How to Get From Cusco to Pisac by Colectivo or Taxi

Pisac is one of the three towns in the Sacred Valley that tourists often visit in Peru. Since it’s just 34 kilometers or about 21 miles from Cusco, it takes a little less than an hour to get there.

Because of its proximity, Pisac is a popular day trip from Cusco that’s easy to do on your own. Alternatively, many people do a full-day Sacred Valley guided tour to see all the highlights in one go.

Few people decide to spend multiple nights in Pisac and miss out on truly experiencing the small, quaint town. I stayed two nights in Pisac and could have easily stayed for one or two more nights. There’s delicious restaurants in Pisac that celebrate local ingredients, several amazing viewpoints, and more fun things to do in Pisac. So if you have the time, I recommend spending a few days in Pisac.

Getting from Cusco to Pisac and returning from Pisac to Cusco on your own is easy and quick. You’ve got two options: taking a colectivo or hiring a private driver/taxi. Here are the instructions for each so that you can choose the best option based on your budget and preferences.

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Table Of Contents

Colectivo
Private car or taxi
More resources for traveling Peru

Colectivo

Travel time: 45 – 60 minutes

Cost: 4 – 6 soles (~$1.09 – $1.63 USD). While others report paying 4 or 6 soles, I paid 5.

How to book: In Cusco, go to the colectivo station near the corner of Puputi and Avenida de La Cultura. In Pisac, go to the colectivo station near the intersection of Amazonas and Manuel Prado. Cannot be booked in advance.

Taking the colectivo from Cusco to Pisac and back is the cheapest transportation method. It’s also incredibly easy. If you’re traveling on a budget or just prefer to save money where you can, this is the way to go.

Colectivos are shared taxis that take the form of a car, van, or bus. They don’t run on a schedule. Instead, colectivos leave when they’re full. Since locals take colectivos, you typically don’t have to wait long for the colectivo to fill up. However, if you need to arrive at a certain time, I recommend giving yourself a lot of buffer in case it does take a while.

Because you share the vehicle with others, colectivos are cheap. Payment is only accepted in cash, and you pay once you arrive at your destination.

To take the colectivo between Cusco and Pisac, go to the colectivo station in the respective town. Both stations are located near the town center, so depending on where you’re staying and how much luggage you have, you may be able to walk there. I walked to the colectivo station in Pisac since it was just two blocks away from my hotel. In Cusco, I took an Uber from the colectivo station to my hostel, since it would have been a sweaty 23-minute walk and Ubers are cheap in Peru.

Private car or taxi

Travel time: 40 – 60 minutes

Cost: 40 – 90 soles (~$10.89 – $24.50 USD)

How to book: Ask your accommodation, or request a driver through the Uber or Cabify (iOS and Android) apps.

Traveling from Cusco to Pisac by private car/taxi is the most convenient option but much more expensive than taking a colectivo. The biggest benefit is that you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation, which is useful if you have a lot of bags or if you’re traveling with a group.

If you are traveling with others, splitting the cost of a taxi can be very cheap though. Prices depend on how you book your car, as I found prices on Cabify to be half of the prices on Uber. If you get a taxi off the street or through your accommodation, the cost can also depend on your haggling skills.