Cusco to Chinchero: How to Get There, Costs, and What to Expect

CUSCO TO CHINCHERO: HOW TO GET THERE, WHAT IT COSTS, AND WHAT TO EXPECT

The trip from Cusco to Chinchero is short, scenic, and easy to plan with a private driver. Overall, this guide explains the route, the travel time, and your best transport options.

Chinchero sits on a high plateau on the road to the Sacred Valley. Therefore, many travelers pass through it without planning a real stop.

Below, you will find clear distances, honest tips, and current prices for a private ride.

Cusco to Chinchero at a Glance

Chinchero lies about 28 kilometers northwest of Cusco, according to Tierras Vivas. Also, the drive takes roughly 40 minutes in normal traffic.

The town sits higher than Cusco, as Wikivoyage explains. As a result, take it slowly and drink water.

Where Chinchero Sits

The town stands on a wide plateau above the Sacred Valley. In fact, the main road to Urubamba and Ollantaytambo passes right through it.

Our Sacred Valley of the Incas guide explains how the whole valley fits together. If you are planning this part of the trip, our taxi fares to Ollantaytambo will help.

What Makes Chinchero Special

In particular, Chinchero is known for its weaving traditions and its Sunday market. Moreover, a colonial church stands on Inca foundations beside the plaza.

Meanwhile, Inca terraces climb the hillside above the town. Also, the setting is open, with big views of the mountains.

How to Travel From Cusco to Chinchero

Overall, the road is paved and smooth. It climbs out of the city and then crosses open highland.

You have three common choices. However, each one trades price against comfort.

Private Driver From Cusco to Chinchero

A private driver picks you up at your hotel door. Then the driver takes you straight to the plaza or to your next stop.

The price is fixed per vehicle, and it also covers tolls and insurance. Moreover, you can choose your pickup time, so you never rush.

Our Maras, Moray, and Chinchero route includes Chinchero as one of its three stops. Therefore, it is the simplest way to see the plateau in one trip. Before you go, check our boleto turistico cusco guide to plan which sites to see.

Colectivos and Buses

Shared vans and buses run toward Urubamba and stop at Chinchero. However, they leave when full, 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, a long wait for the return ride can feel stressful.

Our Cusco taxi guide explains how fares and safety work in the city.

Cusco to Chinchero 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.

Cusco to Chinchero: The Half-Day Route

Our half-day route covers Chinchero, Maras, and Moray. A sedan costs $85, a minivan costs $96, and a Sprinter costs $120.

Each fare includes tolls and insurance, plus a driver who speaks clear English. Also, the quote you receive is the price you pay.

On the Way to the Valley

Chinchero lies on the road to Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. A transfer to Urubamba costs $45, $65, and $80, while Ollantaytambo costs $44, $58, and $73.

Our Cusco to Urubamba guide covers the route stop by stop. Therefore, you can ask your driver for a short stop on the way. Heading north along the valley? Read Cusco to Calca for a calm stop.

A Full Day in the Valley

A full-day private route costs $87 for a sedan, $122 for a minivan, and $137 for a Sprinter. Our Sacred Valley day route page lists the details. The plateau route also continues to Moray, so see our guide to Moray Cusco.

Step by Step: Your Cusco to Chinchero Ride

Choose your vehicle and your pickup time first. Then send us your hotel name 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 climbs out of the city and crosses the highland.

Finally, the driver parks near the plaza and waits while you explore. Because the driver handles the route, you can rest and enjoy the view.

The Sunday Market

The main market runs on Sundays, according to Wikivoyage. Meanwhile, local women display crafts for visitors on other days.

Therefore, plan your Cusco to Chinchero trip for a Sunday if you want the full experience. Otherwise, a weekday visit is calmer.

Weaving in Chinchero

The town is famous for its textiles. In fact, local weavers spin and dye wool by hand.

Still, prices are fair, and bargaining is gentle. Also, a private driver can carry your purchases in the trunk.

The Church and the Inca Terraces

The church stands on Inca foundations beside the plaza. Meanwhile, the terraces rise behind it on the hillside.

Entry to the archaeological site is part of the Cusco tourist ticket, according to Tierras Vivas. We do not sell tickets, so you buy them separately.

Chinchero on the Way to Maras and Moray

Chinchero is the usual first stop on the plateau route. Next, the road continues to Moray and the salt pans of Maras.

Our Maras and Moray guide explains how to see both in one trip. Also, our Cusco to Ollantaytambo via Maras and Moray route ends in the valley. Vans on the Chinchero road also serve the Cusco to Ollantaytambo bus route.

One Way to Ollantaytambo

However, some travelers skip the return to Cusco. Instead, they continue from the plateau to Ollantaytambo for the night.

A one-way route costs $80 for a sedan, $105 for a minivan, and $140 for a Sprinter.

Planning Your Time on the Cusco to Chinchero Route

First, a simple visit takes about two hours. This includes the plaza, the church, and a short walk through the market.

Next, add time for the terraces and for lunch. Therefore, plan a half day if you also want to see Moray.

A Sample Morning Plan

This example shows how a simple morning can look. Adjust it to your own plans.

Your driver picks you up in Cusco at about 8:00. You reach Chinchero around 8:45, in time for coffee and a calm walk.

Next, you continue to Moray and Maras, and then you return to Cusco in the afternoon.

Pickup Times

Pickups run at any hour, and your driver tracks any delay. Also, you can change your pickup time if your plans shift.

Families and Older Travelers

Traveling with kids or grandparents? Share ages and luggage counts when you book. Then we suggest the vehicle that fits everyone comfortably.

A Sprinter works well for larger families. Meanwhile, a minivan suits four or five travelers with bags.

Luggage and Hotel Moves

Many travelers leave a large bag in Cusco before they pack light for the plateau. As a result, every stop feels easier.

If you change hotels, your driver loads everything at the door. Therefore, you never carry bags up steep stone steps.

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 Cusco.

Cusco to Chinchero: Private Driver or Shared Van?

Both options reach the plateau. However, they suit different plans.

A shared van is cheap, but it follows its own schedule. In contrast, a private driver follows yours.

With a driver, you also choose your stops and your pace. As a result, you can add Moray or Maras without changing vehicles.

For a group, the math is simple. Because the fare is per vehicle, three travelers split one price.

Altitude and Weather From Cusco to Chinchero

Chinchero sits higher than Cusco, so mornings can be very cold. However, afternoons are often bright and warm.

Before you go, wear layers, drink water, and use sunscreen. The CDC guidance on high altitude explains common symptoms and simple remedies.

Best Time to Go

May to September is the dry season, with clear skies and cold nights. In contrast, from November to March, rains arrive and the hills turn green.

Our best time to visit Cusco guide explains each month in detail.

The New Airport Near Chinchero

Peru is building a larger airport near Chinchero, in the Sacred Valley area. However, it is not open yet, and the official date has moved several times.

You can read the latest status on the Chinchero airport page on Wikipedia. Until then, all Cusco flights use the current terminal.

Our Cusco airport guide explains what to expect after you land. Also, our private airport transfer page lists prices. Continuing from Chinchero toward the plateau? Read Cusco to Maras.

Common Mistakes on the Cusco to Chinchero Trip

First, many travelers rush the plaza. Consequently, they miss the church and the terraces.

Next, some plan Chinchero and a train on the same day. Instead, give each its own time.

Also, a few forget the cold. Because the town sits high, pack a warm layer.

Finally, some skip the Sunday market. Instead, check the day before you book.

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. Our Pisac market guide covers market days, what to buy, and how to bargain.