Pisac, the popular Sacred Valley town with immense Inca fortifications and a fabulous handicrafts market, is 21 miles (34 km) northeast of Cusco. Most make the journey by private transfer or bus, an hourlong drive without stops.

This route also makes for a pretty (although grueling!) day-long cycle ride. Either way, the route goes via many places of interest including some of the region's most important Inca ruins. See here for more on the best adventures in the Sacred Valley.

By Private Transfer

Duration: 1 hour-1 day

A private transfer is the ideal option for traveling to Pisac, and is also the most expensive option for traveling this route. The road to Pisac (Hwy 107) from Cusco goes via several historic sites, such as the important Inca ruins at Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay. Going with a private transfer enables you to stop off and see these sites at your leisure before continuing to Pisac.

Private transfers are also significantly more comfortable than other transport options. You could get a taxi to Pisac, instructing it to allow for time at sites along the way, or else combine the journey to Pisac with a wider taxi tour of the Sacred Valley. Duration quoted above shows the minimum and maximum this journey is likely to take, depending on whether you go direct (few people will do this given the magnitude of the sights to see on the way) or stop off at these sights. See here for more on some of the best Inca sites in Peru.

By Bus

Duration: 1 hour

In Cusco, at Puputi close to the intersection with Juan Santos, minibuses leave for the journey to Pisac. Buses for this journey leave regularly throughout the day, and travel is on the above route. However, going by bus you will either not have time to stop off at sights along the way, or need to get off at the sights you want to see and then wait for the next bus to stop (which it will if it is not full with passengers) to continue your journey. 

By Bike

Duration: 1 day

Cusco has plenty of bike hire agencies, and some hotels will also rent guests bikes. With a bike, one of the most appealing rides in the region is from Cusco to Pisac, doable in a long day with ample time to stop off at the major ruins like Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Pukapukara and Tambomachay along the way. See here for an 8-day cycling tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

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