Transportation in Sacred Valley

Getting to the Sacred Valley

By Plane

Many international travellers will fly into the capital of Lima and then take a domestic flight to Cusco to begin their trip in the Sacred Valley, as this area does not have an airport of its own. The airport in Cusco is located in a suburban area and is about 10 minutes by taxi from Plaza de Armas. The airport receives daily flights from Juliaca, Lima and Arequipa. The descent to the airport affords a great view of the Sacred Valley. All airline offices can be found along the Avenida Sol. Taxis and buses are available at the airport. From here, tourists can utilise other forms of transportation to travel to the Sacred Valley.

For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.

By Train

It is common for people to board trains in Cusco headed for the destination of Machupicchu, and these trains come across Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo has its own train station in the middle of the town and many trains leave from here to Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu town). Some travellers opt to take a taxi or collectivo from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and stay overnight in this charming little town, and then take an early train the next day. This way tourists can arrive in Macupicchu before all the crowds. Also, from Machupicchu, it's possible to take a train to Ollantaytambo on the return trip to Cusco and relax a few more days in the Sacred Valley. Check out the Perurail website for the dates and times of the train schedule.

By Car

The roads all over the Sacred Valley are generally paved and easy to maneuver. The roads begin in Cusco and travellers could rent cars, though usually people take the reasonably priced taxis. There are several places in Cusco you can find taxis that can take you to the Sacred Valley. When sharing a taxi with more people (a collectivo) the normal fare is about 10 Soles (US$ 3.50). If you go to the street 'Calle Pavitos' in Cusco, tourists will find the shared taxis (collectivos) that will travel to Ollantaytambo and Urubamba. Try to arrive to the street early in the morning since many people set out on the trip (about 1.5 hours) in the morning and the car will have to be filled before departure.

By Bus

The easiest way to travel to and from Cusco is to use the numerous bus services, including overnight services, which ply to all the major cities of the region. Buses leave mostly from the company offices that they are associated with. These offices are mostly located in or around the Cusco bus station, 'Terminal Terreste'. Once guests have reached Cusco, it is recommended to enter the Sacred Valley using a taxi or collectivo as described above. Unless travellers organise with a Sacred Valley tour company, there are few larger bus companies with service into the Sacred Valley.

Getting Around the Sacred Valley

By Car

In the Sacred Valley, it is quite easy to hail a taxi. Make sure you hire one with a current permit, usually displayed by a sticker on the screen, and a number plate.

If travellers opt to rent a car, the traffic out in the countryside is much more agreeable than the chaos of the Cusco city streets. But, as always, take caution when driving and there could be many unforeseen obstacles in the roads.

By Mototaxi

This kind of transport can only be admired in the Sacred Valley. Small moto taxis are running through the narrow streets and when going from one place to another inside the town, these are the best option.

By Combi

Also in the Sacred Valley, you'll see minibuses, often fully loaded, taking passengers from one town to another. Ask around about the bus's destination, before boarding it.

By Private Transport

By Van

If you prefer a mode of transportation in the Sacred Valley that allows you time to stop at the most beautiful places to take pictures, you should go by private van. When interested in this option, contact us and we'll arrange this for you. 

By Foot

Distances from one to another town in the Sacred Valley are quite large, but inside every town you can easily cover all the distances by foot.

By Bike

There are plenty of guided Sacred Valley tours offered (many out of Cusco) that offer bicycle trips through the Sacred Valley. This can be a great option for seeing the valley. There are mountain bike tours that generally go to Maras and Moray and combine some of the great sights of the area.