Cusco is the historic heart of the Inca Empire, a breathtaking Andean city perched at 3,400 meters above sea level in southeastern Peru. The city blends ancient Inca stonework with Spanish colonial architecture, creating a unique urban landscape that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. As the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco is one of South America's most visited and culturally rich destinations.
- Public
- Urban buses serve main corridors for S/.1 but routes are complex for visitors. Colectivos to Sacred Valley are the essential budget transport.
- Taxi
- Abundant throughout the city. Apps like InDriver work well in Cusco with a local SIM. Negotiate prices before every ride.
- Rental
- Car rental from $40-80/day is worthwhile for Sacred Valley exploration. Not recommended for Cusco city - narrow streets and limited parking.
- Walking
- The historic center and San Blas are best explored on foot. Altitude makes uphill walks demanding - pace yourself.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- S/.25-35 (approx $7-10), 15-20 min to city center
- Taxi Info
- Official taxis from the airport rank charge fixed S/.25-35 to center. Agree price before departing. Uber/InDriver apps give lower rates if you have local data.
- Shuttle
- S/.15-20, shared van to hotel
- Shuttle Info
- Several companies offer shared airport shuttles dropping at hotels. Book in advance or ask in arrivals.
- Bus
- S/.1, but complex connection
- Bus Info
- No direct bus from airport. Walk to Av. Velasco Astete and take any bus heading to Plaza de Armas - difficult with luggage.
- Private
- S/.60-100, pre-booked private transfer
- Private Info
- Book through hotel or reputable agency. Includes meet-and-greet at arrivals. Recommended for first visit at altitude.
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Urban buses charge S/.1 flat fare. Routes 01-12 cover main corridors. Ask locals for assistance - routes not well-signposted.
Alternatives
Taxis are so inexpensive in Cusco (S/.5-15 for most city trips) that they're often preferred over buses. No metro or tram system exists.
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- No meters - negotiate before entering. City center trips S/.5-8, airport S/.25-35
- Apps
- InDriver, Uber (limited coverage)
- App Names
- InDriver, Uber
- Typical Fare
- S/.8-15 for average city ride
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Cruz del Sur and CIVA long-distance buses from Terminal Terrestre. Lima (20hrs, $30-60), Arequipa (9hrs, $15-30), Puno (6hrs, $10-25)
Shared
Shared taxis (colectivos) serve Sacred Valley towns: Pisac (S/.3-4), Urubamba (S/.5-8), Ollantaytambo (S/.8-12)
Flights
Domestic flights: Cusco to Lima ~1.5hrs, from $60 one-way with LATAM or Sky Airline
Private
Private car hire from S/.100-200/day for Sacred Valley exploration with driver
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Cusco Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) connects to Lima and other Peruvian cities. Within the city, taxis and mototaxis are the primary transport; there is no metro. Trains operated by Peru Rail and Inca Rail connect Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu). Colectivos (shared minibuses) serve Sacred Valley towns cheaply and efficiently.
Airports
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
InDriver
Best taxi app in Cusco - bid your own price for rides
Peru Rail App
Book Machu Picchu trains in advance online
Inca Rail App
Alternative train booking app for Aguas Calientes route
Google Maps
Reasonably accurate for Cusco city navigation and walking directions
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Always negotiate taxi fares before getting in - no meters are used in Cusco
Book Machu Picchu trains at least 2 weeks in advance; sell out months ahead in peak season
Colectivos to Sacred Valley leave from Calle Puputi and Calle Huáscar near Av. Grau
The trek up to Sacsayhuaman takes 30-45 minutes from Plaza de Armas - rewarding but demanding at altitude
From Ollantaytambo train station, the journey to Aguas Calientes takes 1h45m by train
Consider staying in the Sacred Valley (Urubamba or Ollantaytambo) at lower altitude to acclimatize before Cusco city
InDriver app offers cheaper taxis than street hails - download before arriving
The PeruHop tourist bus connects Cusco to other destinations like Lake Titicaca and the coast