Ollantaytambo is much more than a stop on the way to Machu Picchu. This living Inca town has become one of the best places to stay in the Sacred Valley thanks to its strategic location, peaceful atmosphere and proximity to some of the region’s top attractions.
Choosing where to stay in Ollantaytambo does not just depend on your budget, but on the type of experience you are looking for and how you are organising your route through the Sacred Valley or towards Machu Picchu. Some areas are ideal for getting around on foot and enjoying the village atmosphere, whilst others are more convenient if you prioritise proximity to the train station for early departures. In this guide, we explain which area suits you best, what type of accommodation predominates in each, and the price ranges you can take as a reference.
Is It Worth Staying in Ollantaytambo?
Yes. Many travellers use Ollantaytambo solely as a gateway to Machu Picchu, but spending one or two nights here allows you to enjoy the town at a more relaxed pace, wander through its original Inca streets, sample local cuisine and explore other Sacred Valley destinations without the rush of a day trip.
- The Historic Centre: Ideal for experiencing local culture
Staying on the cobbled streets of the centre puts you just a step away from the main square, restaurants, craft markets, and the archaeological site.
Ideal for: Travellers who want to walk and immerse themselves in the traditional atmosphere of the Inca town.
Type of accommodation: Boutique lodgings, small charming hotels, and family-run guesthouses.
Reference price range: From budget options to mid-range rates and some superior properties (approx. $40 – $120 USD per night). - Near the train station: The best logistical option
If your priority is practicality, the surroundings of Avenida Ferrocarril and the approach to the station are perfect.
Ideal for: Travellers catching the early morning trains to Machu Picchu or those arriving late who want to rest immediately.
Type of accommodation: Functional lodgings, practical Bed & Breakfasts, and hotels designed for short stays.
Reference price range: Mostly budget to mid-range (approx. $30 – $80 USD per night). - The outskirts of the village: Total disconnection
If you move just a few minutes away from the centre, the landscape opens up into the nature of the Sacred Valley, offering much more peace and quiet.
Ideal for: Couples, families, or travellers seeking relaxation, mountain views, and a more tranquil experience.
Type of accommodation: Lodges, hotels with large gardens, and rustic-chic style properties.
Reference price range: Mid-range to superior rates (approx. $80 – $200+ USD per night).
Summary: Which area should you choose?
- Choose the historic centre if: You want to walk out for dinner and enjoy the village life.
- Choose near the station if: You have a very early train to Machu Picchu and do not want to carry luggage over long distances.
- Choose the outskirts if: You are staying for more than one night and want to relax with nature views.
Is it worth sleeping in Ollantaytambo before going to Machu Picchu?
In most cases, yes. Making your base here allows you to break up your itinerary, avoid an exhausting single-day trip from Cusco, and easily connect with the morning trains to the Inca citadel, making your whole experience much smoother.
Best Area to Stay: Historic Centre
Ideal for
- First-time visitors
- Couples
- Independent travellers
- Visitors who enjoy exploring on foot
Advantages
- Close to the Main Square
- Restaurants and cafés nearby
- Artisan market
- Historic atmosphere
- Easy access to major attractions
Staying Near Ollantaytambo Train Station
- Travellers continuing to Machu Picchu
- Families
- Visitors with limited time
- Fewer transfers
- Quick access to train services
- Convenient for luggage handling
- Reduced travel logistics
Accommodation with Sacred Valley Views
Ideal for
- Romantic getaways
- Photography enthusiasts
- Relaxing holidays
Many hotels and lodges located on the surrounding hillsides offer spectacular views of the mountains, agricultural terraces and the iconic landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
How Many Nights Should You Stay in Ollantaytambo?
1 Night
Ideal for
- Exploring the town
- Visiting the Archaeological Complex
- Continuing to Machu Picchu
2 Nights
Ideal for
- Maras
- Moray
- Chinchero
- Hiking excursions
- Gastronomic experiences
3 Nights or More
Perfect for travellers wishing to explore the Sacred Valley at a slower, more relaxed pace.
Is It Better to Stay in Cusco or Ollantaytambo?
Cusco
- Wider range of accommodation
- Nightlife
- More tourism services
Ollantaytambo
- Less traffic
- More peaceful atmosphere
- Lower altitude
- Better base for exploring the Sacred Valley
How to Get to Ollantaytambo from Cusco
One of the advantages of staying in Ollantaytambo is that you can now travel comfortably by direct train from Cusco. This scenic railway journey allows you to enjoy the landscapes of the Sacred Valley while travelling directly into the heart of the town, without the need for road transfers.
Cusco to Ollantaytambo Train Timetable
Cusco - Ollantaytambo route
|
Train
|
Service
|
Departure from Cusco
|
Intermediate Station
|
Arrival in Ollantaytambo
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
33*
|
Expedition
|
Wanchaq
05:40 |
Poroy
06:40 |
8:22
|
|
203
|
Expedition
|
San Pedro
07:30 |
Poroy
08:25 |
10:22
|
Ollantaytambo - Cusco route
|
Train
|
Service
|
Departure from Ollantaytambo
|
Arrival in Poroy
|
Arrival in San Pedro
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
604
|
Expedition
|
19:08
|
20:52
|
21:52
|
* For services departing from Wanchaq (Train 33), the first leg is completed by bus to the intermediate station of Poroy. From there, the journey continues by train to Ollantaytambo.
Which timetable should you choose according to your trip?
- If you are visiting for the day and returning: It is best to take the 05:40 departure (Train 33) or 07:30 (Train 203) outbound, and return on Train 604 (19:08). Setting off early is key to making the most of your day in Ollantaytambo without feeling rushed.
- If you are staying overnight in the village: Choose any of the morning departures (05:40 or 07:30). You will arrive with plenty of time to settle in calmly, explore the historic centre, and enjoy the Sacred Valley at your own pace.
- If you are continuing to Machu Picchu: Choosing this route helps you decentralise your trip from Cusco, better manage your time, and make your connection to the Inca citadel far more streamlined.
Choose your onboard experience: Expedition
All journeys on this new route operate with two service options, designed so you can enjoy the trip in total comfort:
- PeruRail Expedition: Features wide panoramic windows, interiors inspired by Inca culture, and an onboard interpretive audioguide with background music accompanying the entire journey.
Plan Your Sacred Valley Journey
Before booking your accommodation, discover how to travel from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by train and organise your Sacred Valley itinerary more efficiently.
FAQ
Is Ollantaytambo a Safe Place to Stay?
Yes. Ollantaytambo is considered one of the safest destinations in the Sacred Valley and welcomes visitors from around the world year-round. Its compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, and it offers well-developed tourism infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and transport services.
Are There Hotels Near Ollantaytambo Train Station?
Yes. Several accommodation options are located within walking distance of the station. This area is especially convenient for travellers continuing to Machu Picchu or returning early to Cusco.
How Many Nights Are Recommended in Ollantaytambo?
It depends on the type of experience you are looking for. One night is often enough to explore the town and visit the Archaeological Complex. However, many visitors choose to stay two nights to discover nearby Sacred Valley destinations such as Maras, Moray and Chinchero.
Which Area Is Best for Families?
Areas near the Historic Centre are usually the most convenient for families, providing easy access to restaurants, shops, public squares and visitor services.
Which Area Is Best for Couples?
Couples often prefer accommodation with Sacred Valley views or properties located in quieter areas around the town. Many hotels feature terraces, gardens and panoramic mountain views, creating the perfect setting for a romantic escape.
Is It Worth Staying in Ollantaytambo Before Visiting Machu Picchu?
Yes. Many travellers find that spending a night in Ollantaytambo before visiting Machu Picchu reduces travel stress, shortens transfer times and allows for gradual acclimatisation to the altitude.
Are There Hotels with Sacred Valley Views?
Yes. Both the town centre and the surrounding hillsides offer accommodation with outstanding views of the Sacred Valley, mountains and Inca terraces.
Is It Better to Stay in Cusco or Ollantaytambo?
Both options have advantages. Cusco offers a greater variety of hotels, restaurants and nightlife, while Ollantaytambo stands out for its peaceful setting, lower altitude and strategic location for exploring the Sacred Valley and travelling to Machu Picchu.