The drive from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes with a Daytrip private car transfer, covering a distance of 38.5 miles (62 km). While Daytrip will bring you door-to-door, on the way, you can choose to add sightseeing stops to your journey to elevate your travel experience and see more of Peru.
You could visit Moray, a stunning example of Incan engineering and agriculture. The series of stepped, concentric circles are a visual marvel, and their historical purpose of agricultural experimentation is a fascinating example of the ingenuity of the Inca.
Or, you might take a detour to the Maras Salt Mines to check out the 1,000-year-old hillside pools designed to cultivate different kinds of salt. The vast arrangement of the pools turns the landscape into an unforgettable geometric pattern, and as the pools are still in use today, you can even buy a bag of salt to bring home (or use when you get to Cusco).
About Cusco
After your Ollantaytambo to Cusco transfer, you can look forward to an unforgettable travel experience in the Peruvian Andes. Cusco is nestled near the Sacred Valley of the Andes, with the Huatanay River running nearby. The city features a unique blend of ancient Incan heritage with Baroque Spanish influences, due to their conquest in the 16th century.
When the city was an Incan capital, it developed rapidly and contributed significantly to religious, cultural, and agricultural movements in the area. The city was home to some of the first symbolic urban compounds, with impressively constructed stone structures dedicated to the royal families as well as to religious and administrative buildings.
The city stands out with sites such as the Temple of the Sun, and other decadently designed structures that showcase the Incan engineering capabilities. After the Spanish conquest, these structures were largely preserved below the construction of new churches and manor houses. The resulting blend of traditions and aesthetics from its time as an Incan powerhouse and as a colonial town has rendered Cusco a vital center of history and culture.
The city is filled with must-see historical and spiritual sites as well as diverse natural wonders and opportunities to witness Peruvian wildlife up close. Many people traveling to Cusco use it as the home base for their trek to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This remarkable center of religious, political, and cultural activity during the Incan Empire is the pinnacle of travel to Peru.
Cusco is a great place to begin and end your journey to Machu Picchu, as this fascinating city offers plenty of amenities for every kind of traveler, from mountaineers and hikers to history buffs.
From Ollantaytambo to Cusco: travel tips
Ahead of your trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, there are a few things that will help you have the best time possible at your destination.
### Leave time for acclimatization
While Ollantaytambo is already at a considerable altitude, Cusco is another 2,000 feet (609 meters) higher, and you should leave yourself a day or two of downtime upon arrival to allow your body to adjust to the high altitude. This is particularly important for those attempting a trek to Machu Pichu from Cusco, as the added exertion and elevation can become dangerous if you have not had a chance to acclimatize properly.
### Consider a private transfer
Choosing a private transfer for your trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco will give you the most comfortable transportation possible and ensure that you arrive in plenty of time to adjust to the altitude. You will also have the option to stretch your transfer into an unofficial tour by adding sightseeing stops en route, allowing you to see more of the incredible Sacred Valley.
How to get from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
There are a few transportation options for your trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, but public transit in this area is somewhat limited.
### Train from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
There are trains between Ollantaytambo and Cusco, operating out of the Wanchaq station in Cusco. The train is a direct journey that takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes, and travelers will also need to account for the time spent navigating to the station from their accommodation. Tickers for this journey vary depending on how far in advance you book but tend to cost in the range of $45 to $110.
### Shuttle from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
There are shuttles along this route that take about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depositing travelers in the Plaza de San Francisco station in Cusco. Tickets can vary widely from $11 to around $65, and travelers will still need to find transportation to and from their accommodation in either city. The shuttles often operate on demand and can carry high last-minute expenses.
### Taxi from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Some visitors to Cusco arrive by taxi, a journey that takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes door-to-door. The fares along this route tend to cost about $35-45 per passenger, depending on the taxi company used. Pickup and dropoff locations may be limited, and taxis can also become overbooked during the busiest travel season.
### Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
The best option for many travelers is a private driving transfer with Daytrip, which gives you seamless transportation from door to door in just 1 hour and 40 minutes. You can travel with greater peace of mind with the flexible booking policies and customizability of your itinerary, including departure times and any sightseeing stops you want to add.
This safe, comfortable journey with an English-speaking local driver also offers great value, starting at just $16 per passenger.
Things to do when you get to Cusco
After your Ollantaytambo to Cusco transfer, you will quickly find a range of activities to explore in this remarkable destination. While Cusco is often used as a base for treks to Machu Pichu, there are plenty of things worth seeing and doing in the town itself that you should be sure not to miss out on.
### Visit Saqsaywaman
This Incan fortress is within about a 30-minute walk from Cusco’s old town. Saqsaywaman is a significant citadel that once stood even taller than it appears today. The fortress was the site of a major battle between the ancient Inca and the invading Spanish in 1536. This is a great place to learn more about the fierce and bloody Spanish conquest that shaped the city of Cusco into its modern image.
### Explore the Plaza de Armas
This central square is built on top of what used to be an important Incan gathering place in Cusco’s old town. Plaza de Armas is central to the colonial development of Cusco and is home to the Baroque Spanish buildings of the Cusco Cathedral and the Church La Compania de Jesus.
The square preserved many of the intricately carved Incan walls, and there are still celebrations of the Inca Festival of the Sun and other traditional festivities.
### See Qorikancha
This colonial church and convent dedicated to Santo Domingo were constructed on the base of Inca ruins on the site of a formerly rich temple in the Inca empire. The resulting structure is a grandiose combination of Inca and colonial architecture. Qorikancha translates roughly to “Golden Courtyard” in Quechua, as in Inca times, the walls were literally lined with gold sheets.
The area was one used in agricultural rituals, and gold and silver corn statues were found alongside altars and solid gold figurines of llamas and babies. The vast majority of these valuables were looted by the Spanish conquerors and melted down.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
Before you embark on your Ollantaytambo to Cusco transfer, you will likely be looking into the best time of year to visit. While the summer months are the direst in Cusco, they are also the most popular for tourism, and June to August can become very crowded around the main attractions. However, June is the month of the Fiestas of Cusco, which features street parties and traditional dancing that can be incredible to witness.
To beat the crowds without battling the winter’s frequent showers, consider a shoulder season visit in May or even in the autumn months of September to November.
Daytrip은 전 세계 14,900+ 개 도시를 경험할 수 있는 가장 편리한 방법입니다.
모든 여행자는 자신이 방문하는 국가의 문화에 대한 진정한 통찰을 받을 자격이 있습니다. 그리고 지구상의 모든 놀라운 장소는 방문하고 감상할 가치가 있습니다. 우리는 독특한 현지 지식과 진정한 인간적 연결이 다른 문화를 진정으로 이해하는 데 있어 대체할 수 없다고 믿습니다.
There is a direct train from Ollantaytambo to Cusco that takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes, with tickets costing around $45-$111.
Driving is the fastest way to get from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, and either a taxi or a private driving service will get you to Cusco in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
The easiest way to get from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is to take a private driving transfer which gives you seamless door-to-door service straight to your accommodation in Cusco.
The drive from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes from door to door, though this can be extended with sightseeing stops if you choose to take a private transfer.
A taxi from Ollantaytambo to Cusco tends to cost around $35-$45, but the fare can vary widely depending on the taxi company.
You can take a train, taxi, shuttle, or private driving service from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
가는 길에 이 명소들을 방문하세요
모라이
예술 작품처럼 보이는 이 계단식 유적은 사실 정교한 농업 공학의 산물이다. 원의 과학
마라스 소금광산
이 산길은 1,000년이 넘는 세월 동안 소금을 생산해 왔다. 소금을 부탁해
친체로스
이 고원 마을은 페루 전통 직조로 유명하며, 현지 시장에서는 무지개 같은 색을 볼 수 있습니다. 무지개 너머 어딘가
삭사이와만
더 오래된 문명의 터 위에 세워진 이 잉카 요새의 거대한 돌들은 완벽하게 맞물려 있어 모르타르조차 필요하지 않았습니다. 거대한 테트리스
탐보마차이
‘잉카의 목욕탕’이라 불리는 신비한 고고학 유적지입니다. 잉카의 물 숭배
켄코 고고학 지구
쿠스코 지역의 잉카 영성 중심지는 수수께끼의 암각 구조가 미로처럼 얽혀 있습니다. 미스터리, 죽음, 희생
"On time trip with an excellent driver who went above and beyond. I have used daytrip for multiple trips throughout the world and I will continue doing so!"
Nicole
United States
2025년 10월 5일
"I booked with Daytrip for the six of us. We traveled from Cusco to Ollantaytambo on Oct. 2nd and returned via Daytrip on Oct. 4th. Both times the driver was excellent 👍 and was very helpful. I was always kept informed of our pickup time, we were loaded up quickly and the drive pleasant. The driver even went to the extra effort to accommodate requests as they arose. The best, most helpful service I've experienced in my travels!"
John
United States
2024년 10월 31일
"He was wonderful -- very informative and kind. We had him twice --on this trip thru daytrip - highly recomended -"
ronald
United States
2024년 9월 11일
"The trip was perfect. Our driver met us as planned, helped with our bags, drove safely, and got us to our destination on time. Definitely recommend!!!
"
Erin
United States
2024년 8월 22일
"José was fantastic. Everything went very smoothly and he was very attentive to make sure we would reconnect coming back from each tour we added.
"
Erin
Grenada
2024년 8월 21일
"I was so thoroughly happy with my two day trip rides in Peru. The drivers had clean and well maintained cars, were on time and communicated very well, and had a rich local knowledge. There was a new issue where a bridge was out and both drivers and your customer service team worked around the problem quickly and with ease. I would definitely recommend your service to anyone needing a driver in an unfamiliar area.
"
Jessica
United States
2024년 8월 1일
"We took a daytrip from cusco to ollantaytambo, Peru, with several stops along the sacred valley. Our driver not only allowed us the freedom to make an additional stop, but also provide historical context and information all along the drive. Highly recommneded!"
Angelica
United States
2024년 7월 17일
"You did wonderfully
Both trips we took were excellent. Driver was present early, vehicle was clean and in good condition. Drivers were respectful friendly. Very good service and recommended
Brent D."
Brent
United States
2024년 7월 17일
"Good evening,
I am taking a few minutes to let you know that the trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco on July 9th with Adner C. had met our expectations. We would rate it 5 on 5 without any reservation.
The driver was very professional and an excellent driver on the sacred valley roads and Cusco city.
We highly recommend Adner C. and daytrip for a future trip."
Sylvie
Canada
2024년 6월 23일
"They were on time, cars were in great shape, they were personable and knowledgeable, drove well and got us to our destinations on time safely."
Jennifer
United States
2024년 6월 14일
"very accommodating and entertaining. He answered all our questions and inquiries. He was in time to pickup us up and even gave snacks. "
Allen
Philippines
2024년 4월 13일
"William met us at the train station in Ollantaytambo and was early! Again William was very helpful and friendly, knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend time with."
Suzanne
Australia
2024년 4월 5일
"Our driver was great at handling the winding roads and verticle climbs, and shared some lovely facts about some of the scenery and landmarks we passed. Very peaceful and efficient ride!"
Hei
United States
2024년 2월 8일
"We had the most wonderful experience with Coco. He was very friendly and spoke both Spanish and English and was very knowledgeable with any information on Peru and the land. As a person with bad motion sickness, coco catered to me and I felt good on the windy roads! Would highly recommend coco and would travel with him again! "
Celia
United Kingdom
2024년 1월 28일
"do not see anywhere to rate my experiences with Daytrip or with our driver, so I will provide my review here in this email.
Daytrip worked seamlessly for our trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco in Peru. The reservation process was simple, and the price for the service was reasonable. Communication from the Daytrip team was excellent from start to finish. We received prompt confirmation of our booking and clear instructions about how to contact and meet our driver. We especially liked the option to add destinations along our route so that we could combine a taxi ride with a sightseeing tour. I highly recommend Daytrip to anyone seeking a reliable and affordable taxi service with the option to choose from a menu of tourist destinations along the way.
Our driver, Diomedes (Coco), turned out to be the very best tour guide we have ever had. He arrived early and gave use clear information about our pick up. At our request, he stopped at an ATM so that we could make a withdrawal. During our ride, he provided fascinating information about the Sacred Valley. His English was excellent, and his enthusiasm for the land and for his Incan ancestors was inspiring. We especially appreciated his honesty, integrity, and friendliness. I highly recommend Diomedes (Coco) to anyone visiting the Cusco area."
Gary
United States
2024년 1월 14일
"We were very , very happy with service that we received If you could pass on personal thank you to Christian M he was great."
Tim
Australia
2024년 1월 6일
"It was fantastic! He was knowledgeable and took the time to actually tell us about the history of the places. 5/5 would recommend"
Thomas
United States
2024년 1월 3일
"I cannot say enough good things about our experience with Diomedes! He went above and beyond to make our journey exciting and informed. I would give him 10+++.
Many thanks,
Jo"
Jo
United States
2023년 12월 28일
"My group had a wonderful experience with William! He is very thoughtful and kind. Also, William is very informative on Peruvian culture. We highly recommend his service! 5 out of 5 stars!
Best,
Lauren"
Lauren
United States
2023년 12월 14일
"The trip was excellent, and Jhonatan was very pleasant company. His English was very good (as mine Spanish is very bad). He was at Ollantaytambo before the designated time with a sign with my name, so that is always a good start. We had contact using WhatsApp before we left the train station in Machu Picchu. The car however was a little small for such a long drive, but this is not a major issue at all."
