When planning the Sacred Valley, choosing where to sleep can simplify the trip. I would start by placing your Machu Picchu connection and priority visits on the calendar, then compare each accommodation address with those points. Urubamba and Ollantaytambo suit different plans: the decision depends on your route as well as the exact place you stay.
SACRED VALLEY · CHOOSE YOUR BASE
Start with your next departure
If your connection leaves from Ollantaytambo
Staying there may simplify that morning's departure. Check the actual route between your accommodation and the station, how you will move your luggage and the required arrival time for your service.
If you want visits across the valley
Urubamba may work as a base for several outings. Put your stops on a map first and compare the journeys from the accommodation's address, including the trip to Ollantaytambo if needed.
This guide compares Urubamba town with the town of Ollantaytambo. Both are in Urubamba Province and form part of the Sacred Valley.
How they fit into your trip
An outline of connections, without scale or journey times. One road connection from Cusco goes through Chinchero and Urubamba towards Ollantaytambo. Check the departure point specified in your itinerary.
Rail connection from Ollantaytambo towards Machu Picchu Pueblo, depending on the service planned for your trip.
Compare what affects your stay
| Your priority | Urubamba | Ollantaytambo |
|---|---|---|
| Taking a train from Ollantaytambo | Add the transfer from your accommodation to the station and an appropriate buffer. | Lets you stay in the departure town. Check the actual journey to the station. |
| Visiting several places in the valley | May suit visits spread over several days. Check the address against each outing. | May suit plans focused on the town and its surroundings. Compare the other transfers. |
| Exploring where you stay | Leave time for Urubamba's centre and public spaces. | You can include the town's Inca layout and archaeological complex, subject to permitted access. |
| Resting at your accommodation | Check the property location, room, facilities and conditions for rest. | Check the same points, including how the room relates to streets and circulation areas. |
| Travelling with luggage or limited mobility | Ask about steps, surfaces and vehicle access to the property. | Also check slopes, paving and luggage arrangements. Ask about access to the particular room. |
| Comparing the total cost | Add nights, transfers and the services you will actually need. | Make the same calculation. Consider whether the location reduces any of your transfers. |
Two bases, the same checks
FOR VISITS ACROSS THE VALLEY
Urubamba
Urubamba lies in the central part of the Sacred Valley. It may be a practical base when you want to spend several days visiting different places and return to the same accommodation. Test that advantage against your actual itinerary.
- May suit visits spread over several days.
- Before choosing, locate the accommodation and each outing.
- Include the transfer to Ollantaytambo if your connection departs there.
One check that makes a difference
Ask for the exact location and work out what daily departures and returns involve. Accommodation described as Urubamba may require another transfer to the centre or your pickup point.
FOR CONNECTIONS AND TIME IN THE TOWN
Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo brings together a town with an Inca layout, an archaeological complex and a rail connection towards Machu Picchu Pueblo. It may suit a stay that gives you time here before a departure included in your itinerary.
- May suit a next connection departing from Ollantaytambo.
- Before choosing, check the route to the station.
- Include the journeys needed for other valley visits too.
One check that makes a difference
Confirm how a vehicle reaches the property, who can help with luggage if needed and how your departure will work. Staying in the town still leaves the logistics of your particular room to check.
Choose the situation closest to your trip
My connection from Ollantaytambo leaves early
I would begin by comparing places to stay in Ollantaytambo. Work backwards from the required arrival time and arrange the trip to the station. If you prefer Urubamba, confirm a pickup with your adviser that allows for the full transfer.
I want several nights with visits across the valley
I would begin by comparing Urubamba options against all my visits, then make the same check from Ollantaytambo. I would choose the address that best organises the days, including transfers and time to rest.
My priority is walking around the town and exploring its heritage
Ollantaytambo may fit if you want to spend part of your stay in its streets and archaeological complex. Give that visit its own time before your next connection, allowing for the areas open to visitors.
I am drawn to a particular property outside the centre
I would start with that property. Ask about access, pickups, meals and the facilities that matter to you. Compare the trip from its exact location with your other options. If you consider changing bases, include the effort of moving luggage.
Six questions before you choose
- What is the exact accommodation address and where will I be picked up?
- Where does my next connection leave from and when must I arrive?
- How do I arrive with luggage, and what steps or slopes are involved?
- Which visits will I make from this base and how will I return each day?
- Which room and property facilities do I need during my stay?
- What is the full cost of nights, transfers and services together?
I would choose the connection and visits first, then the accommodation address. Ollantaytambo may simplify a departure from its station; Urubamba may suit several days of outings across the valley. Test both options against your itinerary before deciding.
Questions before deciding
Must I sleep in Ollantaytambo to depart from its station?
You can arrange a transfer from another base. Plan the pickup around your required arrival time and check the departure point specified for your service.
Which is usually cheaper?
Compare options for the same dates and needs. Add transfers and services to the accommodation rate to assess the whole stay.
Should I split my nights between the two towns?
It may suit different stages of a trip. Consider moving luggage and the time between leaving one property and arriving at the next.
Is choosing by destination name enough?
Ask for the exact location. Accessibility, the journey to pickup and conditions for rest depend on the property and the room.
Build your base around your route
Tell us your dates, travellers, priority visits and planned connection. Machu Picchu Luna Tours can help organise the transfers and choose a base that fits your trip.
Discuss my Sacred Valley itinerary
