How to Get from Cusco to Urubamba

Urubamba is one of the principal gateways to the Sacred Valley, guarding the road to Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu. It's a town that you will inevitably need to pass through, and serves as a convenient base for many activities such as horse riding, mountain-bike riding, and visiting the Inca ruins at Moray.

The options for traveling the 33 miles (53 km) between Cusco, the Sacred Valley's main transport hub, and Urubamba are by private transfer and by bus.

By Private Transfer

Duration: 1-2 hours

Organizing a private transfer from Cusco to Urubamba and other Sacred Valley sights, for a day or even several days, is quite common. It is also very convenient, as there is plenty to see along the way (and public transport options are not always perfect). The route from the airport in Cusco to Urubamba via Chinchero is quickest, and can be done in about an hour. Via Pisac, the journey is longer and closer to two hours.

This is the quickest and best route for travel between the two destinations.

By Bus

Duration: 1-2 hours

In Cusco, there are two minibus routes to Urubamba, each departing from a different location. Take a taxi to get to either.

At Puente Grau at the intersection of Av Miguel Grau and Av del Ejército, minibuses leave via Chinchero for Urubamba, the fastest route (one hour). At Puputi close to the intersection with Juan Santos minibuses leave for the longer journey to Urubamba via Pisac (1.5 to two hours).

The journey via Pisac is popular despite being longer as many travelers want to spend time at Pisac first. Departures on both routes are at least hourly throughout daylight hours, but have no fixed schedule because they like to get as many passengers as possible before leaving.