Here are the main ways to get from Cusco Airport (CUZ) to Ollantaytambo: **1. Private Taxi / Pre-booked Transfer:** * **Pros:** Most convenient, door-to-door service, comfortable, direct. You can arrange this in advance or find one at the airport (though pre-booking is often cheaper and more reliable). * **Cons:** Most expensive option. * **Duration:** Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. * **Cost:** Expect to pay between $50-$80 USD, possibly more depending on negotiation and time of day. **2. Shared Taxi / Collectivo:** * **Pros:** Cheaper than a private taxi, door-to-door service (usually within Ollantaytambo town). * **Cons:** You'll likely have to wait for the taxi to fill up with other passengers, which can take time. Comfort levels can vary. * **How to find:** Look for shared taxis waiting outside the airport or ask your accommodation to help you arrange one. You might also need to take a short taxi ride from the airport to a specific collectivo stand in Cusco city first if you don't find one directly at CUZ. * **Duration:** Approximately 2 to 3 hours (due to waiting time and stops). * **Cost:** Around $10-$20 USD per person. **3. Peruvian Railways (PeruRail or Inca Rail) - The Most Scenic Option:** * **Pros:** Very scenic journey through the Sacred Valley, comfortable and modern trains, direct to Ollantaytambo. This is the most popular and recommended way if you are heading to Machu Picchu the next day. * **Cons:** Requires an extra step to get to the train station in Ollantaytambo from Cusco Airport. Can be more expensive than a taxi if you don't factor in the airport transfer cost separately. * **How to do it:** 1. **Get from Cusco Airport to Ollantaytambo train station:** You will first need to get from Cusco Airport to the Ollantaytambo train station. The most common way is to take a taxi or pre-booked transfer (see options 1 & 2 above) directly to the Ollantaytambo train station. This will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. 2. **Board your train:** You will then board your pre-booked PeruRail or Inca Rail train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). * **Duration:** Airport to train station (1.5-2 hours) + Train journey (approx. 1.5 hours). * **Cost:** Taxi to station ($50-$80) + Train ticket (varies widely by service and time, typically $60-$100+ USD one way). **4. Bus (Less Direct, More Adventurous):** * **Pros:** Cheapest option. * **Cons:** Least convenient, requires multiple transfers, takes considerably longer, and can be uncomfortable. Not recommended if you're short on time or prefer ease. * **How to do it:** 1. Take a taxi from Cusco Airport to the Cusco bus terminal (likely a terminal for buses going towards Urubamba). 2. Catch a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. * **Duration:** 3+ hours. * **Cost:** Minimal, likely under $5 USD for the bus fare. **Recommendation:** For most travelers, the **private taxi/pre-booked transfer directly to Ollantaytambo** is the best balance of convenience, comfort, and efficiency if your budget allows. If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu, taking a taxi to the **Ollantaytambo train station** and then catching the **PeruRail or Inca Rail** train is the most common and recommended approach. You can book your train tickets in advance on their respective websites to secure your preferred time.