Getting There & Away: Ollantaytambo

Air Travel Insights

Airports & Flights

The main gateway to Ollantaytambo is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco. Most international flights arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, requiring a domestic connection to Cusco.

Flight Details

Airlines from Lima (LIM) to Cusco (CUZ): LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, Viva Air Peru. Flights are frequent.
No direct international flights to Cusco (CUZ); connections through Lima or other South American hubs (Bogotá, Santiago) are customary.
Flight prices are higher during the dry season (June-August) and around major holidays. Booking domestic flights well in advance is advised.

Airport Transfers

Upon arrival at Cusco Airport (CUZ), several options connect you to Ollantaytambo. Choose based on your budget and preference for convenience.

Transfer Options from CUZ

Taxi: Private taxis are outside the terminal. Negotiate fare (S/. 80-150 / US$20-40) for a 1.5-2 hour ride.
Colectivo/Shared Van: Take a taxi from CUZ to Pavitos Street (S/. 10-15), then a colectivo to Ollantaytambo (S/. 10-15). Journey 1.5-2 hours.
Pre-arranged Transfer: Many hotels and tour operators offer private transfers. More expensive but offers convenience. Arrange in advance.

Cusco Airport CUZ

A smaller airport with basic facilities, including ATMs, currency exchange, small shops, and food stalls. It can get busy during peak hours.

Lima Airport LIM

Peru's main international gateway. More extensive facilities, including diverse restaurants, duty-free shops, and lounges. Hotels are nearby or within the airport complex.

Flight Booking

Tools like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner help locate affordable flights for your journey.

Land Travel & Road Conditions

Train Connections

Ollantaytambo is a major hub for train services to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
PeruRail and Inca Rail operate this route, offering various service classes.
Book train tickets well in advance, especially for high season or popular morning departures.
Some PeruRail services from Poroy (near Cusco) stop in Ollantaytambo before Aguas Calientes.

Bus & Self-Driving

Long-distance buses from Lima or other cities arrive at the main bus terminal in Cusco. From there, take colectivos or taxis to Ollantaytambo.
Self-driving is not common or generally advised for tourists in the Sacred Valley due to challenging road conditions.
Roads are generally paved but can be narrow and winding. Wet season (Nov-Apr) may bring landslides or delays.
For rental cars, consider DiscoverCars.com. An International Driving Permit is needed with your home country license.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

Peru does not impose specific exit fees or taxes for air or land departures. These costs are typically included in your airfare.

Departure Timing

For Cusco (CUZ) flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours prior. For trains from Ollantaytambo, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

Station Facilities

Cusco Airport has limited facilities. Ollantaytambo Train Station offers basic amenities like waiting areas, cafes, and souvenir shops.

Regional Travel & Connectivity

Local SIM Cards

SIM Card Benefits

Maintains consistent internet access beyond hotel Wi-Fi.
Enables local calls for reservations or emergencies.
Many local tour operators and hotels use WhatsApp for communication.

Data Plans for Travelers

Various providers offer affordable data packages, which are readily available at airports or official stores. This connectivity is specifically useful for navigation and translation apps.

Connectivity Options

Purchase SIM cards at Lima (LIM) or Cusco (CUZ) airports, or official stores in cities like Cusco.
Utilize Airalo for eSIM services, offering convenience and digital activation.
Ensure your phone is unlocked for international use before your trip.

Secure Internet Access

While public Wi-Fi is common, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds a layer of security for your online activities, especially when handling sensitive information.

VPN Services

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, protecting your data from potential threats on public networks.
NordVPN and ExpressVPN are reputable services offering strong security features for travelers.
A VPN can also allow access to geo-restricted content from your home country.

Camera & Electronics

Capture the stunning landscapes and cultural moments with suitable camera equipment. Consider durability and portability for travel.

Photography Gear

Consider a DSLR or mirrorless camera with wide-angle and telephoto lenses for diverse shots.
Pack extra batteries and multiple memory cards to avoid missing shots.
For equipment purchases, B&H Photo offers a wide selection.

Road Safety Advisory

Self-driving is not common for tourists due to challenging road conditions and aggressive local driving.
Roads in mountainous areas can be narrow and winding.
During the wet season (November-April), landslides and mudslides can cause temporary road closures.

Exercise caution when traveling by road, especially during and immediately after heavy rains.
Signage on local roads may be limited, making navigation difficult without local knowledge.
For safety, using local transport, taxis, or organized tours is often a more relaxed approach.

Getting Around Ollantaytambo

Public Transportation

Ollantaytambo mainly utilizes shared vans (`colectivos`) for inter-town travel. Within the village, most areas are easily walkable, minimizing the need for motorized transport.

Transit Details

`Colectivos` to Cusco (Pavitos Street) and Urubamba depart frequently from the main square.
Fares are cash-only, paid directly to the driver upon boarding; no pre-purchased tickets.
`Colectivos` operate during daylight hours (approx. 5:00 AM - 7:00 PM), departing when full.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis offer direct and private transport options. While ride-sharing apps exist in Cusco, they are not reliably available in Ollantaytambo.

Taxi Guidelines

Ollantaytambo taxis are often informal; they may lack meters or official signs.
Always agree on the fare before starting the ride, as meters are not used for local or inter-town trips.
Taxis are available at the train station or town square. Payment is cash only.

Walking Friendly

The historic center of Ollantaytambo is highly pedestrian-friendly, ideal for exploring on foot. Enjoy the cobblestone streets and ancient architecture.

Cycling Options

Formal bicycle sharing programs do not exist. Some hotels may offer rentals for nearby exploration. Dedicated cycling infrastructure is limited.

Unique Transport

The train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) is the unique local transport accessing Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo, offering a scenic journey.

Rental & Specialty Transit

Car & Scooter Rentals

Self-driving is not common for tourists in the Sacred Valley due to challenging road conditions, aggressive local driving, and limited signage. Rental companies are mainly in Lima or Cusco.

Rental Considerations

Road conditions vary greatly; smaller roads can be rough.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed with your home country license.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are not common or advised due to road conditions.

Accessibility & Tours

Ollantaytambo, with its cobblestone streets and uneven paths, presents challenges for mobility-impaired travelers. Accessibility infrastructure is limited.

Specialized Transport

Public transportation (colectivos, local buses) is generally not wheelchair accessible.
Tour buses are common for Sacred Valley day trips from Cusco, often stopping in Ollantaytambo.
Boat taxis and water transportation are not applicable for Ollantaytambo, an inland town.

Navigation & Safety Tips

Efficient Navigation

Ask locals for `colectivo` stops. Confirm prices beforehand. Stay aware of belongings in crowded public transport.

Taxi Safety

Use hotel-recommended taxis for long distances. Avoid unmarked cars late at night. Negotiate fares.

Walking Areas

Ollantaytambo's historic center, Plaza de Armas, and archaeological site are excellent for walking. Guided tours enhance understanding.

Travel Planning Note

Consider your arrival time at Cusco Airport. Traffic can vary, and a pre-arranged transfer or understanding the colectivo system will make your journey to Ollantaytambo smoother.

Getting There & Away