3 ways from Lima to Sacred Valley: flight (1h20), bus (22-25h), or car. Airlines, bus companies, prices, routes, and practical tips.
Coming from Lima and want to reach the Sacred Valley of the Incas? There are three main ways: airplane, intercity bus, or private car. Each option has its advantages depending on your budget and available time.
Options summary
| Option | Total time | Price from | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Lima → Cusco + transport | 3-4 hours | $50-120 USD | High | Short on time |
| Intercity bus | 22-25 hours | $27-55 USD | Medium | Budget travelers |
| Private car | 20-24 hours | Variable | High (your pace) | Road trip adventurers |
Option 1: Flight Lima → Cusco (recommended)
The fastest way. Flight to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
| Airline | Price from | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| LATAM | $50-150 USD | Several daily flights |
| Sky Airline | $30-80 USD | 2-3 daily |
| JetSMART | $25-70 USD | 1-2 daily |
From Cusco airport to the Sacred Valley
| Transport | Destination | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private taxi | Pisac | 1 hour | S/ 80-100 (~$22-27 USD) |
| Private taxi | Ollantaytambo | 2 hours | S/ 120-160 (~$33-44 USD) |
| Colectivo | Pisac | 1 hour | S/ 7 (~$2 USD) |
| Organized tour | Full Sacred Valley | Full day | From $55 USD |
Our recommendation: Stay one night in Cusco to acclimatize before heading to the Sacred Valley. Next day, take our Sacred Valley Full Day Tour with transport, guide, and entrance fees included.
Option 2: Intercity bus (budget)
Lima to Cusco by bus takes 22-25 hours.
Longer route (safer): Lima → Nazca → Arequipa → Cusco (1,650 km, ~25 hours) Shorter route: Lima → Nazca → Abancay → Cusco (1,117 km, ~22 hours)
| Company | Service | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cruz del Sur | Cama/VIP | S/ 120-200 (~$33-55 USD) |
| Oltursa | Cama | S/ 100-180 (~$27-50 USD) |
| Civa | Semi-cama | S/ 80-150 (~$22-41 USD) |
More details in our Cusco transportation guide.
Option 3: Private car (road trip)
Drive Lima → Cusco (1,117 km). We recommend splitting into 2 days with a stop in Nazca or Abancay.
Cusco to Sacred Valley by car
Via Chinchero: Cusco → Chinchero → Urubamba → Ollantaytambo (72 km, 2 hours) Via Pisac: Cusco → Pisac → Calca → Urubamba (57 km, 1.5 hours)
Both routes are fully paved. See our Sacred Valley map for detailed routes.
What to do in the Sacred Valley
- Sacred Valley Full Day Tour — from $55 USD
- Maras Moray Half Day Tour — from $37 USD
- Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu 2 Days
- Cusco + SV + Machu Picchu 3 Days
Explore the complete tourist circuit or discover hidden gems in Lamay.
Travel tips
- Acclimatization: Don't go directly from Lima (0 masl) to the Sacred Valley (2,800 masl). Spend at least 1 night in Cusco.
- Coca tea: Drink it as soon as you arrive. Helps with altitude sickness.
- Cash: Bring soles. Small valley towns don't have ATMs.
- Tourist Ticket: Buy in Cusco (S/ 130 foreigners). Includes Pisac, Moray, Chinchero.
The Sacred Valley is closer than you think. From Lima, a short flight separates you from one of Peru's most incredible experiences.
