Complete travel guide how to get from Cusco airport to Ollantaytambo 2026

Arriving at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco marks the beginning of an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu. For most travelers, the next immediate step is reaching Ollantaytambo, the main railway hub of the Sacred Valley.

With a journey of approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) through high-altitude mountain passes, navigating this route efficiently requires careful planning. Whether you take an early morning train or prefer a comfortable descent to a lower altitude, here is the ultimate guide on how to get from Cusco Airport to the Ollantaytambo terminal.

Distance, Time, and Altitude

Understanding the geography between Cusco Airport and Ollantaytambo is essential for a smooth itinerary.

• Duration travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours (direct route via Chinchero).
• Elevation: The route descends from 3,400 meters (11,152 feet) in Cusco to 2,792 meters (9,160 feet) in Ollantaytambo, making an immediate departure ideal for acclimatizing to the altitude.
• Main stops: Chinchero, the Maras salt mines, the Moray ruins, and Urubamba.

Transportation options comparing your alternatives

There are three main ways to travel from Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport to the Ollantaytambo bus terminal. Based on your priorities (time, comfort, safety, or budget), here’s a comparison:

1. Luxury Private Transfer

• Ideal for: Travelers with train reservations, families, groups, or anyone seeking a hassle-free luxury experience.
• Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (door-to-door).
• Experience: A professional bilingual chauffeur will meet you directly in the arrivals hall with a personalized sign bearing your name. You will then board a modern, climate-controlled executive SUV, a luxury van, or a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VIP.
• Benefit: Real-time flight tracking ensures your driver will be waiting for you even if your flight is delayed. Your luggage remains completely secure, and you can easily add scenic stops.

2. Street Taxis Outside the Terminal

• Ideal for: Solo travelers with minimal luggage and flexible schedules.
• Time: Approximately 2 hours.
• Experience: Independent drivers solicit passengers arriving outside the airport gate. Vehicles vary considerably in size, age, and condition.
• Main problem: Fares must be negotiated on the spot, drivers rarely speak English, and there’s no guarantee of vehicle reliability or flight delay tracking.

3. Public Shared Minivans (Colectivos)

• Ideal for: Backpackers on a very tight budget with no fixed train schedules.
• Time: 2.5 to 3 hours.
• Experience: Colectivos don’t leave directly from the airport terminal. First, you have to take a taxi to Pavitos Street in downtown Cusco, get into a crowded minivan, and wait until all the seats are filled before departure.
• Main problem: High risk of missing train connections, limited luggage space, and multiple stops along the way.

Recommended sightseeing stops

One of the biggest advantages of booking a private transfer from Cusco Airport to Ollantaytambo is transforming a simple transit into an unforgettable excursion to the Sacred Valley.

Instead of going directly to the station, you can customize your route with selected stops:

Chinchero: Discover this picturesque and traditional village known for its Andean textiles and explore the Inca ruins (approximately 1 hour stop).

Maras Salt Mines: We’ll see a complex of over 3,000 salt ponds still being mined using ancestral techniques, creating a breathtaking landscape amidst the mountains (approximately 1.5 hours stop).

Moray Archaeological Site: A unique archaeological site that served as an Inca agricultural laboratory. Its impressive circular terraces were used to experiment with microclimates and crops, making this site the center of Inca agriculture (approximately 1 hour stop).

Note: During any scenic stops, your private vehicle will remain locked and monitored by your driver, ensuring the safety of your luggage while you explore.

Essential tips for your arrival at Cusco Airport:

• Coordinate your train schedule: Always allow 3.5 to 4 hours between your flight’s arrival in Cusco and your train’s departure from Ollantaytambo.
• Hydrate immediately: Bring bottled water with you. Descending directly to Ollantaytambo helps alleviate altitude sickness (soroche).
• Book your transportation in advance: Booking ahead of time avoids the stress of arriving at the airport, negotiating prices, and using public transportation with heavy luggage.