Getting from Cusco to Ollantaytambo takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by road, and you can do it by shared van (colectivo), private taxi or as part of a Sacred Valley tour. Ollantaytambo is the town where most travelers board the train to Machu Picchu, so this is one of the most common trips in Peru. Below you will find each option with its time, approximate price and tips.
Cusco to Ollantaytambo at a glance
| Option | Time | Approximate price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colectivo (shared van) | 1.5 to 2 hours | S/ 15 to 20 per person | Budget travelers with light luggage |
| Private taxi or transfer | About 1.5 hours | From about S/ 150 per car | Families, groups, early trains, big luggage |
| Sacred Valley tour | Full day | From USD 23 per person | Seeing the Sacred Valley on the way |
| Machu Picchu tour by train | Included | From USD 280 per person | Not worrying about any connection |
Prices are approximate and can change with the season and the hour; always agree on the fare before you get into a taxi.
Cusco to Ollantaytambo distance and routes
The Cusco to Ollantaytambo distance is about 70 km (43 miles) on the main road. There are two routes:
- Via Chinchero and Urubamba (the usual route): about 1.5 to 2 hours. The road climbs over the high plain of Chinchero, at about 3,760 m, and then drops into the Sacred Valley.
- Via Pisac and Calca (the valley route): about 2.5 hours, following the Urubamba River through the villages of the Sacred Valley.
Ollantaytambo is at about 2,790 m, more than 600 m lower than Cusco (3,400 m), so many travelers sleep better there and use it to acclimatize.
Colectivo from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
The cheapest way is the colectivo from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, a shared van that leaves when it is full. Most colectivos to Urubamba and Ollantaytambo leave from Calle Pavitos, near the city center, from early morning until early evening.
- The ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours via Chinchero and Urubamba.
- Some vans go only to Urubamba; from there, change to another colectivo for the last 30 minutes to Ollantaytambo.
- Space for luggage is limited: travel with a backpack, not a big suitcase.
- Vans leave when full, so do not rely on a colectivo if you have a train at a fixed time. Leave a wide margin, or take a taxi.
- In Ollantaytambo, colectivos stop near the main square, a 10 to 15-minute walk from the train station.
Taxi from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
A taxi from Cusco to Ollantaytambo or a private transfer is the most comfortable option: it picks you up at your hotel, leaves when you want and takes you to the train station door. It is the best choice for an early train, for families or for groups of 3 or more, where the cost per person gets close to the colectivo. Use a registered taxi or book a transfer through your hotel or travel agency, and agree on the price before you leave.
Many travelers turn the trip into a half-day excursion and stop at Chinchero, Moray or the Maras salt mines on the way. Ask us for a private transfer with stops.
Sacred Valley tour ending in Ollantaytambo
If you have a day, the best way to make the trip is our Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco (from USD 23), which visits Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo and Pisac with a guide. You see the main sites of the valley on the same road you would take anyway.
The Ollantaytambo train station
The Ollantaytambo train station is on the edge of town, about a 10 to 15-minute walk from the main square. From here, trains to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu, take about 1.5 hours.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your train.
- Carry your original passport: it is checked with your ticket.
- Trains allow one small bag per person (about 5 kg). Leave the rest of your luggage in Cusco; at our office it is stored for free.
- Book your train in advance from May to October.
Read our full guide to the train to Machu Picchu and how to go from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu tours with the transfer included
Our Machu Picchu tours by train include the transport from your hotel in Cusco to Ollantaytambo, the train, the entrance ticket and the guide:
- Machu Picchu Full Day Tour by Train: from USD 280.
- Machu Picchu 2 Day Tour by Train: from USD 310, with a night in Aguas Calientes.
- Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Days: from USD 410, with the Sacred Valley tour on the first day.
What to see in Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is one of the few Inca towns still lived in, with stone streets and Inca water channels that still run today. Its archaeological site, with steep terraces and the Temple of the Sun, was ordered by the Inca Pachacutec. In 1537 it was also where Manco Inca’s army defeated the Spanish in one of the few Inca victories of the conquest. Entry is with the Cusco tourist ticket (Boleto Turístico).
If you have time, spend a night: the town is quiet in the evening, and you can visit the ruins early, before the tour groups arrive, and take a morning train to Machu Picchu.
Frequently asked questions: Cusco to Ollantaytambo
How long does it take to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo?
About 1.5 to 2 hours by road via Chinchero and Urubamba, or about 2.5 hours via Pisac.
What is the cheapest way from Cusco to Ollantaytambo?
The colectivo (shared van) from Calle Pavitos, for about S/ 15 to 20 per person.
Can I take the train from Cusco to Ollantaytambo?
Most travelers go by road to Ollantaytambo and take the train from there to Aguas Calientes. Trains from the Cusco area leave from Poroy, about 20 minutes from the city, and are slower.
Is it safe to take a colectivo?
Yes, it is a common way for locals and travelers. Keep your valuables with you and avoid traveling at night.
How far is Ollantaytambo from Machu Picchu?
About 1.5 hours by train to Aguas Calientes, then about 25 to 30 minutes by bus up to the entrance.
