Cusco to the Sacred Valley

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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The Sacred Valley is close enough to Cusco to visit as a day trip, but rewards more time — most travellers pass through it anyway on the way to Machu Picchu via Ollantaytambo. Getting there is easy and cheap if you use the same shared vans locals rely on, or more comfortable and structured if you book a tour. Here's how each option works.

The cheapest way: colectivo shared vans

Shared minibuses, known as colectivos, run constantly from Cusco to Sacred Valley towns and are by far the cheapest way to travel. Vans to Pisac (about 45 minutes) leave from a stop near Puputi street in Cusco, and vans to Urubamba and Ollantaytambo (roughly 1.5–2 hours) leave from the Pavitos terminal, generally departing once full rather than on a fixed timetable — which in practice means a wait of anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. Fares are paid in cash to the driver or conductor.

Colectivos are safe and widely used by both locals and independent travellers, though they involve a bit more legwork: finding the right departure point, having small change, and not expecting an English-speaking driver. It's the way to see the valley on your own schedule and budget.

Private taxi or driver

Hiring a taxi or private driver for the day — either informally in Cusco or through a hotel or agency — gives you a fixed itinerary with door-to-door transport between Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero, without waiting for a van to fill up. This costs considerably more than the colectivo but is a common middle-ground choice for small groups splitting the fare, or travellers short on time who want to see several villages in one day without the logistics of hopping between shared vans.

Organised day tours

The most structured option is a guided day tour, widely sold in Cusco and typically covering Pisac market and ruins, lunch, Ollantaytambo, and sometimes Chinchero or Moray in a single circuit, with commentary on Inca history and the valley's agricultural terracing along the way. This suits travellers who want context on what they're seeing without arranging it themselves, though the itinerary is fixed and the pace can feel rushed if you'd rather linger somewhere.

What's actually in the Sacred Valley

Pisac combines a lively local and artisan market (best on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, though a smaller version runs daily) with impressive Inca agricultural terraces and ruins on the hillside above town. Ollantaytambo is both a striking fortress-temple complex and a still-inhabited Inca-era town with its original street grid intact — and it's also the main departure point for trains to Machu Picchu, making it a natural overnight stop rather than just a stop-off. Urubamba is a quieter valley-floor town popular for its milder climate and as a base for exploring further afield. Some itineraries also add Chinchero, known for its Sunday market and traditional weaving demonstrations, and Moray, the striking circular Inca agricultural terraces that function almost like an ancient experimental farm.

Should you stay overnight in the valley?

Many experienced travellers recommend basing yourself in the Sacred Valley for a night or two rather than day-tripping from Cusco, for two practical reasons: the valley sits noticeably lower than Cusco (Ollantaytambo is around 2,800 m against Cusco's 3,400 m), which helps with acclimatisation, and it removes the need to travel back to Cusco before continuing on to Machu Picchu — most Machu Picchu trains depart from Ollantaytambo itself. See our guide to Cusco to Machu Picchu for how the two legs connect. If Rainbow Mountain is also on your list, note that day tours for it depart from Cusco rather than the valley, which is worth factoring into your route order — see Cusco to Rainbow Mountain for the timings.

Planning the wider Cusco region

The Sacred Valley is usually one stop within a longer Cusco-based itinerary that also takes in Machu Picchu and, for many travellers, Lake Titicaca via Puno. If you're arriving in Cusco from Lima, see our guide to Lima to Cusco for that first leg. Coming from Cusco onward to the lake, our Cusco to Lake Titicaca guide covers the bus, tourist bus and train options for that separate journey. For general background on Peru's limited but scenic rail network, see Peru by train.

Which should you choose?

Take a colectivo if you're comfortable with a bit of independent travel and want the cheapest option — it's genuinely easy once you know where to catch one. Choose a private taxi for flexibility and comfort without a fixed group itinerary, especially if travelling with others to split the cost. Book an organised tour if you'd like a guide's context and don't want to plan the logistics yourself. Whichever you choose, consider basing yourself in the valley for a night if your itinerary allows — it eases acclimatisation and sets you up well for the onward trip to Machu Picchu.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Cusco to Pisac?

The cheapest way is a colectivo shared van, taking about 45 minutes and departing frequently from a stop near Puputi street once full.

How long does it take to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo?

Around 1.5–2 hours by colectivo, private taxi or tour, covering roughly 70–75 km through the Sacred Valley.

Do I need the Boleto Turístico for the Sacred Valley?

Yes, for most of the main sites, including the Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins. Check which ticket version covers your planned stops before setting out.

Should I stay in the Sacred Valley or Cusco?

Many travellers base themselves in the Sacred Valley for a night or two, partly to aid altitude acclimatisation at its lower elevation, and partly because Ollantaytambo is the main departure point for trains to Machu Picchu.