Where to Stay in Sacred Valley Without a Car
Most Sacred Valley hotels require a car or taxi to reach. Here is how to navigate the valley without one — and the best town to base yourself in.
Last updated: April 2026
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It is walkable, has good colectivo connections to Cusco, and is the main train departure point for Machu Picchu. Most other Sacred Valley hotels require a car or taxi to reach.
Why Sacred Valley is Tricky Without a Car
The Sacred Valley is a wide, spread-out valley with hotels, ruins, and villages scattered across a large area. Many of the most popular hotels — especially the luxury and boutique properties — are located outside of towns, in the countryside, with no easy way to reach them without a car.
If you are staying at one of these rural properties, you will need to arrange taxis for every trip into town or to the ruins. This is fine if you are comfortable with that, but it adds cost and complexity.
For car-free travelers, the solution is simple: stay in a town. Ollantaytambo is the best option. Pisac and Urubamba are also possible, but have fewer advantages.
Best Town: Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is the best base for car-free travelers in Sacred Valley for several reasons:
- ·It is a walkable town — you can reach the main ruins, restaurants, and hotels on foot.
- ·It is the main train departure point for Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu). Staying here means you can walk to the train station.
- ·Colectivos to Cusco run regularly and cost around $3–5 USD.
- ·It has a good selection of hotels at all price points.
- ·The Ollantaytambo ruins are impressive and worth a half-day visit.
Other Options: Pisac and Urubamba
Pisac
Pisac is a pleasant town with a famous market (especially on Sundays), good restaurants, and colectivo connections to Cusco. It is a good option if you want a quieter base and are not prioritizing Machu Picchu. However, it is further from the Machu Picchu train than Ollantaytambo, which makes it less practical if Machu Picchu is your main goal.
Urubamba
Urubamba is the largest town in Sacred Valley and has good transport connections. However, it is less atmospheric than Ollantaytambo or Pisac, and most travelers find it less interesting as a base. It is a practical option if you cannot find accommodation in Ollantaytambo.
Where Not to Stay (Without a Car)
Avoid booking rural or countryside hotels in Sacred Valley if you do not have a car. Many of the valley's most beautiful hotels are located in the countryside between towns, with no easy way to reach them without a car or taxi. These properties are wonderful if you have a car or are on a guided tour, but they are inconvenient for independent car-free travelers.
Recommended Hotels in Ollantaytambo
El Albergue Ollantaytambo
Charming hotel right next to the train station in Ollantaytambo. Perfect location for Machu Picchu trips.
Pakaritampu Hotel
Good mid-range option in Ollantaytambo with a pleasant garden and comfortable rooms.
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Getting Around Sacred Valley Without a Car
| Route | Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cusco → Ollantaytambo | Colectivo | $3–5 USD | 1.5–2 hrs |
| Cusco → Ollantaytambo | Private taxi | $20–30 USD | 1.5–2 hrs |
| Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes | Train (PeruRail/Inca Rail) | $35–80 USD | 1.5–2 hrs |
| Cusco → Pisac | Colectivo | $2–3 USD | 1–1.5 hrs |
| Within Ollantaytambo | Walking | Free | 5–15 min |