Pachar to Ollantaytambo Via Choqana | Hike A Beautiful Old Inca Road

This is a map and basic overview of how to hike from the tiny hamlet of Pachar to the village of Ollantaytambo via an Old Inca road. This route passes by the hillside Choqana ruins, which sit on the outskirts of Ollantaytambo in Peru's Sacred Valley. The Choqana Archaeological park is free and rarely sees visitors. 

⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail.

The road from Pachar to Ollantaytambo is part of the ancient Inca road system: Qhapaq Ñan. Add on this casual hike either to or from the worthwhile sacred site of Ñaupa Iglesia.

For logistic purposes, this hiking guide follows the route from Pachar into Ollantaytambo village. Leave Pachar over a bridge and pass by some interesting rock formations and a few small homes. This old Inca trails winds past Inca terraces, sheep, and locals working in their fields. The trail continues to the Choqana ruins right before crossing the famous Inca Bridge into Ollantaytambo.

• Difficulty: Easy & Flat
• Distance: 3.15 miles
• Duration: 1 -2 hours 

The Old Inca Road | Pachar to Ollantaytambo

Pachar is a tiny village, but it is home to Cervezeria del Valle Sagrado, an excellent microbrewery with food options and a beautiful outdoor garden on the river. Again, Pachar is the gateway to nearby hikes like the "dimensional portal" of Naupa Iglesia and the Perolniyoc Waterfall, which has the Raqaypata ruins at the top the beautiful waterfall. Both are worthwhile and can be combined in a one day trip.

If coming back from the above hikes, head back into the village of Pachar. Look for the orange bridge and a small church on the cliffside. If coming from Ñaupa Iglesia, it will be on the left hand side. There is a sign at the bridge confirming this path is Qhapaq Ñan, so cross the bridge and continue onto the fairly well marked path.

The path continues past some interesting rock formations a few small homes. Along the way, admire of ancient terraces to the left and to the right is the mighty Urubamba River.

Choqana Archaeological Park

Almost 2 miles of following the flat trail, it becomes a dirt road. Soon after that, the Choqana ruins will come into sight, climbing up the hillside. These small ruins on the hill are free. Although they are quite small, the site of Choqana makes for a great place to have a snack or enjoy a picnic. There won't be many people here and there are lovely views of the river from above.

Leave Choqana ruins and continue along the now large road, which leads to Ollantaytambo. The road winds through the old Inca terraces. Soon, there will be the large Orange Inca Bridge that welcomes visitors into Ollantaytambo. Continue on the main road into the village, but look to the left. For real charm, enter the adorable hamlet through the cobblestone staircase on the left.

Welcome to Ollantaytambo!

More Things to Do in Ollantaytambo

Choqana is only one small Inca site near Ollantaytambo. There are many Ollantaytambo ruins, including the main hillside Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park that is part of the worthwhile Cusco Tourist Ticket. After hiking from Pachar to Ollantaytambo via Choqana, explore the ticketed site and many of the free ruins within the small village. Free Inca ruins in Ollantaytambo like Choqana include the Inca granaries of Pinkuylluna and the abandoned Quellorakay ruins.

➯ Detailed Travel Guide | The Best Things to Do in Ollantaytambo Peru

Of course, almost everyone will pass Ollantaytambo on their way to Machu Picchu, as the train station is found in the village.

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More Ollantaytambo Hikes

There are a few inspiring and epic day hikes from Ollantaytambo. Adventure seekers will love climbing up to Inti Punku, Ollantaytambo's own sun gate. This challenging uphill hike follows along the Old Inca Quarry Trail and has stunning views of Mount Veronica. In fact, this hike starts at the Old Inca Bridge.

Another half day hike from Ollantaytambo is to the Pumamarca ruins. This site is a fusion of Pre-Inca and Inca constructions. Pumamarca is believed to be a fortress that resembles and was built in the shape of an actual puma. The Pumamarca trek is a casual half day hike that starts from the Ollantaytambo Plaza de Armas.

More Things to Do in the Sacred Valley

• The Ultimate Guide to the Sacred Valley in Peru
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• The Ultimate Guide to Urubamba Peru in the Sacred Valley
• 35+ Inca Sites in Peru You Need to Visit

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Cusco Peru Travel Guides

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