Cusco to the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo: colectivo, taxi, tour and train

The Sacred Valley is very close to Cusco and easy to reach independently or on a tour. Options range from shared colectivos, very cheap and used by locals, to door-to-door private transfers. The right choice depends on budget, luggage and whether you want to stop on the way. Times and departure points given here are approximate and can change: confirm with your lodging before setting off.

Start here: Cusco tips · things to do in Cusco

The two road routes

There are two main roads from Cusco into the valley:

• Via Pisac: drops into the eastern valley at Pisac and continues through Calca, Yucay and Urubamba to Ollantaytambo.
• Via Chinchero: crosses the Chinchero plateau and descends directly to Urubamba, then on to Ollantaytambo. Usually the fastest to Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.

As a guide, Cusco to Pisac takes about an hour; to Urubamba, an hour to an hour and a half; and to Ollantaytambo, an hour and a half to two hours, depending on traffic and transport.

• Pisac: Inca ruins, craft market and how to visit from Cusco
• Urubamba: the central base of the Sacred Valley (things to do, getting there and where to stay)
• Chinchero: weaving, Inca ruins and market between Cusco and the Sacred Valley
• Ollantaytambo: ruins, a living Inca town, the Machu Picchu train and tips

Colectivos and buses

Colectivos are shared vans or cars that leave when full. They're the cheapest option.

• To Pisac and Calca: they leave from stops around Calle Puputi, east of the centre.
• To Urubamba and Ollantaytambo via Chinchero: they leave from stops around Calle Pavitos, near the centre.
• From Urubamba there are frequent colectivos to Ollantaytambo.

Tips: travel light, carry coins and small notes, and ask the driver to tell you your stop. Colectivos are packed and not ideal with big suitcases.

• Money in Cusco: soles, ATMs, exchange offices and cards

Taxi and private transfer

A taxi or private transfer is the most comfortable option, especially with luggage or in a group. Agree the price before leaving or book through your lodging or an app. Many drivers will stop at Chinchero, Maras or viewpoints for a supplement. Split between several people, the cost can be reasonable.

• Getting around Cusco: taxis, ride apps, city buses and colectivos

From Cusco airport

Many travellers go straight from the airport to the Sacred Valley to acclimatise at lower altitude. The most practical way is a pre-booked private transfer or a taxi from the airport exit. The ride to Ollantaytambo takes roughly an hour and a half to two hours. By colectivo, you'd first need a taxi to the city stops.

• Cusco airport to the city centre: taxi, ride apps, transfers and approximate prices
• Altitude sickness in Cusco: how to prevent it and what to do

On a Sacred Valley tour

To see the valley in a day, a classic tour covers Pisac and its market, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero with transport and guide. Some travellers use the tour as transport and stay in Ollantaytambo to catch the Machu Picchu train next day; check with the agency.

• Sacred Valley of the Incas: what to see and how to visit

By train

Tourist trains to Machu Picchu stop in Ollantaytambo. There are services from Poroy station on Cusco's outskirts, plus combined bus-and-train options with a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and the train from there. To reach only the valley, the road is faster and cheaper; the train makes sense if you're continuing to Aguas Calientes.

• Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco: timings, logistics and whether it's worth it
• Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town): getting there, things to do and where to stay

Getting around the valley

Colectivos and mototaxis run frequently between valley towns, especially on the main road linking Pisac, Calca, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. For Maras, Moray or the salt pans, a taxi from Urubamba or a tour is most practical.

• Moray and the Maras salt mines: how to visit from Cusco or the Sacred Valley
• Where to stay in the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and more

Practical tips

• Leave early to make the most of the day and avoid afternoon traffic.
• Carry cash: many services don't take cards.
• Avoid road travel at night if you can.
• If you have a Machu Picchu train from Ollantaytambo, leave plenty of time.
• Have a local SIM for maps and ride apps.

Quick comparison

• Colectivo: cheapest and most local; awkward with luggage and no sightseeing stops.
• Taxi or private transfer: comfortable, flexible and door to door; pricier if travelling solo.
• Tour: guide, organised entrances and several sites in a day; fixed schedule.
• Train: scenic and useful if continuing to Machu Picchu; not the choice for the valley alone.

On a first visit staying in the valley, a private airport transfer is usually simplest.

Before you go

Airport transfer

Book a private Welcome Pickups transfer from Cusco airport to your hotel before you land, with your driver waiting in arrivals. Check the price and cancellation terms when booking.

Book your airport transfer →

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).