How to Get to Sacred Valley

Daily train services by PeruRail and Inca Rail cover the 30-mile route from Cusco and Ollantaytambo toward Aguas Calientes. The tracks follow the meandering Urubamba River past ancient agricultural terraces, steep Andean rock walls, and traditional Quechua-speaking villages. Standard tickets cost around $65 to $75, while luxury carriages exceed $500. Passengers sit comfortably at a lower elevation of 9,000 feet, making the journey an effective way to acclimate before heading higher into the mountains. Heavy rains force the Poroy station near Cusco to close entirely from January through April, meaning you must book your rail departures directly from the Ollantaytambo station during these four wet months.

Ninety minutes is all it takes for a private driver to cover the 62-mile route from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. A half-day hire for up to four passengers costs roughly 100 Soles, typically including strategic stops at the circular agricultural terraces of Moray and the 5,000 salt-evaporation ponds of Maras. Travelers can easily split the fare, making it highly economical for small groups. Mountain roads present serious hazards, and local drivers frequently ignore pedestrian crossings or traffic rules. Ask your accommodation to arrange a reliable driver to lock in a safe, fixed price and avoid the stress of haggling in the town squares.

Regular shared vans depart from Avenida Huayruropata in Cusco, heading toward valley towns like Urubamba and Sicuani. Vehicles wait until all seats fill before taking about two hours to cover the 50-kilometer distance. Fares run between 15 and 20 Soles per person, providing the most economical public transit option for independent travelers. Petty theft and pickpocketing remain common risks at these busy transit hubs, with thieves frequently targeting distracted tourists carrying large backpacks or expensive electronics. Keep your valuables secured in a front-facing bag and avoid displaying your phone or camera while waiting to board your colectivo.

Customized guided excursions navigate the 62-mile valley floor, handling all transit between major archaeological ruins like Pisac, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo. This completely eliminates the need to navigate hazardous mountain roads or flag down passing colectivos. Accessible operators specifically tailor gentle routes for elderly or wheelchair travelers, ensuring safe access to flat sites like the Maras salt pans. You will need to purchase the Cusco Tourist Ticket for 130 Soles to enter the sites. Schedule your departure between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM to beat the large tour crowds that arrive later in the day.

Steep footpaths connect remote valley sites completely inaccessible to vehicles. A somewhat challenging hour-long hike north of Chinchero leads directly to the 30-meter Catarata Poc Poc waterfall. Further along the valley wall, a multi-hour trek starting from Lamay climbs to the Huchuy Qosqo ruins, where travelers often find the entire ancient complex completely to themselves. Pack flexible layers, a high-quality rain jacket, and slip-resistant footwear to handle the rapidly shifting weather. Morning departures start cold, but the midday Andean sun quickly becomes exceptionally strong, making sun protection and layers essential for the trail.