Q'ellorakay Terraces
A serene, free Inca ruin site near Ollantaytambo, offering quiet exploration, beautiful river views, and an authentic farm atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light is magical
Q'ellorakay Terraces
Best Time
Golden hour light is magical
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, free Inca ruin site near Ollantaytambo, offering quiet exploration, beautiful river views, and an authentic farm atmosphere.
"Often empty, perfect for a peaceful immersion in nature and historical significance."
Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this historical site without an entrance fee! A rare find in the Sacred Valley. :moneywithwings:
Walk Through Nature
A 10-15 minute walk from the plaza leads you here. Path can be a bit uneven. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Untouched Inca Ruins
Adjacent to the Urubamba River
Explore ancient rooms and walls amidst a beautiful farm setting, often with no other tourists around. A true glimpse into the past.
Stunning River and Mountain Views
Overlooking the Urubamba River
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the flowing river and majestic surrounding mountains from this peaceful archaeological site.
Active Inca Irrigation Systems
Within the terraces
See ancient platforms with crops, showcasing the ingenious irrigation systems still relevant from Inca times.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Quiet Charm
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this historical site without an entrance fee! A rare find in the Sacred Valley. :moneywithwings:
Walk Through Nature
A 10-15 minute walk from the plaza leads you here. Path can be a bit uneven. :athletic_shoe:
Quiet Exploration
Often empty, perfect for a peaceful immersion in history and nature. :dove:
Farmer's Fields Nearby
You might see local farmers and grazing cows, adding to the authentic farm atmosphere. :cow:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this historical site without an entrance fee! A rare find in the Sacred Valley. :moneywithwings:
Walk Through Nature
A 10-15 minute walk from the plaza leads you here. Path can be a bit uneven. :athletic_shoe:
Quiet Exploration
Often empty, perfect for a peaceful immersion in history and nature. :dove:
Farmer's Fields Nearby
You might see local farmers and grazing cows, adding to the authentic farm atmosphere. :cow:
Listen for the Train
You can sometimes hear the distant sound of trains from Ollantaytambo Station. :train2:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Q'ellorakay Terraces is praised as a peaceful, free Inca site offering beautiful views and a quiet escape from crowds. While the ruins are basic and unmaintained, visitors appreciate the authentic farm setting and the chance to explore without admission fees. Some note the path can be a bit littered, but the overall experience is highly valued for its tranquility and natural beauty.
"The ruins are basic but in a beautiful farm setting, no other tourists. Really enjoyed"
bruce konings
"Located just south of the main plaza, the Quellorakay Ruins, a lesser-known but free Inca site, requires a careful 10 to 15-minute walk through natural terrain. Visitors will find that the site is relatively quiet, with often little to no visitors that frequent more popular attractions, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet place to immerse themselves in the surrounding nature and historical significance of the Inca ruins.
The ruins themselves are not maintained, but sometimes, there is the presence of local farmers tending to the land and grazing cows nearby. In the ruins, visitors can explore a series of rooms and walls that make up the existing complex, providing a glimpse into the past. There are no information signs explaining the area, apart from the warning symbol signs next to the name plate. The site is situated next to the Urubamba River, offering stunning views of both the river and the surrounding mountains. Occasionally, visitors may hear the distant sound of a train arriving at the Ollantaytambo Station."
Carol F
"Sítio arqueológico gratuito em Ollantaytambo. Fica próximo ao estádio de futebol, em um caminho fácil de chegar mas escondido. Pouco visitado, estava completamente vazio quando cheguei. Tem uma Boa Vista das montanhas próximas.
A luz da tarde é boa para curtir o local.
Vale a pena gastar um tempo por lá. Gostei."
Cesar Rodrigues
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Q'ellorakay Terraces are located just south of the main plaza in Ollantaytambo. A pleasant 10 to 15-minute walk through natural terrain will lead you to the site. It's a relatively easy and scenic route, often described as a 'hidden' path near the football stadium. +1
While there isn't direct public transport to the terraces themselves, Ollantaytambo is well-connected by local buses and taxis from Cusco. Once in Ollantaytambo, the terraces are within walking distance from the town center.
The most common ways to reach Ollantaytambo from Cusco are by shared taxi (colectivo), private taxi, or bus. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Many travelers also take the scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, making it a convenient stop. +1
While Q'ellorakay Terraces are often overlooked by major tours focusing on the main Ollantaytambo archaeological site, some local guides or custom tours might include it as a quieter, free alternative. It's best to inquire locally or with tour operators for personalized options.
The walk is generally considered easy and quick, taking about 10-15 minutes. The path is natural and can be a bit uneven or littered at times, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Q'ellorakay Terraces is a free archaeological site. You do not need to purchase any tickets or the Cusco Tourist Ticket to enter. +1
As an open-air site with no formal entry gates, Q'ellorakay Terraces can be visited at any time. However, for the best experience and safety, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours.
One of the main draws of Q'ellorakay Terraces is its lack of crowds. Visitors often report being completely alone or encountering very few other people, making it a peaceful experience. +1
There are no formal facilities such as restrooms or information centers at Q'ellorakay Terraces. It's a natural site, so come prepared.
No, the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) is not required for Q'ellorakay Terraces as it is a free site. This ticket is typically for more prominent archaeological sites and museums in the region.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Q'ellorakay Terraces, you can explore a series of ancient Inca rooms and walls that form the existing complex. You'll also find platforms planted with crops, showcasing the historical irrigation systems, and enjoy beautiful views of the Urubamba River and surrounding mountains.
The ruins are not actively maintained in a formal tourist sense. However, they are situated in a beautiful farm setting, and you might see local farmers tending to the land and grazing animals, which adds to the authentic atmosphere.
Q'ellorakay Terraces are believed to be an Inca site, possibly used for agricultural purposes or as a smaller settlement. The presence of intact irrigation systems and the layout of the rooms offer a glimpse into Inca engineering and daily life.
Yes, Q'ellorakay Terraces offers excellent photo opportunities, especially with the river and mountain backdrops. The late afternoon light is particularly recommended for photography.
The main safety considerations are the uneven terrain and potential litter on the path. It's advisable to watch your step. The site is generally peaceful and safe during daylight hours.
📸 📸 Photography
The late afternoon light is highly recommended for photography at Q'ellorakay Terraces, as it casts a beautiful golden glow over the ruins and the landscape. Early mornings also offer soft light and fewer chances of encountering anyone else.
You can capture stunning landscape shots with the Urubamba River and mountains as a backdrop. Close-ups of the Inca stonework, the agricultural terraces, and the surrounding farm scenery are also great subjects.
Yes, due to its lack of crowds, Q'ellorakay Terraces allows for unique, unobstructed shots. You can frame the ruins with the natural environment without other tourists in the background.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views of the river and mountains. A standard zoom lens is versatile for details of the ruins and crops. A polarizing filter can help enhance the colors of the landscape.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned for photography at Q'ellorakay Terraces, as it's an open, natural site. However, always be respectful of the historical ruins and any local farmers present.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Travelers
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Ollantaytambo's Living Inca Town
The town serves as a crucial gateway to Machu Picchu, with most travelers passing through to catch the train. However, many recommend staying longer to truly appreciate its charm.
Beyond the historical sites, Ollantaytambo offers a vibrant local culture. You might encounter traditional festivals, like the 'Three Wise Men downhill' celebration, adding a lively dimension to your visit.
Exploring Q'ellorakay Terraces: A Peaceful Inca Discovery
The site's proximity to the Urubamba River enhances its appeal, offering beautiful views of the water and the surrounding mountains.
Accessing Q'ellorakay is straightforward, involving a short, easy walk from Ollantaytambo's main plaza.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit