Transfer to Ollantaytambo
Sacred Valley, Peru • Elevation: 2,792m (9,160 ft)
Ollantaytambo
A charming Incan town with ancient ruins, cobblestone streets, and original water channels
El Albergue Hotel
Our home base in the Sacred Valley, right next to the Ollantaytambo train station
Overview
Theme: Travel + Settle In
Today you leave Cusco and head down into the Sacred Valley to the town of Ollantaytambo. You'll drop about 600 meters in elevation, which often makes a noticeable difference in how you feel. This is your base for tomorrow's Machu Picchu day trip.
The Drive
Cusco → Ollantaytambo
Private car or van, roughly 1.5–2 hours. The drive through the Sacred Valley is scenic—mountains, farms, and river views the whole way.
Exploring Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is a charming, compact town with Incan roots that are still visible in its layout and architecture. Once you're settled, explore at a relaxed pace:
- Walk the old town streets – Original Incan water channels still run along the narrow lanes
- Ollantaytambo Ruins – Impressive terraces visible right from town; you can view from below or do a short climb if your kid is up for it
- Plaza de Armas – Small, quiet square with restaurants and shops
- Llama and alpaca encounters – Common around the valley
Sample Day Flow
- Morning: Pack and check out of Cusco hotel
- Late Morning: Drive to Ollantaytambo (1.5–2 hrs)
- Midday: Check into hotel, lunch
- Afternoon: Nap, then light exploration of town
- Evening: Dinner in town. Early bed—big day tomorrow!