HOW TO GET TO SACRED VALLEY FROM CUSCO
The Sacred Valley of the Inca is a well-known area and even more a gateway to get to Machu Picchu sanctuary. There are various ways on how to get to sacred valley from Cusco. Sometimes, Sacred Valley is misunderstood as another population or a city beyond Cusco; no!, the fact is that this is a Valley that hosts several towns and villages. Urubamba is the capital city, but most tourists stop off visiting towns such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
FROM CUSCO TO SACRED VALLEY
Cusco to Ollantaytambo?
Either you want a fast and private drive or a colectivo drive, head to Pavitos street near Grau bridge in Cusco. Here, Colectivo vans leave hourly more or less, and so do leave the private hatchback-type cars. But know that “Colectivo” cars have no set schedule, therefore when cars get full, they will get started to move. Cars get across Chinchero Plateau and Urubamba city in around 2 hours, covering 72 km.
Also, there is an alternative route to get to Ollantaytambo, which takes about 1:30 hrs but it may be not recommended to follow all the time. Because beyond Huarocondo town, the road winds through a steep gorge, and landslides make it a dangerous route, at least during the wet season (December – April). Cars depart from the same station, though.
- Cusco to Ollantaytambo by colectivo : S/. 15
- Cusco to Ollantaytambo by private : S/. 130
- Cusco to Ollantaytambo: 72 KM
- Cusco to Ollantaytambo (Alternative): 61 KM
Cusco to Urubamba
Urubamba is the biggest city and sits in the heart of the Sacred Valley. During a day Sacred Valley day tour, nearly all tourist enjoy their buffet lunch here before continuing to Ollantaytambo train station. Also, due to the lower elevation of the valley, some travelers spend the night at one of the many touristic charming hotels around, so this is more for eating and resting place than a place for touring.
If you are planning to move to Urubamba right after arriving in Cusco, get to the car station at Pavitos street, make sure they are going to Urubamba- Ollantaytambo and ask the driver because he may take the alternative road to Ollantaytambo.
If you are tight with time, take the sacred valley tour from Cusco and get off the tour van in Ollantaytambo to get on the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu.
- Cusco to Urubamba by Colectivo: S/. 6
- Cusco to Urubamba: 66 KM
Cusco to Pisac
Pisaq is around 30 km away from Cusco, and this is the first town to visit in a day Sacred Valley tour. The best way to visit Pisac town and the archeological park is with a travel company but, If you are not joining a group tour, find colectivos and buses running Cusco – Pisaq – Calca city at Puputi street station located behind Garcilaso school.
- Cusco to Pisac by Colectivo. S/. 5
- Cusco to Pisac: 30 KM
by Aldair