Guide to the Ancient Inca Bridge Location and Nearby Sights
Finding the exact Ancient Inca bridge location in Ollantaytambo is a highlight for many travelers. This historic site represents the engineering genius of the Inca Empire. Most visitors pass it on their way to Machu Picchu. However, the bridge site itself holds deep cultural value. It once connected the town to the vast road networks of the Andes.
Today, the stone foundations still stand strong. You can walk along the river and see these massive blocks. The nearby village remains a "living" site with original water channels. Exploring this area gives you a glimpse into the past. This guide will help you find the bridge and other nearby wonders.
Locating the Ancient Inca Bridge in Ollantaytambo
The main bridge ruins sit right at the entrance of the old town. You can find them crossing the Urubamba River. The history of the last remaining Inca bridge in Ollantaytambo shows how vital this spot was. While the original grass-rope structure is gone, the massive stone abutments remain visible today.
Getting to the bridge is very simple for tourists. It is located just a short walk from the central plaza. Paths lead along the riverbank for easy viewing. It is a great spot to photograph the valley and the fortress above. Many people miss this detail amidst the larger ruins nearby.
You do not need a ticket to view the bridge remains. This makes it a perfect free activity for your first afternoon. The site is open all day for self-guided exploration. You can clearly see how the Incas carved the riverbed rocks. These foundations have survived centuries of floods and earthquakes.
Top 10 Ancient Inca Sights Near the Bridge Location
Before you start your trek, check these quick picks for your itinerary. The bridge is the anchor point for many trails. Whether you want a hard hike or a short walk, there is an option here. Use this list to plan your time in the Sacred Valley.
- Best overall sight: Ollantaytambo Fortress
- Best for families: The Living Inca Village
- Best for hikers: Inti Punku Sun Gate
- Best free activity: Pinkuylluna Granaries
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Name: Puente Inca (The Inca Bridge)
Type: sight
Why go: See original stone foundations where the rope bridge once hung.
Best for: History buffs.
Where: Entrance to the old town over the Urubamba River.
Time: 20 minutes.
Cost: Free.
Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the Plaza de Armas.
Tip: Visit at sunset for the best lighting on the river stones. -
Name: Ollantaytambo Archaeological Park
Type: sight
Why go: Explore massive terraces and the Temple of the Sun.
Best for: Everyone.
Where: Western edge of the town.
Time: 2-3 hours.
Cost: Part of the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
Getting there: 5-minute walk from the town center.
Tip: Visit early in the morning to beat the train crowds from Cusco. -
Name: Pinkuylluna Granaries
Type: experience
Why go: Hike up the mountain to see ancient storehouses with a view.
Best for: Budget travelers.
Where: Directly across from the main fortress.
Time: 1-1.5 hours.
Cost: Free.
Getting there: Trail starts on Calle Lares in the village.
Tip: Wear shoes with good grip as the trail is steep and dusty. -
Name: Inti Punku (The Sun Gate)
Type: activity
Why go: A challenging trek to a stone portal overlooking the valley.
Best for: Fit hikers.
Where: High above the town near the Cachiccata quarry.
Time: 6-8 hours.
Cost: Free.
Getting there: Follow the Inti Punku Sun Gate hike trail from the bridge.
Tip: Bring plenty of water and a warm jacket for the summit. -
Name: Pumamarca Ruins
Type: sight
Why go: Visit an older pre-Inca site that is often completely empty.
Best for: Adventure seekers.
Where: Above the Patacancha Valley.
Time: 3-4 hours.
Cost: Small entry fee (usually 10-20 soles).
Getting there: Walk or take a motor-taxi from the town.
Tip: Consult a Pumamarca ruins trekking guide before you depart. -
Name: Maras Salt Mines
Type: day trip
Why go: Thousands of ponds used for salt harvesting since Inca times.
Best for: Photography.
Where: 30 minutes away by car.
Time: 1 hour.
Cost: Small entry fee.
Getting there: Join Maras and Moray tours from the plaza.
Tip: Buy the pink salt locally as it is a great souvenir. -
Name: Moray Agricultural Circles
Type: day trip
Why go: Mysterious circular terraces used as an ancient laboratory.
Best for: Science/History lovers.
Where: High plateau near Maras.
Time: 1 hour.
Cost: Part of the Cusco Tourist Ticket.
Getting there: Taxi or tour bus from Ollantaytambo.
Tip: The temperature varies between levels, showing the genius of Inca design. -
Name: The Living Inca Village
Type: experience
Why go: Walk through original Inca streets with running water canals.
Best for: Culture lovers.
Where: The narrow alleys behind the plaza.
Time: 1 hour.
Cost: Free.
Getting there: Start at the Living Inca Village history sign near the market.
Tip: Look for red flags on poles which indicate a home selling chicha. -
Name: Perolniyoc Waterfall
Type: day trip
Why go: A massive waterfall with ruined temples at the very top.
Best for: Nature lovers.
Where: Near the village of Soqma.
Time: 4-5 hours.
Cost: Free.
Getting there: See the Perolniyoc waterfall day trip guide for logistics.
Tip: Hire a local guide to find the trail easily from the road. -
Name: Ollantaytambo Market
Type: experience
Why go: Shop for high-quality textiles and eat local food.
Best for: Shopping.
Where: Right outside the fortress entrance.
Time: 1 hour.
Cost: Free to enter.
Getting there: Walk from any hotel in town.
Tip: Read these Ollantaytambo market shopping tips to learn how to negotiate.
Planning Your Visit to the Ancient Inca Bridge
When visiting the bridge, timing is essential for a good experience. The dry season from May to September offers clear skies. During this time, the Urubamba River is lower and calmer. This allows for better views of the stone foundations in the water. You can find more details on the Ollantaytambo District (Wikipedia) page.
To see most sites in the area, you need the Boleto Turístico. This collective ticket covers the main fortress and Moray. You can buy it at the entrance to the ruins easily. Make sure to carry your passport when purchasing tickets. Check the COSITUC official site for current prices and rules.
Traveling to this location from Cusco is cheap and fast. Most visitors use a shared van called a "colectivo." These depart frequently from Pavitos Street in Cusco. The ride takes about 90 minutes through beautiful mountain passes. You can also take the train if you are going to Machu Picchu.
Stay hydrated while exploring the high altitude of the Andes. Drink plenty of coca tea to help with the thin air. Always pack layers of clothing for sudden weather changes. The bridge location is easy to find, but the surrounding trails require preparation. Consult the Ollantaytambo District official site for local event notices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Ancient Inca bridge location in Ollantaytambo?
The Ancient Inca bridge location is at the southern entrance of Ollantaytambo village. It spans the Urubamba River near the stone quarry paths. While the original wooden and rope parts are long gone, the massive Inca stone foundations remain clearly visible from the riverbank today.
Do I need a ticket to see the Inca Bridge in Peru?
No, viewing the stone remains of the bridge is generally free. It is located on a public path along the river. However, most other major ruins nearby require the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) for entry, so it is wise to purchase one for the trip.
How long is the hike to the Inca Bridge near Ollantaytambo?
The walk to the bridge from the center of town takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It is a flat, easy stroll suitable for all ages. If you mean the trail to the quarries beyond the bridge, that hike can take 3 to 4 hours round trip.
Visiting the Ancient Inca bridge location is a must for any Sacred Valley trip. It serves as a gateway to the region's incredible history and engineering. Start your day at the bridge and then move to the fortress. Don't forget to explore the Living Inca Village before you leave. For a deeper dive into local trekking, read our how to walk to the Inca bridge in Ollantaytambo guide. Safe travels in the land of the Incas!
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Peru Travel — National tourism board; unverified.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — International heritage authority; unverified.
- Lonely Planet — Major travel editorial; unverified.
- COSITUC — Official tourist ticket authority; unverified.
- PeruRail — Primary rail transport provider; unverified.
- Inca Rail — Major rail transport provider; unverified.