How to Visit the Sacred Valley of Cusco on Your Own

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of Cusco’s main tourist destinations and can easily be explored independently, using local transportation and planning your itinerary according to the time you have available. This option allows you to discover traditional villages, archaeological sites, and Andean landscapes with greater freedom. If you’re planning your trip and want to explore the Sacred Valley on your own, here are the main recommendations to help you organize your journey.

What places can you visit in the Sacred Valley on your own?

The Sacred Valley stretches along the Urubamba River and is home to traditional villages, ancient archaeological sites, and agricultural landscapes. Exploring it on your own is possible thanks to the transportation connections between Cusco, Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. However, some attractions are located away from the main routes, so it is important to plan your transportation in advance.

Among the main places you can consider visiting are:

• Pisac: It is one of the main entry points to the Sacred Valley from Cusco. It is known for its archaeological site built into the mountains and its traditional artisan market. It is a good option for starting your journey through the valley.
• Urubamba: Located in the central part of the Sacred Valley, it is one of the region’s main urban centers. It is a good place to stop for lunch, take a break, or connect to other destinations.
• Ollantaytambo: It is one of the most important places in the valley thanks to its archaeological complex and well-preserved traditional streets. It also has a railway station with services departing for Machu Picchu.
• Chinchero: It is known for its cultural heritage, textile traditions, and archaeological complex. It is located in an elevated area between Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
• Moray: It is a set of circular terraces built into a natural depression in the landscape. Its location means that an additional trip from the valley’s main route is required.
• Maras: Its famous salt ponds consist of hundreds of evaporation pools traditionally used for salt production. Getting there requires taking a different route from the valley’s main villages.

The four archaeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray are part of Circuit III of the Cusco Tourist Ticket. Currently, COSITUC states that this partial ticket is valid for two days.

How do you get to the Sacred Valley from Cusco?

One of the main advantages of exploring the Sacred Valley on your own is that there are several transportation options from Cusco. Shared vans and minivans are commonly used to connect the city with the valley’s main towns.

To get to Pisac, you can take a shared vehicle from Cusco and continue from there to other destinations in the valley. There are also ground transportation services to Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, making it easy to travel between the main towns.

Shared vehicles are one of the most affordable options, although travel times may vary depending on traffic, stops, and road conditions. On the other hand, a taxi or private transportation offers greater comfort and flexibility for making several stops along the way.

If you want to visit several attractions located away from the main route, such as Maras and Moray, planning becomes even more important. These places require additional travel, so it may be convenient to hire private transportation by the hour or for the entire day.

One of the usual routes from Cusco to Ollantaytambo passes through Chinchero and Urubamba. The direct journey can take approximately one and a half to two hours, although the travel time increases if you make stops along the way.

How can you plan a route through the Sacred Valley?

Before starting your journey, it is important to decide which places you want to visit and how much time you have available. Trying to see all the attractions in a single day can make the trip feel too rushed.

One option is to follow a route from Cusco to Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo, using public transportation between each destination. This option allows you to explore the valley gradually and finish your journey in Ollantaytambo.

Another possibility is to include Chinchero, Moray, and Maras, although this requires better planning, as these places are not located directly along the same main route.

If you have a full day available, you can consider an itinerary like the following:

• Cusco: depart early in the morning.
• Pisac: visit the town and archaeological complex.
• Urubamba: stop for lunch and a break.
• Ollantaytambo: explore the town and archaeological complex.
• Return to Cusco or stay in Ollantaytambo to continue your journey to Machu Picchu later.

If you have more time, it is best to split the journey over two days. This allows you to visit the attractions at a more relaxed pace and gives you the opportunity to spend the night in one of the valley’s towns.

Recommended 2-Day Route

Day 1: Cusco → Pisac → Urubamba → Ollantaytambo.

Day 2: Ollantaytambo → Chinchero → Moray → Maras → Cusco.

The route can be adjusted depending on where you choose to stay and the next destination on your trip. If you plan to travel to Machu Picchu by train, staying in Ollantaytambo can be a practical option, as train services to Machu Picchu depart from there.

How much does it cost to visit the Sacred Valley on your own?

The cost of exploring the Sacred Valley mainly depends on your choice of transportation, entrance fees, and the number of places you want to visit.

Shared vehicles are one of the most affordable ways to travel between Cusco and the towns in the valley. However, if you use several services throughout the day, the total cost will be higher than that of a single trip.

You should also consider entrance fees. The Cusco Tourist Ticket includes the archaeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray as part of Circuit III. COSITUC currently lists a price of S/ 70 for the partial ticket for this circuit and S/ 130 for the full ticket, although prices may change, so it is advisable to check them before your trip.

The Maras Salt Mines are not included in this Tourist Ticket circuit, so they should be budgeted for separately.

You should also include:

• Transportation between the different towns.
• Entrance fees to the attractions you want to visit.
• Food during the journey.
• Accommodation, if you decide to spend the night in the valley.
• Tour guide, if you want to learn more about the history of the archaeological sites.
• Private transportation, if you prefer to avoid changing vehicles and want to make several stops.

Traveling independently can reduce transportation costs when using local services, but it requires more planning. If several people are traveling together, private transportation can be a more convenient option, as the cost can be shared among the group.

Tips for exploring the Sacred Valley on your own

Exploring the Sacred Valley without booking a tour gives you greater freedom, but it also requires paying attention to a few details. Before starting your trip, consider the following recommendations:

• Start early: Leaving Cusco in the morning allows you to make the most of the daylight hours and gives you more time to visit the attractions.
• Plan your transportation: Not all places are equally easy to reach. Check in advance how to get there and where the vehicles depart from.
• Carry cash: It is a good idea to have some Peruvian soles in cash for local transportation and small establishments.
• Don’t try to visit too many places in one day: Including too many destinations can turn your trip into a series of rushed journeys.
• Consider the weather: Weather conditions can change throughout the day, so it is advisable to bring clothing suitable for different conditions.
• Bring water and sun protection: The journey includes areas exposed to the sun and walks through archaeological sites.
• Check attraction opening hours: This will help you plan the order of your visits and avoid arriving after a site has closed.
• Consider spending a night in the valley: Ollantaytambo and Urubamba are practical options for those who want to explore the area at a more relaxed pace.
• If you’re traveling to Machu Picchu, check your train schedule: If your journey continues from Ollantaytambo, make sure you leave enough time to reach the station.

Although it is possible to organize the entire trip independently, some travelers prefer to hire private transportation to avoid changing vehicles. This option allows you to keep a flexible itinerary and visit several attractions in a single day.

Is it better to visit the Sacred Valley on your own or with a tour?

There is no single right way to experience the Sacred Valley. The best option mainly depends on how much time you have, your budget, and the type of experience you’re looking for.

Traveling independently allows you to decide how long to stay in each place, change your route, and use local transportation. It is a good option for travelers who enjoy planning their own journeys and have enough time to explore at their own pace.

On the other hand, an organized tour makes logistics easier, as it typically combines transportation, an itinerary, and a guide in a single service. This can be especially useful for those visiting Cusco for only a few days who want to see several attractions in one day.

There is also a middle-ground option: hiring private transportation without booking a traditional tour. This allows you to plan your own route, choose your stops, and enjoy greater freedom throughout the journey while avoiding the need to rely on different public transportation services.

Before making your choice, consider:

• Traveling independently: greater freedom and the ability to adapt your itinerary.
• Organized tour: greater convenience when coordinating transportation and visits.
• Private transportation: comfort, flexibility, and the ability to create a personalized route.

For those with limited time in Cusco, an organized service can make the visit considerably easier. On the other hand, travelers with several days available can enjoy the experience more by exploring the valley at a relaxed pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you visit the Sacred Valley on your own?

  Yes, you can. The main towns in the Sacred Valley have transportation connections from Cusco and between one another. However, some attractions require additional travel, so it is advisable to plan your route before your trip.

• How can I get to the Sacred Valley from Cusco on my own?

  You can take shared vehicles, minivans, taxis, or private transportation. The best option will depend on the place you want to visit and the level of comfort you prefer during the journey.

• How much does it cost to visit the Sacred Valley on your own?

  The budget depends on transportation, entrance fees, food, and the number of attractions you visit. Shared vehicles are usually the most affordable option, while private transportation offers greater comfort.

• What places can you visit in the Sacred Valley on your own?

  Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo are some of the easiest places to reach using local transportation. You can also include Chinchero, Moray, and Maras, although these require additional planning.

• Can I visit the Sacred Valley in one day?

  Yes, although it depends on how many places you want to see. If you want to visit several attractions, you will need to start early and plan your transportation in advance. For a more relaxed experience, two days are recommended.

• Do I need the Tourist Ticket to visit the Sacred Valley?

  To visit the archaeological complexes of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray, you need the corresponding ticket. These four attractions are part of Circuit III of the Cusco Tourist Ticket.

• Is it better to visit the Sacred Valley on your own or book a tour?

  It depends on your preferences. Traveling independently offers greater freedom, while a tour makes it easier to organize transportation and visits. You can also choose private transportation to combine comfort and flexibility.

• Where is the best place to stay in the Sacred Valley?

  Ollantaytambo and Urubamba are two practical options. Ollantaytambo can be especially convenient if you plan to travel by train to Machu Picchu afterward.

• Can I visit Machu Picchu after exploring the Sacred Valley?

  Yes. One of the most convenient options is to finish your journey in Ollantaytambo and continue from its railway station to Machu Picchu, while making sure to check your train schedule in advance.

• How much time do I need to explore the Sacred Valley?

  One day is enough to visit some of the main attractions, but two days allow for a more relaxed experience and make it easier to spread out your travel time. The ideal duration depends on the places you want to include in your itinerary.

By Machupicchu Terra – Last updated, August 10, 2026

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