Pumamarca Ruins | Hike the Awesome Trail from Ollantaytambo

One of the best half-day hikes from Ollantaytambo Peru is to the “hidden” archaeological site of Pumamarca. The Pumamarca ruins showcase a unique mixture of both Inca and Wari (Pre-Incan) cultures, kind of like Huchuy Qosqo just down the road. While the Pumamarca ruins aren’t the most spectacular Inca site in Peru, or even in Ollantaytambo, the path to the Puma Archaeological Park is the real highlight and worth the hike whiling visiting the Sacred Valley Peru.

The trailhead to Pumamarca is easy to reach from the Ollantaytambo Plaza de Armas, follows along the Patacancha river, passes by impressive Inca terraces, all while boasting spectacular views of the Patacancha Valley. The trail to Pumamarca snakes into a lovely forest shaded by large trees with small waterfalls. Make sure to stop at least one of the many stunning viewpoints of the Patacancha Valley below. In addition, sections of this trail to the Pumamarca ruins runs parallel to the old waterways of the Incas. The hike TO Pumamarca is what makes the adventure.

This hiking path to Pumamarca is splendid, and the best part is, it is rarely trekked by tourists. Many tour companies are adding this site as a stop on Sacred Valley tours; however, few Pumamarca tours include the hike. Most tour companies simply drive the dusty road and stop directly at the Pumamarca Archaeological Site.

This detailed hiking guide includes: on how to hike to the Pumamarca ruins from Ollantaytambo, a Pumamarca hike map, and other useful tidbits to hike to Pumamarca without a tour.

Table of Contents

Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. These are my experiences and I am not an expert. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, use professional resources, do your own research, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. These guides are for entertainment purposes only. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.

• Ollantaytambo: The Gateway to Hike to Pumamarca
• Pumamarca Hike Map from Ollantaytambo
• How to Walk to the Pumamarca Trailhead
• Trailhead to Pumamarca
• Pumamarca Archaeological Park
• Return to Ollantaytambo
• More Things to Do in the Sacred Valley Peru
• Pumamarca Ollantaytambo | Worthwhile Sacred Valley Hike

Ollantaytambo Peru | Gateway to Pumamarca Hike

The adorable village of Ollantaytambo, Ollantay for short, is usually a transit hub for tourists bustling to and from Machu Picchu. The village is the unofficial starting point of the Classic Inca Trail. However, this hamlet nestled in the Andes Mountains has a charm of its own and offers up some seriously overlooked thing to do, like tons of spectacular Sacred Valley hikes.

The most visited site in Ollantaytambo are the stunning hillside Ollantaytambo ruins, which is part of the wildly popular (and worthwhile) Cusco Tourist Ticket, or also known as the Cusco Boleto Turistico.

There’s also free Ollantaytambo ruins, like the hillside granaries of Pinkuylluna, the river side Qelloraqay ruins, and cross the Inca bridge follow the old Inca road to Choqana. Those up for a full day Ollantaytambo hike should visit the epic and Sun Gate of Ollantaytambo, or simply Inti Punku. The trail to the sun gate follows the old Inca Quarry Trail and boasts out of this world views of Apu Veronica.

But, not to get side tracked, this post is all about how to reach Pumamarca Ollantaytambo.

Peru Travel Inspiration | The Ultimate Guide to the Stunning Sacred Valley

How to Get to Ollantaytambo Peru from Cusco

If hiking the Pumamarca ruins, it’s best to spend the night in the Sacred Valley the night before. The Sacred Valley is easy to reach from the Imperial City of Cusco.

Cusco Travel Guides | Where to Eat in Cusco Peru | Unique Cusco Itineraries | Self-Guided Hiking Tour for 8 Free Cusco Ruins | Visit Maukallacta, the Birthplace of the Incas? | Cusco South Valley Guide

There are multiple collectivos and buses that depart from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, but it’s more than likely that you’ll need to transfer in Urubamba Peru. Direct collectivos are possible to Ollantaytambo, but there are more frequent departures to Urubamba.

☛ It is possible to arrange a private driver from Cusco, but always negotiate and agree on the fare before getting into the taxi.

Cusco to Urubamba by Public Transportation

 🚐 Collectivo Logistics | Average Fare: 8 PEN ($2 USD) | Duration: 1 hour | Depart: frequently, when collectivo is full | Departure Location: Av. Grau 510 | Hours: 6:00 – 19:00

🚌 Bus Logistics | Average Fare: 6 PEN ($1.50 USD) | Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes | Depart: frequently from Jirón 21 de Mayo 944 | Hours: 6:00 – 19:00

Once in Urubamba, Ollantaytambo is less than 30 minutes minutes away. Collectivos depart when full.

🚐 Hop on a collectivo to Ollantaytambo, which departs frequently from the main terminal in Urubamba | Cost: 2 PEN (60¢) | Duration: 30 minutes

Pumamarca Hike Map & Overview

⁉️ If downloading the Pumamarca Hike map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes there are updates to the site, map platforms, and other things, which can cause a bug in downloading. This map is solely a planning tool. Please comment below if something doesn’t download right or email me here, as it helps me keep the maps up to date and maintained. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by practicing no trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, and don’t stray from the visible trail. I also love to check and plan my routes with useful tools like graphhopper.

A Quick Overview of the Hike to Pumamarca

The starting point of the Pumamara hike is the Ollantaytambo Plaza de Armas. This trail stops by the Pumamarca Archaeological Park, and ends back in the village of Ollantaytambo.

Mileage distances are rounded to the nearest quarter of a mile.

• Out & Back Trail
• Total Mileage: Under 8.5 Miles 13.68 KM
  • One-Way Milage to Pumamarka: 4.25 Miles 7.25 KM
• Duration: + / – 5 hours
  • Includes 1 hour to explore the Pumamarca ruins
• Difficulty: Moderate
  • Ascent: A gradual, yet scenic ascent of around 2,680 ft.
• Pumamarca Trail Markers: Starting at the Media Luna Terraces, the trail is fairly well-marked with red signposts with white arrows. However, the path to the Pumamarca trailhead is not marked.
• The Pumamarca trek can be hiked any time of the year
  • Be mindful that during the rainy season the path can be extremely muddy and a little overgrown.
• Day Trip Pack Essentials:
  • Water & Water Filter
  • Snacks and Food
    • Enjoy a Picnic at next to the llamas at Pumamarca
  • Layered clothing, long sleeves are best for sun protection and pants to protect from overgrowth
  • Baseball cap, sunscreen, bug spray, lightweight rain jacket
  • First Aid Kit
  • Swiss Army Knife
  • Hiking Shoes and hiking poles if you love them
  • Small bills for the entrance fee (10 PEN / $2.75 USD)
  • Offline Pumamarca Hike Map, chargers, battery pack

Do You Need a Guide to Hike Pumamarca Ollantaytambo?

It is not necessary to hire a guide to hike to Pumamarca from Ollantaytambo. The trail is easy to reach and is well marked, once you arrive to the trailhead. This complete guide is for travelers looking to visit Pumamarca without a tour.

However, if you don’t feel comfortable, or the altitude is a little worrisome, there are plenty of guided Pumamarca tours. As the site becomes more popular, it is more common to see the Pumamarca ruins as part of a Sacred Valley tour package.

☛ Remember, the altitude of Ollantaytambo is around 9,160 ft (2,792 m) so it’s best to acclimate a few days before hiking around the Sacred Valley. The highest point of Pumamarca hike is around 11,142 ft, but more if you hike above the site to the viewpoint.

Highlights of Pumamarca Ollantaytambo Hike

• A lovely river path
• Media Luna Terraces
• Viewpoints of Patacancha Valley
• Forest paths with small waterfalls
• Pumamarca Ruins
• Unique Colcas around the Inca Fortress

➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing

How to Walk to the Pumamarca Ruins Trailhead

The Pumamarca trailhead can be reached by walking from the Ollantaytambo Plaza de Armas. Leave the plaza and head down the street Pata Calle. Wander in awe down the lovely cobblestone streets of Ollantaytambo with rushing water passing through the Inca water canals. Keep the Patacancha River to your left.

Next, pass a bright yellow church (to the right). This marks the beginning of leaving the Inca sector of town. Cross over a bridge right after the popular guesthouse Mama Simona and take the first right. Now, the Patacancha River will be to the right. Keep following this gravel path. Soon, see another church that sits along the lovely river path.

Tip | Next to the church is a pretty simple rundown, but free outdoor bathroom

Continue on this path until it reaches a dusty road that is used by cars. Take a right and begin to look for a YELLOW terracota house. Turn left at the house. This yellow house marks the beginning of the trailhead to Pumamarca.

🥾 Ollantaytambo Plaza de Armas to Pumamarca Trailhead | 1.25 miles

Trailhead to Pumamarca Ruins

Yeah! You’ve made it to the Pumamarca trailhead to begin the gradual ascent hike to the ruins. Shortly after the left turn you’ll see the impressive Media Luna terraces. To the right, look for the uphill dirt path. This should be the location of the first red and white marked arrow to the site. Follow the well-marked path.

Along the way are incredible viewpoints and even more rows of layered terraces. There are lovely little sections with forests and small waterfalls. Another great section is the small wooden bridge. Twist alongside with the Inca water canals. This hiking path is one the most diverse and one of my favorites in Ollantaytambo.

There will be a few more scattered trail-marker sign posts. Keep following the path until you’ll catch those first distant sprawling views of Pumamarca.

Be mindful that at the actual site and for the last half of the hike there is no shade coverage. There is a small covered picnic area outside the fortress, but inside the fortress there is no sun protection.

Pumamarca Archaeological Park

Look for the wooden gate. This is the main entrance gate. Enter the park and be greeted by a friendly gate keeper (Emilio), and his two jovial alpacas.

Upon arrival, Emilio is willing to offer up interesting information about the sacred site of Pumamarca. He speaks Spanish and Quechua. Interestingly enough, these ruins were originally built by the Wari civilization (Pre-Inca). Later, they were used by the Incas, more than likely, this site was used as for ceremonies, which explains why the remaining standing structures are taller than most other ruins in the Sacred Valley.

This site is said to resemble a puma. Do you see it? If you have time, you’ll have to climb up the hillside to see the Puma.

During the Spanish invasion, this site was believed to be used as a fortress.

Pumamraca Archaeological Site | Entrance Fee: 10 PEN ($3 USD) | This money goes to the surrounding mountain communities | Hours: Daily, 8:00 – 17:00

Return to Ollantaytambo

After relaxing and enjoying this beautiful site, head back down to Ollantaytambo. Follow the same path down that you took up. On the way back to Ollantaytambo, the trail is now a casual stroll downhill and should take no more than 2 hours, with no breaks.

Since the hike to Pumamarca takes a half day, there’s still plenty of time to do some of the best things to do in Ollantaytambo. There are some great places to grab lunch, like El Albergue or my favorite place, Apu Veronica Restaurant with river views. Or, relax with a craft beer at Pizzeria Quinoa with lovely views over the Plaza.

Better yet, sleep in Ollantaytambo and discover more things to do in the Sacred Valley.

Need a place to sleep in Ollantaytambo? Try Casa Quechua Hostel & Camping. This family run guesthouse has simple private and shared rooms, plenty of places to camp, warm hosts, a lovely garden, and is tucked away on a beautiful street with sweeping views. ➜ Browse the Ollantaytambo Hotels & Guest Houses here

More Things to Do in the Sacred Valley Peru

The Sacred Valley of Peru is such a magical and special incredible place. Not only are there massive Archaeological Parks featuring some of the most impressive Inca ruins, but the mountains with snowy caps provide an epic backdrop. It doesn’t get any better than this.

Peru Travel Planning | One Epic Week in Cusco & the Sacred Valley

If you visited the Ollantaytambo ruins, the ticket will at least be valid for the three other Sacred Valley Inca sites of Pisac, Chinchero, and Moray. All of these Inca ruins are worth a visit!

In Pisac, visit the daily artisan market in the Pisac Plaza de Armas, explore the massive Pisac Archaeological Park, and with more time, visit the three lakes of Kinsa Cocha Pisac.

A highlight of the Sacred Valley is hiking the Maras Salt Mines to the Moray Inca ruins. The Moray Archaeological Park is unique and unlike any of the other Inca sites. These circular terraces may have been used as experimental agricultural terraces. Of course, the Maras Salt Mines have gained popularity within the last few years. It’s easy to reach the salt flats via a gentle hike. The Maras Salt Mines are not included on the Cusco Tourist Ticket and require an additional 10 PEN entrance fee ($2.75 USD).

Chinchero may have been the former palace of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, the Inca’s most notable conqueror. When the Spanish conquistadors came, they built a church on top of the sacred site. Chinchero Archaeological Park has terraces, a museum, and is home to the famous weavers of Chinchero, who sell their items in the center of the site. A highlight of visiting Chinchero is taking the Inca road from Chinchero to Urquillos.

More Sacred Valley Hikes Like Pumamarca Ollantaytambo

If you loved the Pumamarca hike, just down the road from Ollantaytambo in Pachar, feel the powerful energy of the “dimensional portal” of Ñaupa Iglesia. This sacred site is rarely visited by tourists, and it is free. Adventurous hikers can follow the rail road tracks into Soqma and hike to the Perolniyoc Waterfall that boasts the Raqaypata ruins at the top.

Another worthwhile Sacred Valley hike can be found in Urubamba, on top of the mystical Saywa Mountain. On top of the mountain find two pillars, with stunning views of the valley, Mount Chicon, and the surrounding glaciers. Those looking to soak in those glacier views even more should head to Laguna Juchuycocha from Urubamba.

The Sacred Valley warrants more time than a quick detour. Have epic adventures by spending at least a few days in the Valle Sagrado.

Pumamarca Ollantaytambo | Worthwhile Hike in the Sacred Valley

In conclusion, don’t miss the hike to Pumamarca when visiting Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of Peru. This unique Ollantaytambo ruin is becoming more popular, but the best part of site is the journey, not necessarily the destination. The scenic hike uphill is so worth is and provides stunning views of the Patacancha Valley. The tranquil and beautiful hiking trail from Ollantaytambo is what makes Pumamarca a true highlight of Peru’s Sacred Valley.

Have you visited the Pumamarca ruins? Did you take the lovely Ollantaytambo hike to this sacred site? Are there any Pumamarca trail updates that you experienced? Did you add this site to your Sacred Valley itinerary? Let me know in the comments below!

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