cusco.tips
PDF guides
The Urubamba River winding through the Sacred Valley
Tours

Private driver in Cusco and the Sacred Valley: when it's worth it and how to hire one

Updated:

Shared tours are the cheapest way to explore around Cusco, but they have fixed timetables, shop stops and little room to improvise. That's why many travellers, especially families, couples or small groups, hire a private driver for one or several days. With a car and driver you can explore the Sacred Valley at your own pace, stop wherever you like and combine places tours don't usually group together. This guide explains when it's worth it, how to choose a good service and what to agree before setting off.

Start here: Cusco tips · things to do in Cusco

Advantages

  • Your pace: leave when you like and stay at each site as long as you need.
  • Custom routes: combine Chinchero, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo, or add less-visited places.
  • Comfort: ideal with children, older people or if the altitude affects you.
  • No compulsory stops at shops or restaurants you're not interested in.
  • Price per group: for four or more people it can be competitive compared with several tours.

Drawbacks

  • No guide: the driver isn't always an official guide. If you want explanations at the archaeological sites, hire a guide separately or at the entrance.
  • Price for solo travellers: for one or two people it's usually more expensive than a shared tour.
  • Coordination: you plan the route, times and tickets yourself.

Popular routes with a driver

  • Classic Sacred Valley: Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, ending at the train station if you're heading on to Machu Picchu.
  • Chinchero, Moray and Maras: the weavers' plateau, the circular terraces and the salt pans.
  • South Valley: Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas, a quiet route.
  • Huaypo and Piuray lakes: calm Andean scenery near Chinchero.
  • Airport transfer to the valley: with viewpoint stops on the way.

A sample day with a driver

  1. 8:00 – Leave Cusco for Chinchero. Stroll through the village, the colonial church and a weaving demonstration.
  2. 10:30 – Moray: time to walk down into the circular terraces and understand their agricultural role.
  3. 12:30 – Maras salt pans: thousands of salt pools on the hillside. Buy pink salt directly from the producers.
  4. 14:00 – Unhurried lunch in Urubamba.
  5. 16:00 – Ollantaytambo: climb the fortress terraces and walk the Inca quarter.
  6. 18:00 – Return to Cusco or spend the night in Ollantaytambo to take the train to Machu Picchu the next day.

On a shared tour it's hard to see all this calmly in one day; with a driver, you adapt each stop to your energy.

A driver for several days

Some families hire the same driver for two or three days: one day for the Sacred Valley, another for the South Valley and another for lakes or communities. The advantage is trust and continuity: the driver gets to know your tastes and pace. Agree a daily price and confirm who covers their accommodation and meals if you sleep outside Cusco.

How to choose a good service

  • Ask your hotel or a formal agency with good reviews for a recommendation.
  • Check the vehicle is in good condition, with seat belts for everyone.
  • Ask whether the driver is experienced on mountain roads.
  • If you want explanations, ask for an accredited official tourist guide.
  • Be wary of street offers with no company behind them.

What to agree before setting off

  1. Exact route and stops.
  2. Departure and return times, and what happens if you run late.
  3. Total price, and whether it includes tolls, fuel and waiting time.
  4. Payment method and whether anything is paid in advance.
  5. Whether tickets or a guide are included (usually not).
  6. The language the driver speaks.

Put everything in writing, even just in a message.

Tickets and passes

For most archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley you need the tourist ticket; the Maras salt pans have a separate entry. Buy them beforehand or at the first stop, and carry cash.

Road safety

Valley roads are winding and, in the rainy season, can have landslides. Ask the driver not to speed, always wear your seat belt and avoid travelling mountain roads at night unless necessary.

Alternatives

  • Shared tour: the cheapest for solo travellers.
  • Private tour with a guide: driver and official guide in one service.
  • Colectivos: public vans between Cusco and the valley towns, cheap but less flexible.

Tipping

If the driver was punctual, careful and friendly, it's customary to tip at the end of the day.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth hiring a private driver in Cusco?
Yes, if you're travelling as a family or group, want flexibility or struggle with the altitude.
Does the driver act as a guide?
Not always. For explanations at archaeological sites, hire an official guide.
Which route can I do in a day?
For example, Chinchero, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo, or Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.
Are tickets included?
Usually not; you'll need the tourist ticket and the salt pans entry.

Book this plan

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).

Related guides