Alternative Ollantaytambo Tour Itinerary

Venture off the beaten path on your next Peru trip with an alternative tour of Ollantaytambo! Here, you’ll explore the ancient city and its awe-inspiring views and experience traditional food and culture.

DAY 1

Explore the Surroundings of Ollantaytambo

At 07:30, we leave the city of Cusco to travel to the Valley of Pachar via Izuchaca to explore, in the first instance, the ruins of Ñaupa Iglesia.

We visit the platforms of Qellorakay and then walk through the outskirts of Ollantaytambo’s archaeological park, exploring the gigantic megalithic stone being transferred from the quarries of Cachicata to the temple of the Sun and the Moon of the ruins of Ollantaytambo.

Visit all the Inca parts that make up the incredible constructions of the Ollantaytambo Inca ruins, exploring its sacred temples such as the sun, the moon, the condor, the ten-horned windows, the main gate entrance of Ollantaytambo, and the beautiful three fountains of Inca liturgical water.

Finally, the guided visits to the ruins of Ollantaytambo culminate with a visit to the Inca defense bastions of Pumamarca and the system of agricultural terraces of Pata Pata.

EXPLORE SITES AROUND OLLANTAYTAMBO

Discover the hidden secrets of Ollantaytambo by taking an alternative tour! This tour will surely give you an unforgettable experience, from historical sites to never-before-seen landscapes.

ÑAUPA IGLESIA INCA RUINS: The natural cave where the Incas built a temple with a water source; the font has a stepped design of the Inca cross. On the outskirts of Ñaupa Iglesia, there are Inca terrace systems.

QELLORAKAY RUINS NEAR OLLANTAYTAMBO: Inca platform system before entering the town of Ollantaytambo on both sides of the Urubamba River. Also, observe the Inca control houses built on the rocky reefs of Pinkuylluna Mountain.

OLLANTAYTAMBO INCA TERRACES: System of support platforms on both sides of the pyramidal ruins of Ollantaytambo and the mountain

Ollantaytambo Megalithic Rocks: Several gigantic, carved megalithic stones were moved from the Cachicata quarry to the ruins of Ollantaytambo. Explore the tired rocks before entering Ollantaytambo Park.

OLLANTAYTAMBO RUINS (MAIN PARK): There are several temples around the Ollantaytambo ruins, such as the temple of the sun, which contains six finely carved monoliths, the temple of the moon, and the ritual fountain, among others. Several Inca trails traverse the ruins of Ollantaytambo, with spectacular panoramic views of the Patacancha and Pachar valleys—elevation of Ollantaytambo: 2,792 meters (9,160 feet).

PUMA MARCA INCA RUINS: Inca bastion to control the entrance to the Sacred Valley from the depths of the Pantiacolla and Amparaes jungles. The archaeological group of Pumamarca presents squares, houses, temples, deposits, and various Inca defensive systems that intertwine the Inca trails that go directly to the ruins of Ollantaytambo.

PATA PATA INCA TERRACES: Inca terraces for agriculture; the Inca terraces were built on an entire mountain with Inca roads that intersect for free access by Inca farmers.

Food

None

Physical Level

2, Moderate

Walking Distance

A light walks

Hiking Time

5 to 35 minutes

Starting Altitude

Ñaupa Iglesia: 2,800m (9,186 ft)

Minimun Altitude

Ollantaytambo: 2,851m (9,353 ft)

Highest Altitude

Puma Marca: 3,390m (11,122 ft)

Alternative Ollantaytambo Tour Inclusions

• Active itinerary with cultural singularities of Ollantaytambo ruins
• Excellent tour guide from Cusco with command of the English language
• Private transportation for the excursion with a driver.
• Transfers to and from the hotel at the beginning and end of the excursion
• The vehicles have a regular aluminum portable oxygen bottle plus a first aid kit.
• All local Peruvian taxes

Tour Ollantaytambo Ruins: NO INCLUSION

• CUSCO TOURIST TICKET BTG (Ollantaytambo Ruin Tickets) This ticket allows entrance to many sites in and around Cusco and costs 130 Peruvian soles (approximately US$45). The entrance ticket is valid for ten days to carry out the tourist circuit of Cusco, Sacred Valley, South Valley, and Moray.
  • PARTIAL TICKETS. Cost: 70 Peruvian Soles (approximately US$25). You can buy separate tickets if you don’t have the time or inclination to visit all the attractions on the “General Ticket” listed above.
• Ollantaytambo Hotels
• Lunch (box lunch)
• Snack.
• Tips: A tour guide and the vehicle’s driver

Alternative Ollantaytambo Tour Cars

Tour Ollantaytambo Inca Ruins: See Ollantaytambo with an alternative tour like never before! Immerse yourself with KONDOR PATH TOURS in ancient history and uncover hidden gems with a local guide who will take you off the beaten path.

Bring for the Tour Ollantaytambo Inca Ruins

• Tennis Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support, as short walks are involved in the guided tour of and around the Ollantaytambo ruins.
• Rain gear: The rains are from January to mid-April, but there can be some drizzle in the dry season between May and December, so it is always advisable to bring a rain jacket.
• Windbreaker
• Water: 2 bottles of 1400 milliliters are excellent; more water can be provided at local stores in Ollantaytambo town, etc.
• Cash in local currency to buy souvenir items in Ollantaytambo. Carry money in Peruvian national currency or, failing that, American dollars since most tourist businesses use American currency, such as bank cards, etc.

Alternative Ollantaytambo Tour Facts

Ollantaytambo, nicknamed Ollanta by locals

There are cobblestone streets, plenty of trees, long-forgotten ancient sites, charming boutique hotels, and stylish little cafés and restaurants. Pachacutec built the fortress and much of the city, initially called Llacta, in the 15th century.

A significant train stop site, along with Pisac and Urubamba, has become one of the leading tourist bases in the Sacred Valley. If entering Ollantaytambo from Pisac, notice the inclination of the wall on the stone road just before the town.

It was an Incan practice to build walls leaning toward the interior of buildings, but this one leans toward the street. Researchers have determined that the road must have been constructed inside several buildings.

Sightseeing Ollantaytambo Town and Ruins

The Plaza Mayor is small and less pleasant than most other Andean plazas. It seems to have a lot of tourist traffic, pedestrians, and vehicles, and is not entirely enclosed. The few cobblestone streets north of the Plaza are much more enjoyable.

Most narrow streets were decorated with fine adobe brick and stone walls on both sides; many were part of Canchas – completely walled city blocks (except for one entrance).

The Canchas in Ollantaytambo are an excellent example of Incan town planning. The stone city blocks are still intact. Perhaps that is why Pueblo is the only continuously inhabited Inca village. A small produce market is typical of the Andean villages on one side of the main square.

It will give you a good idea of the crops grown in the region. You can also buy local dishes here, such as anticuchos or corn on the cob. Just make sure everything cooks. It is generally OK as long as you have a strong stomach. Below the entrance to the ruins is a craft market that sells various goods.

If you are looking for one, I’ve noticed that there tends to be a greater variety of stone carvings and jewelry. They also sell carved and decorated walking sticks, which aren’t a bad idea if you climb the ruins here and later head on to Machu Picchu. It is a bit livelier on Sundays, and locals in traditional dress come from miles around. But this is still far smaller than the Pisac market.

What’s it like?

• Tour Ollantaytambo Ruins: Complete your visit to Ollantaytambo with an Alternative Tour, exploring excellent archaeological sites off the well-beaten path! See a side of Peru you won’t get from traditional tours.
• If you want to explore the hidden gems of Ollantaytambo, look no further—sign up for an alternative tour that provides both local expertise and insightful knowledge.

1-Day Alternative Ollantaytambo Tour COST

Season 2025

INQUIRE ABOUT THE ALTERNATIVE OLLANTAYTAMBO TOUR

Ollantaytambo Ruins Tour: Discover a different side of the Ollantaytambo Inca Ruins with this alternative tour! Walk through ancient ruins, take picturesque hikes, enjoy traditional delicacies, and experience Peruvian culture like never before.