If you’re not part of a tour and want to make your own way to Pisac then getting there couldn’t be easier. Here’s how:

Taxi to Pisac

Getting a Taxi to Pisac from Cusco is quite easy, and although it’s by far the most expensive way of getting there, it doesn’t cost the earth. Expect to pay around 40 soles in a taxi which is about $13. There are also collectivo taxis which are essentially minivans that set off as soon as they are full. These are very inexpensive and cost around 5 soles. In a taxi the journey should take around 40 minutes.

Bus to Pisac

The cheapest way of reaching Pisac from Cusco is by bus (currently 2.40 soles). The buses set off around every 10 or 15 minutes and are usually full of locals and is therefore the best way of traveling if you want to fully immerse yourself in Peruvian culture. There are also two bus stations in Cusco that serve Pisac. One route goes to Urubamba via Pisac, and the other route goes to Calca via Pisac. The bus usually takes around 50 minutes.

You’ve probably figured out by now that if you want to visit Machu Picchu then you need to go via Cusco, the original capital of the Incas and gateway to The sacred Valley and other Inca Monuments.

There are several ways you can travel to Machu Picchu from Cusco; here are the most common:

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

If you’re feeling fit and adventurous then the best way to visit Machu Picchu is by the Inca Trail. The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hiking treks in the world and will take you on a 4 day trek through some of the most breath taking scenery in the world. However, be warned, you usually have to book the Inca Trail at least 3 months in advance.

Train to Machu Picchu

If you’re short of time or just want to get there in the most comfortable way possible then the best method is to take the train. Trains run several times a day between Cusco and Aguas Calientes (Mauchu Picchu village) and usually take between 3 and 4 hours. If you’re taking the train during peak travel season (June-August) then it’s usually a good idea to book your seat several days in advance.

Alternative Inca Trails to Machu Picchu

If you’re not able to book on the Inca Trail, or just fancy doing something a little different then there are several other treks that finish at Machu Picchu. The most well known is the Salkantay Trek and speaking from personal experience I can say that this trek is absolutely incredible and I highly recommend it.

By Car

Several travel agencies in Cusco offer one-day visits to Machu Picchu by car. I’m not entirely sure how this works because it’s currently impossible to drive 100% of the way there by car. My guess is that they take you to Ollantaytambo by car and then you go the rest of the way by train.

Travelling to Urubamba from Cusco

There are several ways you can travel to Urubamba from Cuzco.

Bus to Urubamba

You can get the bus to Urubamba from Cusco. It costs 3.5 soles and the journey takes about 1 and a half to two hours. You need to get to the bus terminal in Grau in Cusco.  Buses leave very frequently (about every 15 minutes or so) from dawn until about 6.30pm.

Taxi to Urubamba

Taking a taxi is the definitely the quickest way to get to Urubamba.

There are two types of taxi. You can get a private taxi which is is the more expensive option and will cost about 50 soles. You can get a taxi from the taxi terminal in Pavitos in Cusco.

You can also get a shared taxi. You can get a shared taxi from the terminal in Pavitos just off Avenida Grau where the buses leave from. A shared taxi should cost around 6 soles.

Private Tour

There are dozens of tour operators in central Cusco. I’m sure many of they could arrange a tour to Urubamba for you.

Train to Urubamba

There isn’t a direct train from Cusco to Urubamba. You can take the train from Cusco to Ollantaytambo which is about a 20 minute drive from Urubamba.

Here are a few other maps for those looking for something online

Cusco on Google maps

View Larger Map

Cusco Tourist Map

Map of central cusco

Map of Cusco & Surrounding Area

Area surrounding Cuzco