2 Days 1 Nights
Medium
Min: 2 - Max: 8 people
Cusco - Perú
Are you an archaeology lover who enjoys short walks? Our Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu tour is made for you. In two days, you’ll explore the Inca town of Ollantaytambo and visit the wonder of Machu Picchu, with no trekking required.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days / 1 night |
| Starts in | Ollantaytambo |
| Altitude | Ollantaytambo 2,792 m / Machu Picchu 2,430 m |
| Difficulty | Easy – no trekking |
| Group size | Small groups (Min: 2 – max. 8) |
| Price | $320 USD per person |
Ollantaytambo sits at 2,792 m, much lower than Cusco. Starting your trip here helps your body adjust to the altitude gradually and comfortably. Ollantaytambo is also the main train station to Machu Picchu, so you’re just a short ride away from the Inca citadel.
We start our tour in Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town where people still use the original streets and water channels. With your guide, you’ll explore the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park, with its impressive stone terraces, the Temple of the Sun and the Inca water fountains. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to walk around the town’s narrow stone streets and relax. We spend the night in a hotel in Ollantaytambo.
In the morning, we take the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide will lead you through the main temples, plazas and terraces of the citadel. In the afternoon, we take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where the tour ends.
If you prefer a slower trip, you can stay an extra night in Ollantaytambo. Just let us know when you book.
One or two days before your Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu tour, your guide will meet with you to explain the full itinerary. It’s the perfect moment to ask any questions about your final preparations.
Looking for more? Try our Maras Moray tour, the Humantay Lake tour or walk to Machu Picchu on our 5-Day Inca Trail.
We pick you up at your hotel in Ollantaytambo at [hora]. From there, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the entrance of the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park, one of the best-preserved Inca sites in Peru. With your guide, you’ll explore its impressive stone terraces, the Temple of the Sun and the Inca water fountains, and learn how the Incas built this town as both a fortress and a ceremonial center.
After the guided tour, you’ll return to your hotel to rest and prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu the next morning.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Hotel in Ollantaytambo |
| Altitude | 2,792 m / 9,160 ft |
| Transportation | Walking only (5 min from town to the ruins) |
| Weather | Cold mornings and evenings |
| Difficulty | 1 – Easy |
| Start time | 1pm or in the Morning |
| Guided tour time | Approx. 3 hours |
We take the 6:10 am train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. On arrival, a bus takes us up to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Your guide will lead a 2-hour tour through its main temples, plazas and terraces, sharing the history and mysteries of this wonder of the world.
After the tour, we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where the tour ends.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Altitude | Machu Picchu 2,430 m / 7,970 ft |
| Transportation | Train, bus |
| Guided tour time | 2 hours |
| Difficulty | 1 – Easy |
| Start time | 06:10 am (train from Ollantaytambo) |
| End time | 6 pm (arrival in Ollantaytambo) |
Most travelers fly directly into Cusco, which sits at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft) above sea level. Arriving at this altitude straight from the coast or from home can be hard on the body. Many visitors feel headaches, tiredness or shortness of breath during their first days (learn more about altitude sickness).
Ollantaytambo is much lower, at 2,792 m (9,160 ft), about 600 meters below Cusco. This is why we designed our Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu tour to begin here. Spending your first days at a lower altitude gives your body time to adjust gradually and naturally. You’ll sleep better, feel more energetic and enjoy every moment of your visit.
Machu Picchu is even lower, at 2,430 m (7,970 ft). So by the time you travel up to Cusco after the tour, your body will be much better prepared for the higher altitude. It’s the smart and comfortable way to start your trip to Peru.
Ollantaytambo also has a practical advantage: it’s the main train station to Machu Picchu. Staying here means a short walk to the train on day two, instead of a long early-morning drive.
Our acclimatization tips:
