cultures that inhabited Peru, Ollantaytambo is one of the most essential places to visit in South America. From there, many travelers can choose to leave for Aguas Calientes and from there to Machu Picchu. Therefore, today, Ollantaytambo is considered one of the most essential places to visit in South America.
Is Ollantaytambo in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is an archaeological site located in the Cusco Region of Peru. The site is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River valley and consists of two main areas, the Urban Sector and the Agricultural Sector. The Urban Sector is the most well-preserved and includes the remains of houses, streets, and canals. The Agricultural Sector includes terraces and irrigation canals.
If you’re looking to take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, you have a few options. PeruRail operates a train every 3 hours, and tickets cost $93. The journey takes 1h 32m. Inca Rail also services this route every 4 hours.
Is it better to stay in Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo?
Aguas Calientes is the best town to stay in if you are looking to avoid altitude sickness. The town is located at 6,700 feet above sea level, which is below the altitude sickness zone. Oxyhaemoglobin levels in your blood begin to drop at 7,000 feet above sea level, so sleeping in Aguas Calientes, 300 feet lower, is not dangerous to your health.
If you are not hiking the Inca Trail, the best way to get to Machu Picchu is by the Train. The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu is 1 hour and 50 minutes. There are two major train companies that run this route: PeruRail and Incarail. Both offer similar services.
How much time do you need in Ollantaytambo?
If you’re interested in seeing the Ollantaytambo terraces and Temple Hill, we suggest that you add at least a half-day to your itinerary. However, if you’re only interested in seeing the Terraces, that should be enough time. We suggest adding a couple of days if you’re interested in seeing everything the town has to offer.
Planning to visit Ollantaytambo from Cusco? The journey will take you around 75-90 minutes by road. The route is a two-way, paved road with magnificent views of the Andes Mountains. You’ll pass through the town of Chinchero and get close to the Moray Ruins and Maras Salt Mines – both great places to stop and explore!
Is it better to stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the Sacred Valley that has more of a local feel, then Urubamba is the perfect spot. Although there are no ruins in the town itself, there are plenty of good restaurants and a lively market. And if you want to visit Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo is a great base to explore from.
Aguas Calientes is a town located near the site of Machu Picchu. Those who are not able to take the Inca Trail use this town as their base in order to explore Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes has many tourist facilities, including restaurants, hotels, and souvenir shops.
Is there a bus from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu?
No, you cannot get to Machu Picchu by bus from Ollantaytambo. The only means of transport from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu is the train. To arrive by bus, you have to take the alternative hydroelectric route.
Aguas Calientes is a quaint city at the bottom of the valley below Machu Picchu. The city is also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, but Aguas Calientes is the name given to the city because of the hot springs located at the back of the town. The thermo-medicinal waters at the hot springs are said to have healing properties.
How many hours should you spend at Machu Picchu
If you only have one day to spend at Machu Picchu, it is important to make the most of it. A 2-3 hour guided tour will allow you to see all the main archaeological features and take in the stunning views. You may even have time to visit Aguas Calientes, too. This is an incredible place with a mystical atmosphere, so make the most of your time there.
This train is an amazing way to see the beautiful landscapes that Peru has to offer while enjoying luxurious amenities such as gourmet food and traditional drinks. The experience is one that you will not soon forget!
How many days should you spend in Machu Picchu?
There are several reasons why the 2 days/1 night option is ideal for visiting Machu Picchu. First, you can enter the site anytime in the afternoon on the first day, which gives you plenty of time to explore. Second, you can return for a second visit in the morning of the second day, which allows you to see the site in a different light. Finally, you can return to Cusco in the late afternoon of the second day, which gives you time to include some of the surrounding hikes.
It is important to note that the hike to Machu Picchu from the town of Aguas Calientes can take between 15 and 2 hours. Of this time, 25 to 30 minutes is spent walking from Aguas Calientes to the checkpoint at the start of the trail. Visitors must also remember that they will not be able to access the trail until 15 hours before the entry time on their Machu Picchu ticket.
Final Words
The two sites are about 60 miles (100 kilometers) apart.
The two ruins are about 60 miles apart.
