The trip from Pisac to Ollantaytambo is a classic leg of any Sacred Valley plan. Overall, this guide explains the route, the travel time, and your best transport options.
Many travelers book one valley hotel and then move to another. Therefore, a smooth ride between the two towns keeps the whole trip calm.
Below, you will find clear distances, honest tips, and current prices for a private driver.
Pisac to Ollantaytambo at a Glance
The two towns lie about 60 kilometers apart by road. The drive takes roughly one hour and 15 to 20 minutes.
The road follows the Urubamba River through the valley. As a result, the ride is scenic, and the road is mostly smooth.
Where the Two Towns Sit
Pisac lies at the start of the valley, just under 3,000 meters above sea level. Ollantaytambo sits near 2,800 meters, so the drive feels gentle.
Our Sacred Valley of the Incas guide explains how the whole valley fits together.
Why Travelers Make This Trip
Pisac is known for its market and its Inca site. Meanwhile, Ollantaytambo is the main train town for Machu Picchu.
Therefore, many itineraries start in Pisac and end in Ollantaytambo. Also, the route passes the main valley towns along the way.
Towns Along the Way
The road passes Calca and Urubamba before it reaches Ollantaytambo. Our Urubamba Peru guide explains the largest base in the valley.
A short stop for lunch there breaks up the drive. In addition, you can ask your driver for a photo stop.
How to Travel From Pisac to Ollantaytambo
You have three common choices. However, each one trades price against comfort.
Private Driver From Pisac to Ollantaytambo
A private driver picks you up at your hotel door in Pisac. Then the driver takes you straight to your hotel or to the station in Ollantaytambo.
The price is fixed per vehicle, and it also covers tolls and insurance. Moreover, you can choose your pickup time, so you never rush.
Send us your pickup point and your drop-off point, and we confirm your fixed price before you book. Our Cusco to Sacred Valley guide explains how our valley fares work. You can also see our Ollantaytambo private taxi guide for more detail.
Colectivos and Buses
Shared vans and buses run along the valley road for low fares. However, you may change vehicles, and they stop often.
Besides, luggage space is tight. Therefore, this option suits light packers with flexible plans.
Taxi
A taxi works too, but you must agree on the fare first. Meanwhile, finding a driver for a long trip can take time in a small town.
Our Cusco taxi guide explains how fares and safety work.
Pisac to Ollantaytambo Transfer Prices
First, our fares are per vehicle, not per person. A sedan fits one to three travelers, and a minivan fits four to five.
In addition, a Sprinter carries six to fifteen travelers with luggage. Consequently, the cost per person drops as the group grows.
Valley Fares From Cusco
A transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo costs $44 for a sedan, $58 for a minivan, and $73 for a Sprinter. A transfer from Cusco to Urubamba costs $45, $65, and $80.
Our private Cusco to Sacred Valley transfer page lists the options.
A Full Day in the Valley
A full-day private route covers Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and the return to Cusco. It costs $87 for a sedan, $122 for a minivan, and $137 for a Sprinter.
Our Sacred Valley day route page lists the details. Also, the driver stays with you all day. Also, our Pisac market guide explains which days the stalls are busiest.
Step by Step: Your Pisac to Ollantaytambo Ride
Choose your vehicle and your pickup time first. Then send us your hotel names and the number of travelers.
Next, we confirm your fixed price and your driver details. On the day, your driver meets you at the hotel door.
Then the driver loads your bags and starts the drive. Along the way, the road follows the river past the main valley towns.
Finally, the driver stops at your hotel or at the station. Because the driver handles the route, you can rest and enjoy the view.
Timing Your Pisac to Ollantaytambo Trip
First, add the drive time and a buffer for traffic. Next, plan a late checkout or a slow breakfast.
If a train waits for you, aim to reach the station early. Inca Rail advises arriving at least 30 minutes before departure.
A Sample Day Between Two Hotels
This example shows how a moving day can look. Adjust it to your own plans.
Your driver picks you up in Pisac at about 9:30 after the market. You reach Ollantaytambo around 11:00.
That leaves time for lunch and a walk through the town. Then you check in without rushing.
Market Days in Pisac
The market runs on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, according to Wikivoyage. Sunday is the biggest day.
Therefore, plan a morning in the stalls before you leave. Also, a private driver can carry your purchases in the trunk.
Our Pisac Peru guide explains the market and the ruins.
Pisac to Ollantaytambo and the Train to Machu Picchu
Trains to Aguas Calientes leave from Ollantaytambo. PeruRail and Inca Rail publish current schedules.
Therefore, plan your drive for the morning of your train. For example, leave Pisac well before your departure.
Guides for the Next Step
Our Ollantaytambo train station guide shows how to time your ride. Also, our Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes guide explains the train leg. Going the other way? Our Ollantaytambo to Pisac guide covers the return leg.
For the full picture, see our Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu guide. It compares every route. Travelers moving between valley bases can read Ollantaytambo to Urubamba.
The Ollantaytambo Ruins
The Inca fortress rises above the town, as Wikipedia explains. Entry requires the Cusco tourist ticket, which you buy separately.
We do not sell tickets or guides. Instead, we provide private transport only.
Pisac to Ollantaytambo With a Stop at Maras and Moray
Some travelers add a detour on the plateau above the valley. However, that plan needs more time than a simple transfer.
Our Maras and Moray guide explains how to see both in one trip. Therefore, you can decide before you book. Starting the valley at Pisac? See Cusco airport to Pisac for the arrival ride.
Moving Between Valley Hotels
Some trips include two valley hotels. For example, you might sleep in Pisac and then move to Ollantaytambo for your train. The Pisac to Ollantaytambo hop is a common move.
A short private transfer handles the move and your bags. As a result, you avoid waiting for a shared van at checkout time.
Families and Older Travelers
Traveling with children or older relatives? Mention it when you book. We then pick the right vehicle and leave extra time for loading.
A minivan adds legroom and easy seating. Meanwhile, a Sprinter works well for larger groups with heavy bags.
Luggage and Early Checkouts
Many travelers leave a large bag at a Cusco hotel before the valley trip. As a result, every move feels lighter.
If you change hotels, your driver loads everything at the door. Therefore, you never carry bags up steep stone steps.
Pickup Times
Pickups run at any hour, and your driver tracks any delay. Also, you can change your pickup time if your plans shift.
Delays, Fog, and Road Closures
Mountain weather changes fast. Fog or road works can add time to the drive, so a flexible plan helps.
Therefore, avoid tight deadlines on travel days. Also, check local news before you leave Pisac.
Best Time for the Pisac to Ollantaytambo Drive
May to September is the dry season, with clear skies and cold nights. From November to March, rains arrive and the hills turn green.
Because the valley sits lower than Cusco, nights are a little milder. Still, pack a warm layer for evenings.
Our best time to visit Cusco guide explains each month in detail.
Altitude in the Valley
The valley is lower than Cusco, so many travelers breathe more easily. Even so, drink water and move slowly on arrival day.
The CDC guidance on high altitude explains common symptoms and simple remedies.
Common Mistakes on the Pisac to Ollantaytambo Trip
First, travelers rush the market. Consequently, they miss the best stalls and then cut the drive too tight.
Next, some plan a train on the same afternoon. Instead, leave a generous buffer for the road.
Also, a few carry too many bags. Because narrow lanes and stone steps are common, bring a small bag.
Finally, some skip a lunch stop. Therefore, plan a short break in Urubamba.
Why Travelers Choose Our Private Drivers
In short, our service is transport only. We do not guide, sell tickets, or provide meals.
Our drivers are punctual, licensed, and used to mountain roads. Meanwhile, our vehicles are clean, modern, and insured.
Our English-speaking team answers on WhatsApp day or night. Moreover, you can change your pickup time if your plans shift.
See every vehicle on our fleet page. Explore every route and price on the Machu Picchu Shuttle home page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Pisac from Ollantaytambo?
The two towns lie about 60 kilometers apart. The drive takes roughly one hour and 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I get from Pisac to Ollantaytambo?
A private driver is the easiest option. Colectivos and taxis also run, although they add effort with luggage.
How much is a private transfer in the Sacred Valley?
A transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo costs $44, $58, and $73. We confirm a fixed price for valley hops before you book.
Can I stop in Urubamba on the way?
Yes. Ask your driver for a short lunch or photo stop.
Which days is the Pisac market open?
The market runs on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. However, Sunday is the biggest and busiest day.
Do trains leave from Pisac?
No. Trains to Aguas Calientes leave from Ollantaytambo, so plan your drive for the morning of your train.
Is Ollantaytambo lower than Pisac?
Yes. Ollantaytambo sits near 2,800 meters, while Pisac lies just under 3,000 meters.
Can I book a full day in the valley?
Yes. Our full-day route costs $87 for a sedan, $122 for a minivan, and $137 for a Sprinter.
Do you provide tour guides or tickets?
No. We provide private transport only, so you buy tickets and book guides separately.
Book Your Pisac to Ollantaytambo Transfer Today
First, choose your vehicle and lock in a fixed price. Then a private driver turns the valley road into an easy ride.
Share your dates and hotels, and confirm your booking in minutes.
