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Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is a place rich with indigenous Andean cultures, extraordinary mountain landscapes, and awe-inspiring Inca ruins. “Ollantaytambo” is the name of a town and its neighboring archeological site in the Cusco region of Peru.
Despite increased global recognition, the town is still much less visited than Peru’s most popular spots. As a result, experiencing Ollantaytambo is often one of quiet wonder: the private discovery of a hidden gem.
Is Ollantaytambo, Peru Worth Visiting?
Yes, Ollantaytambo is absolutely worth visiting! Each dollar spent here delivers experiences you’ll remember for life.
The town has plenty of safe, affordable hotels and lodgings at a range of price points. Food, transportation, and a diverse range of attractions and tours are similarly budget-friendly!
7 Best Things To Do In Ollantaytambo
In Ollantaytambo, visitors can try challenging hikes, rich cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities.
1. Explore The Ollantaytambo Ruins
The Inca ruins and archeological sites in and around Ollantaytambo are the town’s biggest draw.
Most well-known is the Ollantaytambo Sanctuary & Archeological Site.
There, visitors can explore the intriguing remnants and majestic structures of Ollantaytambo Fortress. It was built by the Inca Empire between 1438 and 1471, It may have been an expansion of pre-Incan settlement structures dating back 3,500 years.
The Sanctuary features iconic ancient architecture, including the Royal House of the Sun (built with shimmering pink granite), and the astrologically precise Temple of the Sun.
It also houses Balcon Pata, “the balcony,” overlooking agricultural terraces irrigated by mountain spring water. The terraced landscape is dotted with beautiful fountains and intricately carved storehouses.
2. Relax & Pet Llamas At El Abergue Farm
Spending an afternoon at El Abergue Farm is a perfect, family-friendly activity. Learn about sustainable farming, pet free-roaming llamas and alpacas, and dine on fresh-picked vegetables at a leisurely pace.
3. Ride The Peru Rail From Ollantaytambo To Cusco or Machu Picchu
Peru Rail offers passage from Ollataytambo to popular, higher-altitude destinations nearby on luxury, premium, and expedition trains. All trains offer seating in observation cars with panoramic views.
Premium “Vistadome” carriages offer roomier (yet still cozy) accommodations and snacks. Luxury trains offer full-service gourmet meals, live music, and spacious, well-furnished carriages.
4. Experience Traditional Peruvian Chocolate at ChocoMuseo Ollantaytambo
ChocoMuseo is a fun spot for the whole family. Learn to make bean-to-bar chocolate in hands-on workshops and sample a variety of flavors.
5. Discover Beautiful, Indigenous Andean Art At ALQA
ALQA is a museum and gallery dedicated to preserving authentic, indigenous arts of the Peruvian Andes. Visitors can experience traditional Inca weaving demonstrations, explore detailed narrative displays of original artworks, and purchase pieces by local, native artists.
6. Dine On Inca-Inspired & Andean-Fusion Peruvian Cuisine
Foodies will find a lot to love in Ollantaytambo:
The romantic El Albergue features upscale versions of Andean classics, like chicken antichuchos, made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Amanto – Cocina Sagrada offers iconic Peruvian dishes like potato causa limeña, in a flavorful, richly marinated house style.
Casual dining spot Mawic is known for offering the best ceviche in Peru—fresh-caught fish, artfully flavored and beautifully styled.
7. Climb 4.2 Mile Trail To Picturesque Perolniyoq Waterfall
This hike increases elevation, so it can be challenging. Yet, the scenic Perolniyoq Waterfall and Raqaypata Ruins site make the 3-hour trail worthwhile.
Experience The Wonders of Ollantaytambo, Peru With Caravan
Immerse yourself in the rich culture and ancient mysteries of Ollantaytambo and its ruins with Caravan. Our expert guides curated our 8-Day Tour of Peru With Machu Picchu to deliver a pitch-perfect Peruvian adventure.
Call us toll-free at 1-800-227-2826 to book a ticket. Or, call +1-312-321-9800 to learn more.
2026 Hotels
2026 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Days 1, 2 • Lima
Marriott Courtyard Miraflores
Courtyard by Marriott Miraflores is a modern hotel set in Lima’s vibrant Miraflores district, known for its cafes, green parks, and scenic coastal views. The hotel has a restaurant and 24-hour fitness center. Free Wifi.
Days 3, 4, 5 • Urubamba
Rustica Hotel Urubamba-Cusco
Rustica Hotel Cusco Urubamba is a brand-new boutique retreat nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. With just 32 spacious rooms, each offering panoramic views of the Andes, the hotel provides an intimate and serene experience. Resident alpacas freely roam the hotel grounds offering guests a chance to interact and take photos with these gentle Andean locals. Rustica Hotel Cusco Urubamba has a restaurant, bar, heated outdoor pool, and three jacuzzis. Spa services are available for an additional fee. Free Wifi.
Day 6 • Cusco
JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
The JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is a luxury hotel housed in the beautifully restored 16th-century San Augustin convent, just three blocks from the Plaza de Armas. The hotel offers oxygen enriched rooms, two restaurants, and a boutique gift shop. Guests can unwind at the full service spa which features a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room - all available for an additional fee. Free Wifi.
Day 7 • Lima
Marriott Courtyard Miraflores
Courtyard by Marriott Miraflores is a modern hotel set in Lima’s vibrant Miraflores district, known for its cafes, green parks, and scenic coastal views. The hotel has a restaurant and 24-hour fitness center. Free Wifi.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfers
Transfer on your own from the Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Marriott Courtyard Miraflores (Calle Schell 400, Miraflores) in Lima. Once you have exited customs and collected your baggage at the airport, proceed to the counters for official taxi companies such as Taxi Seguro and Green Taxi. Here you can request your taxi. You can book and pay at the counter before exiting the terminal. The driving time from the airport to your hotel, Marriott Courtyard Miraflores, is approximately 30 - 60 minutes depending on traffic. You can pay using U.S. Dollars, Peruvian Soles, or with a credit card. Taxi fares range from 90 - 130 Peruvian Soles, or $25 - $35 U.S. Dollars (depending on the exchange rate) plus tip. ATMs and a currency exchange are available at the airport. When you arrive at your hotel, please identify yourself as a Caravan tour member to the front desk personnel.
Departure Transfers
Caravan includes fixed departure transfers from your hotel to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), scheduled to arrive at 5:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. These transfers are only available at these set times on the day the tour ends. If you extend your stay in Peru or if you wish to go at a different time, you will need to transfer on your own, at your own expense. Please ask the hotel bellman to arrange a taxi. Fares are approximately $25 - $35 U.S. Dollars per taxi, plus tip. The driving time from the hotel to the airport is approximately 30 - 60 minutes depending on traffic.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
Peru requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Lima | Urubamba | Machu Picchu | Cusco | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 79/68 | 1.0 | 73/51 | 5.5 | 69/53 | 13.4 | 62/44 | 4.2 |
| Feb | 80/69 | 1.6 | 73/51 | 4.1 | 69/53 | 12.8 | 62/44 | 3.8 |
| Mar | 80/68 | 1.3 | 73/51 | 3.6 | 70/53 | 13.4 | 63/44 | 2.6 |
| Apr | 76/65 | 0.5 | 74/48 | 1.9 | 70/53 | 7.3 | 64/41 | 1.1 |
| May | 72/62 | 0.3 | 74/43 | 0.3 | 71/51 | 2.3 | 65/36 | 0.2 |
| Jun | 69/61 | 0.5 | 74/40 | 0.5 | 72/50 | 2.0 | 64/33 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 67/60 | 0.6 | 74/38 | 0.2 | 72/49 | 2.1 | 64/32 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 67/59 | 0.5 | 75/41 | 0.4 | 74/50 | 2.4 | 64/35 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 67/60 | 0.4 | 75/45 | 0.5 | 74/52 | 3.0 | 65/39 | 0.5 |
| Oct | 69/61 | 0.4 | 76/49 | 1.9 | 73/53 | 6.4 | 65/42 | 1.3 |
| Nov | 72/63 | 0.3 | 76/50 | 2.7 | 73/54 | 6.8 | 65/43 | 1.9 |
| Dec | 76/65 | 0.5 | 74/51 | 4.2 | 70/54 | 10.8 | 64/44 | 3.2 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lima | ||||||||||||
| temp | 79/68 | 80/69 | 80/68 | 76/65 | 72/62 | 69/61 | 67/60 | 67/59 | 67/60 | 69/61 | 72/63 | 76/65 |
| rainfall | 1.0 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| Urubamba | ||||||||||||
| temp | 73/51 | 73/51 | 73/51 | 74/48 | 74/43 | 74/40 | 74/38 | 75/41 | 75/45 | 76/49 | 76/50 | 74/51 |
| rainfall | 5.5 | 4.1 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 1.9 | 2.7 | 4.2 |
| Machu Picchu | ||||||||||||
| temp | 69/53 | 69/53 | 70/53 | 70/53 | 71/51 | 72/50 | 72/49 | 74/50 | 74/52 | 73/53 | 73/54 | 70/54 |
| rainfall | 13.4 | 12.8 | 13.4 | 7.3 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 3.0 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 10.8 |
| Cusco | ||||||||||||
| temp | 62/44 | 62/44 | 63/44 | 64/41 | 65/36 | 64/33 | 64/32 | 64/35 | 65/39 | 65/42 | 65/43 | 64/44 |
| rainfall | 4.2 | 3.8 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 1.9 | 3.2 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required.
Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.
Caravan Care
For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
Great Hotels
Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.
Meals
Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.
Complete Sightseeing
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Shopping Freedom
Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.
Great Value, Book Early
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).
