Private car transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo

Overview: car trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo

The Cusco to Ollantaytambo transfer takes you on a scenic tour to the heart of the Sacred Valley of southern Peru. Here, you can immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring Incan ruins, surrounded by distant snow-capped mountains. The drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo is 38 miles (61 km) and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

With a Daytrip private driving transfer, you have the option to stop along the way to do some sightseeing. Consider a visit to the Q’enco Archaeological Complex, where you can explore the sprawling complex of mysterious rock structures carved by the Inca for use as an ancient spiritual center.

About Ollantaytambo

After your Cusco to Ollantaytambo journey, you will find yourself in a town serving as the gateway to Machu Picchu, surrounded by some of the oldest continuously occupied settlements in South America.

The incredible town of Ollantaytambo is home to a series of temples and other sacred sites erected meticulously from stone that would have to have been carried from a distant quarry all the way across a vast valley and up a staggering hill to the settlement site.

From Cusco to Ollantaytambo: travel tips

As you plan your exciting trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, there are a few pieces of advice that will elevate your travel experience and allow you to make the most of your time in Ollantaytambo.

Give yourself time before Machu Picchu

If your trip to Ollantaytambo includes an onward journey to Machu Picchu, be sure to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to arrive in town and find your way to the train station. You should plan to have at least 30 minutes between your arrival and the train’s departure, as it can be tricky to navigate to the station.

How to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo

There are several transportation options for getting from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, including private car services and bus and train routes—all varying in cost and time commitments.

Bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo

Some shuttle buses operate from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, including some departing from the international airport in Cusco. These bus routes vary in cost depending on the company, but tickets seem to cost around $70 (265 Peruvian Sol) on average. This journey takes between an hour and 90 minutes, depending on the departure location, and does not offer you direct door-to-door service.

Things to do when you get to Ollantaytambo

Once you complete your Cusco to Ollantaytambo transfer, there are a few must-see highlights for your time in this fascinating destination. This town offers some of the richest deposits of Peru’s history, architecture, and tradition and is incredibly welcoming to visitors.

Explore the Ollantaytambo Sanctuary

Possibly the main attraction for travelers here is the remarkably preserved ruins of the primary sanctuary, with remarkable stonework and stepped terraces; this hilltop feature is a bucket list item for any global explorer. Take your time ascending the hill and learning about the Inca people on your tour of the Sanctuary, and relish the incredible panoramic views from the top.

When is the best time to visit Ollantaytambo?

Before embarking on your Cusco to Ollantaytambo transfer, it is important to consider the best time of year to visit this historic town. As with the majority of Peru, Ollantaytambo experiences its dry season from May to October. This period sees clear skies and warm weather (around 63°F/17°C), with slightly cooler temperatures into the early autumn.

If you do intend to visit during the rainy season in the hopes of fewer crowds and potentially cheaper accommodation and flights, you should still avoid the months of January and February when the rains are heaviest and most frequent.