Getting around Cusco: taxis, ride apps, city buses and colectivos

Cusco's historic centre is compact and best explored on foot, but as soon as you want a viewpoint, the bus terminal or the Sacred Valley, you'll need transport. The good news: there are options for every budget — cheap taxis, ride-hailing apps, city buses and colectivos. Here's how each works, roughly what it costs and how to get around safely.

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On foot: the best way to see the centre

The Plaza de Armas, San Blas, Qorikancha, San Pedro Market and most museums are within 15–20 minutes' walk of each other. Bear in mind:

• Streets up to San Blas, San Cristóbal and Sacsayhuamán have very steep slopes and stairs. In your first days, go slowly or take a taxi.
• Pavements are narrow and cobbles get slippery in the rain: wear shoes with good grip.
• Cross carefully: traffic on avenues like El Sol can be heavy.

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Taxis

Taxis are plentiful and cheap by international standards. Most don't use meters, so you agree the fare before getting in.

• Short rides within the centre and nearby areas usually cost a few soles; longer ones, such as to the bus terminal or airport, a bit more. Ask your accommodation what's reasonable right now.
• Choose marked taxis with the plate number visible on the roof or doors.
• At night, book by phone or app, or ask the restaurant or bar to call one.
• Carry small notes: many drivers don't have change.

Ride-hailing apps

Several well-known international and regional ride-hailing apps operate in Cusco. Their advantages are an upfront price, a trip record and no haggling. Some allow cash payment. On narrow streets in the centre or San Blas, the driver may wait on the nearest accessible street.

City buses and combis

Combis (minibuses) and city buses run along the main avenues, linking the centre with districts like Wanchaq, San Sebastián and San Jerónimo. Fares are very cheap, paid to the conductor or driver.

• Useful along Avenida de la Cultura or Avenida El Sol, towards the airport or shopping centres.
• Packed at rush hour; watch your backpack and phone.
• Routes aren't always signposted: ask the conductor about your destination.

Colectivos and vans to the Sacred Valley

To leave the city, shared vans and cars depart when full from different stops in Cusco:

• To Pisac and the valley via the Pisac road.
• To Urubamba and Ollantaytambo via Chinchero.
• South (Tipón, Andahuaylillas) from stops in the south of the city.

Stops and schedules change; ask your accommodation for the nearest. They're cheap and frequent by day, less so at night. With big luggage, take a taxi or transfer.

• Cusco to the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo: colectivo, taxi, tour and train

Renting a car or motorbike

You can rent a car in Cusco, but driving isn't easy: chaotic city traffic, winding mountain roads, animals on the road and few signs. If you do, avoid driving at night and check your insurance covers dirt roads.

Transport safety

• Never get into a taxi already carrying unknown passengers.
• Share your location with someone if you travel alone at night.
• On colectivos and buses, keep your backpack on your front and valuables on you.
• For the airport and bus terminal, use an app or a taxi called by your accommodation.

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• Cusco airport to the city centre: taxi, ride apps, transfers and approximate prices

Transport included in tours

If you'd rather not deal with transport, day tours (Sacred Valley, Moray and Maras, lakes) include pick-up from your hotel or a central point.

Before you go

eSIM for Peru

Land connected: install an Airalo data eSIM before you travel and switch it on when you land. Check first that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.

Get online in Peru →

Airport transfer

Book a private Welcome Pickups transfer from Cusco airport to your hotel before you land, with your driver waiting in arrivals. Check the price and cancellation terms when booking.

Book your airport transfer →

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).