More than 11,000 residents to benefit from road infrastructure reaching 80% completion in Ollantaytambo
CUSCO, PERU — Access to the Pumamarca archaeological complex in the district of Ollantaytambo will soon feature new road infrastructure aimed at facilitating visitor arrivals and strengthening tourism development in this area of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The improvement project for the Ollantaytambo–Pumamarca road, executed by the Regional Government of Cusco through Plan COPESCO, currently shows an 80% completion rate in its road component. The project represents an investment exceeding S/ 18.8 million and will directly benefit more than 11,000 residents.
One of the main objectives of the intervention is to reduce travel time to the Pumamarca archaeological site—also known as the “city of the pumas”—by approximately 10 minutes.
Pumamarca prepares to integrate into the Sacred Valley tourist circuit
The new infrastructure seeks to improve connectivity between Ollantaytambo and Pumamarca and facilitate the incorporation of this archaeological site into Sacred Valley tourist circuits.
Currently, roadwork includes priming and laying the asphalt pavement, key components of the project’s reported progress.
However, the intervention is not limited to road improvements. The project also encompasses the enhancement of the Pumamarca archaeological complex through restoration and conservation efforts.
Additionally, complementary tourist infrastructure will be constructed, including a visitor center, lookout point, restrooms, and pedestrian access, aimed at providing better conditions for visitors and contributing to heritage protection.
A new opportunity for tourism in Ollantaytambo
Pumamarca is located approximately 3.5 kilometers from Ollantaytambo, one of the primary tourist destinations in the province of Urubamba. Its inclusion in the local tourism offerings will diversify visitor sites and expand choices for travelers exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Improving access could also create new opportunities for local community ventures, particularly in activities related to gastronomy, handicrafts, transportation, and tourism services.
In this way, the intervention aims to pair road infrastructure development with greater appreciation of archaeological heritage and economic benefits for the local population.
Pumamarca: heritage and development for local communities
During an inspection visit, the Regional Governor of Cusco, Werner Salcedo Álvarez, emphasized the importance of improving access to this archaeological site while preserving its historical value.
“Pumamarca possesses an ancient history that deserves to be known and protected. Today, we are building the road that will bring this heritage closer to the world while opening new opportunities for our families,” he stated.
With progress on the Ollantaytambo–Pumamarca road and recovery efforts at the archaeological complex, this destination aims to take on a prominent new role within Cusco’s archaeological tourism offerings.
The completion of the project will improve accessibility to Pumamarca and contribute to the diversification of tourist destinations in Urubamba Province, connecting heritage, infrastructure, and opportunities for local communities.
