The Ultimate Sacred Valley Adventure: Ollantaytambo and Pisac
Nestled along the Urubamba River, the Sacred Valley spans a vast area, encompassing Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the iconic Machu Picchu. The valley was an important place for Incas. As an avid traveler, explore the rich tapestry of ancient Inca history and awe-inspiring landscapes of Sacred Valley by visiting the must-visit Inca sites of Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Both destinations are on the route to Machu Picchu, providing a glimpse into the rich heritage of this sacred landscape.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Pisac
Ccorao- The First Stop En Route to Pisac
How to Get to Pisac
The Pisac Archeological Site
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Ticket Information and Hours of Operation
Cliffside Pods in Urubamba
About Ollantaytambo
How to Get to Ollantaytambo
From Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo
From Pisac
The Ollantaytambo Archeological Site
The Ollantaytambo Archeological Site Entrance Information
Where to Stay in Ollantaytambo
About Pisac
The town of Pisac, situated at the southern end of the Sacred Valley, is in the province of Calca, approximately 21 miles away from Cusco. Pisac is renowned for its Inca archaeological site and market.
The contemporary town of Pisac was founded in the valley beneath the Incan ruins of Pisac.
Ccorao – The First Stop En Route to Pisac
After leaving Cusco, Ccorao, only 12 miles away, is frequently the first stop for Sacred Valley tours en route to Pisac, providing impressive views of green valleys and fields.
The town also has a few shopping stores and restaurants and is only 7 miles away from Pisac.
Ccoroa was also where I first saw quinoa crop fields in Peru. Quinoa originated in the Andes mountains and has been cultivated for more than 5000 years. Additionally, quinoa has been a popular grain in Peru since the Inca era. This superfood, known for its high protein and fiber content, has gained popularity in the US and Western countries over the last decade. Moreover, Peru has been the top producer and exporter of quinoa worldwide
How to Get to Pisac
Located just 45 minutes from Cusco, the Pisac archaeological site is easily accessible. Organized tours connecting Cusco with Pisac and other Sacred Valley spots are readily available. You can check Viator and Get Your Guide to explore available tours based on your preferences.
Alternatively, you can explore Pisac independently by booking a private taxi or using Uber.
While Uber operates in the Cusco region, driver availability may be limited. To ensure transportation, it’s advisable to pre-book your Uber ride from Cusco to Pisac. Alternatively, you can opt for a private taxi, with costs ranging from 60-90 soles for a one-way trip from Cusco.
If you have plans to visit Cusco, please check my Explore the Best of Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa: Travel Tips post.
The Pisac Archeological Site
Pisac is located at the eastern end of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The elevation of the Pisac ruins in Peru is 3,300 meters (10,826 feet). It remains somewhat of a mystery as to who precisely built the site and its true purpose. However, the site served multiple functions, acting as an observatory, religious site, and citadel.
Upon arriving by vehicle, the first notable features are the numerous stone terraces.These stone terraces, known as ‘andenes,’ were used to cultivate potatoes, quinoa, and maize.There are 500 agricultural terraces in 14 different shapes spreading across various sections of Pisac.
Interesting Fact
Peru is home to more than 4,000 varieties of potatoes, growing in various sizes and colors. Additionally, approximately 55 types of corn thrive in Peru. Consequently, potatoes and corn are key ingredients in popular Peruvian dishes, such as Causa Rellena.
As you walk up to the highest point of the site, you see the military zone with several altars and water channels.
Inca Cemetery
One of the most unique aspects of the Pisac site is its ancient Inca cemetery on the mountain slopes, with over 100,000 cave graves. It is likely the largest pre-Columbian grave site in South America. Since the Incas were buried with their belongings, many of these graves were targeted and robbed by looters.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
The best times to visit Pisac are from May to early June and from mid-July to the end of September. We visited in early May, and the weather was sunny and pleasant.
Ticket Information and Hours of Operation
You can purchase the boleto turistico del Cusco, the tourist ticket, in advance or at the entrance. Organized tours typically include the entrance tickets, so visitors don’t need to buy their own tickets.
The entrance hours to the site are 7 am – 6 pm.
Cliffside Pods in Urubamba
En route to Ollantaytambo, spot the cliffside pods, or Skylodge, nestled on the mountain slopes in Urubamba. For the adventurous seeking a unique experience, this cliffside hotel might be perfect. Reach the glass pods by climbing the mountain, where each comes with a private bathroom, sink, and solar-powered lighting.
The cliffside hotel is available for booking year-round and offers a perfect spot for stargazing at night.
About Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is strategically located at the confluence of the Patakancha River and the Urubamba River. Dating back to the late 15th century, it stands as one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in South America. The town showcases evidence of the Inca’s advanced hydraulic knowledge through its complex system of waterworks and channels.
During the Spanish conquest of Peru, Ollantaytambo served as the temporary Inca capital, a stronghold against the Spanish invasion. In a notable event, the Spanish expedition faced its only major defeat against the Incas near Ollantaytambo in 1536. Despite this victory, the Incas later abandoned Ollantaytambo and retreated to the heavily forested site of Vilcabamba. Some suggest that this defeat allowed the Incas to erase the trails leading to Machu Picchu.
How to Get to Ollantaytambo
From Cusco
By Train: You have a few options to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. The most expensive but comfortable option is taking a train from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. The train journey takes about 2 hours, costing around 200 soles.
By Taxi/Uber: The alternative is to take a private taxi or Uber, with the trip to Ollantaytambo taking 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Alternatively, if you are interested in exploring the Sacred Valley via an organized tour, the minivans typically depart from a specific location in Cusco for Sacred Valley tours, including Ollantaytambo.
From Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is an ideal stop to explore either before or after your Inca Trail hike and Machu Picchu visit.
Both PeruRail and Inca Rail operate trains between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu. During our trip, we spent a half day in Ollantaytambo and took the early morning train from Ollantaytambo to KM104 to begin our short Inca Trail hike.
The distance between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu is 43 miles, with each train journey taking about an hour and a half to reach Aguas Calientes. This is the best way to travel between the two destinations.
From Pisac
The distance from Pisac to Ollantaytambo is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour by taxi. You can reach Ollantaytambo by opting for a private taxi or Uber. If you prefer Uber, be sure to book your trip from Pisac to Ollantaytambo in advance. A private taxi usually costs $35-$45 or 125-165 soles.
If you want the transportation to be provided, the easiest option is to go to Ollantaytambo by an organized tour. The organized tours typically include private minivan transportation from Pisac to Ollantaytambo.
The Ollantaytambo Archeological Site
The Ollantaytambo archeological site stands as the most popular attraction in this small, charming town. Alongside the must-visit Inca site, the town offers a variety of hotels and restaurants. It also serves as an ideal hub for visitors to catch a direct train to Aguas Calientes or the Inca Trail starting point.
The Ollantaytambo fortress is an impressive and mysterious masterpiece built by Incans. It was used both as a fortress for military purposes and as a place for worshipping.
Temple of the Sun
Some of the remarkably preserved remains include the wall of six pink granite monoliths, part of the unfinished Temple of the Sun located on Temple Hill. The reason for the incomplete construction of the temple remains uncertain.
One of the biggest mysteries of this site is how the ancient builders were able to transport gigantic granite stones to Temple Hill. Each stone weighs more than 50 tons and stands taller than 12 feet. Historians believe the stones originated from a mountain 3.7 miles away from their current location.
Various theories abound regarding how an ancient civilization could transport such heavy stones from another mountain and fit them together seamlessly without the use of mortar. It is hard not to wonder and consider the possibility that the builders of this masterpiece might have used an advanced technology still unknown to us in modern times.
It is believed that they gathered at the site of the Temple of the Sun to worship the sun during the solstices. On the side wall of the Temple of the Sun, small stones were intentionally placed between the large stones to absorb earthquake shocks and prevent damage to the site.
Sun Gate and the Wall of 10 Niches
The Sun Gate, a monolithic doorway and one of the most impressive features of the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, leads to the temple area situated at the top of the fortress. Adjacent to the doorway is the Wall of 10 Niches, which is the wall next to the Sun Gate.
Alongside 17 large terraces with elevated walls made of cut stones, there are fountains and canals that continue to transport water from the mountains to the town.
On the opposite side of the Ollantaytambo fortress, you can see the qullqas on Pinkullyuna mountain. These were grain storage areas used by the Incas to preserve their crops. Positioned in elevated areas, the qollqas benefited from the wind and cold weather, preventing the crops from spoiling.
Another astonishing feature of Pinkullyuna mountain is the carving of a huge human face. There are many theories about what the face represents, with some suggesting it is the profile of Viracocha, the creator god of the Incas.
The Ollantaytambo Archeological Site Entrance Information
The Ollantaytambo site is open every day from 7 am to 5 pm.
If you choose to visit the site with an organized tour, your admission is typically included, and you don’t need to purchase a separate ticket. If you prefer to explore the site independently, you can purchase the partial Boleto Turistico del Cusco, the touristic Cusco ticket, for admission at the entrance or in advance.
Where to Stay in Ollantaytambo
There are several accommodation options in Ollantaytambo. Some of the recommended hotels are:
- Sol Ollantay Exclusive Hotel– A 3-star hotel, very close to the train station and several restaurants
- El Albergue Ollantaytambo- A 3-star historic hotel located in the Ollantaytambo train station
- Apu Lodge-Bed & Breakfast– A 3-star boutique bed & breakfast
- Kamma Guest House – A 3-star bed & breakfast
- Pakaritampu Hotel – A 3-star family owned hotel, only a few minutes away from the Ollantaytambo train station
*All the listed hotels include free breakfast and internet.
