Private Bus and driver to the sacred Valley of Cusco (private car in Cusco)

Traveling from Cusco into the Sacred Valley of the Incas doesn’t have to be a rushed, exhausting tour with a large group. Instead, this private transportation service offers a flexible, personalized way to explore this historically rich region. For $135.87 per group (up to eight people), you get a dedicated driver and the freedom to create your own itinerary—perfect if you value comfort, independence, and authentic experiences.

What sets this experience apart? First, the private nature of the transfer means your group won’t be competing for space or rushing between sights. Second, the flexibility to explore each stop at your own pace is a huge plus—ideal if you prefer to linger over a market, take extra photos, or skip a site if you’re not feeling it.

A potential consideration? The cost excludes entrance fees and optional guides, so you’ll want to budget around USD 25 for tickets and possibly USD 90 if you choose a professional guide. If you’re comfortable with planning your own route and managing your time, this service offers excellent value.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic, leisurely exploration without the constraints of a large group tour—perfect for those who want to savor each moment and learn at their own pace. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, the flexibility makes it easier to tailor your day.

Key Points

• Private and exclusive: Your group gets a dedicated driver and vehicle, avoiding crowded bus tours.
• Self-paced exploration: You decide how long to stay at each site, making for a more relaxed experience.
• Includes key sites: Stops at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras, Salineras, and Chinchero showcase the best of the Sacred Valley.
• Flexible drop-off options: You can choose to be brought back to Cusco or dropped at the train station.
• Cost-effective for private touring: Group price covers transportation, but entrance fees and guides are additional.
• Highly rated: All reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery.

A Deep Dive into the Sacred Valley Private Transfer

The Experience and What You Can Expect

When booking this private transfer, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cusco around 7:00 AM, giving you a full day to explore some of the most iconic sites of the Sacred Valley. The vehicle is a well-licensed tourist transport, and your driver will be fluent in both English and Spanish, making communication smooth and straightforward. This flexibility means you’ll have the freedom to customize your schedule—whether that means spending more time at a lively craft market or exploring archaeological sites thoroughly.

The first stop is Pisac, which combines a vibrant marketplace with impressive Inca ruins. Here, you can stroll through stalls packed with handmade textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs, or ascend the terraces to marvel at the panoramic views. Many travelers, like Mindy, have praised the guides for their knowledge, noting that “we learned so much more going at our own pace.”

Next, the journey takes you to Ollantaytambo, known as the living Inca town. Its impressive fortress and terraces, built during the Inca era, are still inhabited today. The story of Ollantaytambo’s namesake, Chief Ollanta, adds a romantic touch to your visit—an ancient site where history and local life intertwine.

Lunch in Urubamba offers a chance to enjoy a buffet meal—a highlight for many visitors, providing nourishing food after a morning of sightseeing. It’s a good opportunity to relax and reflect on what you’ve seen so far.

Post-lunch, the tour continues through picturesque villages en route to Maras and Moray. Maras is famous for its Salt Mines, with thousands of small, terraced salt wells that have been exploited since Inca times. Photographers and history buffs alike enjoy imagining the ancient trade routes that once relied on this resource. Moray, with its concentric terraces carved into natural holes, was likely used as an agricultural experimentation center. Its unique landscape provides striking photo opportunities and insight into Inca ingenuity.

Finally, the group visits Chinchero, a charming town with a rich history. Here, you can explore the archaeological site, which was once an Inca temple, and observe a demonstration of traditional textile weaving—a craft still alive today. The vibrant market bustling with local vendors offers a chance to pick up authentic textiles and souvenirs.

The Value of Flexibility and Personalization

What many travelers love, as reflected in the glowing reviews, is the ability to explore at your own pace. One reviewer raved about booking two days because it allowed them to avoid the “big rush and exhaustion” typical of large tours. This approach makes the experience more enjoyable and educational, especially if you’re passionate about history and local culture.

Since entrance fees are not included (USD 22 for the Sacred Valley sites, USD 3.2 for Salineras), you can tailor your spending. If you’re particularly interested in the salt mines or Moray, you might want to purchase tickets in advance or on the spot.

Practical Considerations

While the overall experience is highly praised, it’s worth noting that this tour does not include a professional guide—unless you opt for one at an extra USD 90. Instead, you rely on your driver to help with logistics, and guides are available if you wish, simplifying the experience and potentially reducing costs.

Timing-wise, you’ll return to Cusco around 7:00 PM, giving you the evening free for dinner or relaxing. Alternatively, the driver can drop you at the train station if you’re heading toward Machu Picchu or other destinations.

Why This Tour Works Well

This private service is ideal for travelers who value independent exploration with the convenience of professional transportation. It’s especially suited for those who want to avoid the hustle of crowded tours and prefer a more relaxed, tailored day. If you’re traveling with family or in a small group, the cost per person becomes quite reasonable considering the personalized service.

Final Thoughts

This private transfer from Cusco into the Sacred Valley offers a carefully balanced approach—combining the comfort of private transportation with the freedom to explore on your own terms. You’ll love the opportunity to spend more time at sites you find most fascinating, and you’ll appreciate the knowledgeable driver who can provide insights along the way.

The stops included are some of the region’s most iconic sights, from the bustling Pisac market to the atmospheric salt mines of Salineras. The flexibility to skip or linger at each site allows you to craft a personalized experience, making the most of your day without feeling rushed.

If you’re a traveler who enjoys authentic, immersive experiences and values independence, this tour is a smart choice. The reviews underscore how much previous travelers appreciated the guides’ expertise and the stunning scenery, confirming that this trip delivers both cultural insight and visual delight.

This service is a valuable way to see the Sacred Valley on your own terms. It’s especially suitable if you’re comfortable managing your own entrance tickets and prefer a flexible schedule over a packed group tour. For the price, you’re getting a comfortable, private, and highly-rated way to explore one of Peru’s most beautiful and historically significant regions.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The fee covers private transport with all necessary licenses and a licensed driver fluent in English and Spanish. Entrance tickets and guides are not included.

Can I customize my itinerary?
Yes, the service allows you to explore each site at your own pace, so you can spend more or less time at each stop depending on your interests.

What are the main sites visited?
You’ll visit Pisac (market and archaeological site), Ollantaytambo, Urubamba for lunch, Maras (salt mines), Moray (agricultural terraces), Salineras (salt wells), and Chinchero (archaeological site and market).

How long is the tour?
The entire day lasts approximately from 7:00 AM pickup to around 7:00 PM return. Timing can be adjusted based on your preferences.

Is there a guide included?
Not automatically. If you want a professional guide for the day, it’s available for an additional USD 90. Otherwise, your driver can provide basic information.

Can I be dropped off anywhere?
Yes, you can choose to be taken back to your hotel, the train station, or other locations within Cusco, depending on your plans.

What about entrance fees?
Entrance tickets are additional—USD 22 for the Sacred Valley sites and USD 3.2 for the Salineras. You should plan to purchase these separately.

This private transfer offers a flexible, intimate way to uncover the highlights of the Sacred Valley at your own pace. It’s a thoughtful choice for those who want a blend of comfort, independence, and local insights.