Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu

About the journey from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu 

The route between Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu is a common trip for tourists exploring the history of the Incas in Peru. Machu Picchu is renowned globally as it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World due to its well-preserved ruins, fascinating history, and mesmerizing location high in the mountains. Be sure to visit the mysterious Temple of the Moon which is carved into two natural caves.

As you walk among the terraced hills and look out at the view of valleys and peaks that are capped by wispy clouds, imagine the Inca civilization that thrived here with their advanced building and farming techniques as well as their strong spiritual beliefs and rituals. Many beliefs are still strongly held by the local people whose ancestors lived here, such as the devotion to Mama Pacha as a symbol of Mother Earth. From the renowned site of Machu Picchu, you will be standing on an unforgettable piece of history, which will surely give you a sense of respect and wonderment for this incredible experience.

Along the Inca trail, the best way to travel is by train as there are lots of options to choose from that cater to everyone’s needs - from travelers on a budget to those willing to splash a bit more cash. No matter which train you travel on from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, you can be sure that the reasonably short journey will provide you with some beautiful scenery.

On the 35 kilometer (22 mile) trip from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, you will be provided with great service and fantastic views of the green and lush mountains of Peru. Arriving in Machu Picchu, you can expect a sense of excitement as you disembark from the train and make your way up the high mountain where the mystical ruins and rich history lies in wait. 

 

What to see when traveling from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu

From Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu you can expect to enjoy the wild beauty of this mountainous and jungle-filled region where flat valleys filled with old historic towns are surrounded by high peaks from every side. The train track follows much of the route of the Urubamba River which flows between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu.

The river is a headwater or source for the Amazon River, and you can enjoy white water rafting on it. The route from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu is full of historical Inca sites. Not far from Ollantaytambo is the IntiPunku Sun Gate which acted as a guardhouse and was one of the main entrances into the Machu Picchu region. There are also many old mountaintop Inca villages and structures along the way, which are often free to trek to. 

 

How to get from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu

Taking a train

Taking a train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu is quite a short journey, with the quickest being around 1.5 hours. In that time, you can enjoy comfortable, air-conditioned cabins with toilet facilities on board. The train classes available are Tourist, Panoramic and First Class. Tourist Trains are the most affordable option for getting from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu.

Panoramic Trains are slightly higher in price than Tourist Trains and offer special windows that reach up to the ceiling of the train for a more expansive view. The First Class option provides a top tier experience of travel, with a gourmet menu, outdoor observation deck, live music, and a bus service from the train station up to the Machu Picchu citadel.

For those not taking the First Class train, the journey ends in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes, where you take a bus or hike to the top of the main Machu Picchu site. Be aware that train travel on the route from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu does not always have high luggage allowances, and you should be ready at the station to depart at least 30 minutes before the train leaves.