Top Adventures in Ollantaytambo
Explore the Town of Ollantaytambo
Located at an altitude of 2,792 m (9,160 ft) above sea level, Ollantaytambo was once the home of Emperor Pachacuti. Built in the late 15th century, it has some of the oldest continuously occupied dwellings in South America. The beautiful cobbled ...
The Pinkuylluna Granaries
This is a steep but short hike to see some beautiful terraces and granaries across from the main Ollantaytambo fortress. Depending on your level of fitness, the climb can take between 30 minutes to an hour. It'swell worth it for the spectacular vi...
The Ollantaytambo Fortress
Right from the entrance to the site, the ruins of Ollantaytambo climb up into the terraced heights of a temple district. It is often called a fortress, but only part of the site was dedicated to military purposes, while the very top is an unfinish...
Photograph Salinas de Maras
Cascading down a hillside valley not far from Cusco, the nearly 3,000 salt pans at Salinas de Maras sit at an elevation of 3,380 m. Believed to have been created in the 1400s by the Inca, the historical site now operates like a co-op and preserves...
Backpack the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco to Ayapata (10 miles)
The trail starts at 8,923 ft at the main gate operating the permit and passport check-ins at KM 82, Piscachucho. You'll cross the Urubamba River on a suspension bridge and proceed towards Ayapata at 10,829 ft. It...
26.5 miles
6279 ft gain
Hike Huayna Picchu at Machu Picchu
The 1,000ft climb up Huayna Picchu is one of the highlights of a visit to Machu Picchu. This diamond shaped mountain looms directly behind the site and provides a unique perspective of Machu Picchu, allowing you to see the amazing engineering that...
2.4 miles
1000 ft gain
Hike Machu Picchu Mountain
Getting There:
When you're purchasing your ticket for Machu Picchu, there is the option to add on "Machu Picchu Mountain". To do this hike, you need to purchase this add-on. Like Huayna Picchu, only a certain number of people are allowed up per da...
1.2 miles
2000 ft gain
Hike to the Top of Cerro Yanaoaoa
The route is access fairly easily from Sorayapampa. You follow the trail to the west of town, towards the lake. as you work your way up the gully you get to south western trail. Take this upwards. You can follow the trail up to the Incan Cross, it...
6.8 miles
4068.2 ft gain
Hike to the Devil's Balcony
Of all the hikes within the proximity of the city of Cusco, this one is the coolest. Not only that, but no one knows about it. It is a local's only secret. The only reason I know about it was because I lived there for years.There are two approache...
3.1 miles
656.2 ft gain
Sacsayhuamán
Sacsayhuaman is located about 10 minutes from the Plaza de Armas (by car) or 45 minutes walking. Another option is to take a ‘City Tour’, which includes transportation to this archaeological site. The entrance fee is included with the "Boleto Tur...
Backpack the Ancascocha Trail to Machu Picchu
Spanning just 4 days, but featuring 7 summits over 15,000 feet (and topping out at nearly 17,000'), this trail is not for the faint of heart. Since the trail is extremely remote, permission must be attained from the locals. This is most easily do...
35 miles
30000 ft gain
Temple of the Sun (Coricancha)
The Temple of the Sun of the Incas (Coricancha) is believed to be the most important temple of the Incan empire, and the most revered temple in Cusco. Originally named Intikancha or Intiwasi, it was dedicated to Inti, the Sun God. However, when t...
