Cusco Transportation

Getting to Cusco

Cuzco is accessible by plane and bus from most destinations in Peru and by train from Puno. It also is served by a train to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, though this journey is usually started in Cuzco.

The Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is a single runway airport that is located smack bang in the middle of Cuzco’s urban area. It serves the city with flights to Lima, Juliaca, Puerto Maldonado, Tacna and Arequipa in Peru, Arica in Chile and La Paz and Santa Cruz in Bolivia. Pending review from the USA government, a further international route to Miami may be opened in the near future. Currently the main route for arriving in the city from overseas is with a stopover at Jorge Chavez Airport in Lima. This connects Cuzco with destinations in North America and Europe. The airport is a short taxi ride from the City center (5 soles).

A departure tax must be paid at the airport as well, in a different location from where you check in with your airline and deposit your luggage.  This will mean lining up twice, which is a good reason to arrive early.  As of May 2009, the departure tax for domestic flights cost US$ 5.84 or S/. 18.31. This departure tax fee (TUUA) is paid at the airport payment teller window located on the first floor.

Traveling to Cuzco by bus is also possible; this takes around 8 hours from Puno, 10 hours from Arequipa and a whopping 22 hours from Lima. The best companies for these long distances are Cruz Del Sur, Ormeño and Tepsa. It is only a short ride to the Sacred Valley towns of Pisaq and Urabamba – these can be made in less than 2 hours; a beautiful journey. There is no central bus station and each company has its own terminal – ask one of our expert travel advisors for more details.

There is also a tourist train running from Puno to Cusco – for more details ask one of our expert travel advisors.

Getting around Cusco

The main tourist parts of the city of Cuzco are mostly within walking distance of the main square – the longest distance is perhaps a half hour walk up the path to the Sacsayhuaman ruins. Luckily the city is a delight to walk through and this is the best way to admire the Inca and Spanish architecture; while traversing the streets you will always be surprised by the immaculate Inca stonework that that lies around the next corner. Further away attractions, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu can be reached by tour bus or by train.

There are plenty of taxis for the less athletic or for those who haven’t quite adjusted to the altitude yet to travel around the city. To most parts the rate is most reasonable and travelers should rarely have to pay over 3 soles (around $1). Make sure to settle a price with the taxi driver (this will require some basic Spanish numbers) before entering the taxi as none of the taxis in Cuzco are metered. If unsure of how to approach a taxi your hotel or restaurant can always arrange for a secure one to pick you up. Tipping the driver is not obligatory.