Photo: Facebook Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
There are cities where leaving the airport is a real problem and even a challenge for first-time visitors. So much so that, as you plan your vacation to the “navel of the Andean world,” you may now be wondering, will it be easy or difficult to get to my hotel?, while looking for reliable information and useful advice on how to get from Cusco Airport to the Historic Center.
Getting off the plane quickly is often essential to sticking to your day’s itinerary. In Cusco, some travelers stay in the city for less than 24 hours because they have to leave for the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu the following day. Therefore, every minute counts when it comes to visiting the main attractions of what is known as the “Historical Capital of Peru.”
If that is your plan—even though we do not recommend a rushed visit to Cusco—you need to know in advance where to find transportation that will take you to your accommodation or the Historic Center, as well as the approximate taxi and bus fares. It is also important to have an idea of the approximate time your transfer will take.
Photo: Aeropuertos.net
Information about the types of transportation from the airport to downtown Cusco, the distance from the airport to the Plaza de Armas, and airport taxi fares, to name a few examples, is essential for avoiding problems and complications if you have not booked our tours that include pickup and transportation to your accommodation. If you have, your only concern will be collecting your luggage.
Regardless, one of the advantages of Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (3,310 m / 10,860 ft above sea level) is its proximity to the Historic Center (5 km / 3.1 miles, 15 minutes by taxi to the Plaza de Armas). Located between the districts of Wanchaq and San Sebastián (southeast of the city’s historic center), it was inaugurated in December 1964. Its name pays tribute to the first aviator to fly over the Andes in 1925.
Leaving Cusco Airport by Taxi
Photo: Aeropuertos.net
Upon arriving in Cusco, you will leave the plane through the jet bridge or passenger boarding bridge and head toward the baggage claim area. Here, you will find the counters of the formal or official taxi companies that operate inside the Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport terminal.
These are not the only types of taxis available in Cusco. Outside the airport, you will find independent taxis that can take you to the Historic Center or another part of the city. Another option is to use ride-hailing apps such as Uber, inDrive, and DiDi. There are also formal transfer companies, such as Palomino Taxi Tour and Taxi Aeropuerto Cusco. In this case, you will need to book online.
Below is detailed information about the taxi services available at Cusco Airport:
Official taxis: these are formal, properly registered companies with counters inside the airport (in the baggage claim area). They have fixed rates that determine the cost of the service depending on which part of Cusco you are traveling to. If you take one of their vehicles, you will pay more than you would with an independent taxi or ride-hailing service, but in return, you will feel more secure.
If you want to use an official taxi, go to the counter to request the service. The staff member assisting you will tell you the fare (between 40 and 50 soles, approximately 15 U.S. dollars) and then assign you a vehicle. You will then pay in advance in soles, U.S. dollars, or by credit card. Once you exit the terminal, your properly accredited driver will be waiting for you. They will guide you to a modern vehicle that is in good condition.
Photo: Taxi Aeropuerto
Independent taxis (outside the airport): After leaving the baggage claim area, you will find several drivers offering their services. If you want to save a few soles or dollars, arrange and negotiate with one of them (whichever driver you feel most comfortable with), but before doing so, keep the following in mind:
+Independent taxis do not have fixed rates or taximeters. The cost of the service is negotiated directly with the driver. Always be very clear when stating your destination. The same applies to the agreed-upon fare.
+The vehicles are generally not painted yellow or any other specific color that identifies them. In some cases, they have roof signs or display the name of a local transportation company.
+If you do not want to negotiate with the taxi drivers waiting outside the baggage claim area, walk toward the area outside the airport. Local taxis travel along Velasco Astete Avenue. Flag one down and negotiate the fare with the driver before getting in.
+Trust your intuition. If a driver does not make you feel comfortable, do not get into their vehicle.
+The fare for an Airport–Historic Center trip in this type of taxi ranges from 15 to 20 soles (approximately 5 U.S. dollars), which you will pay upon reaching your destination. The service must be paid for in cash in Peruvian soles.
Ride-hailing taxis: Uber, inDrive, and DiDi are the ride-hailing apps that operate in Cusco. If you have them on your phone, use them to travel from the airport to downtown or another part of the city. When requesting the service, make sure you select the correct pickup area to avoid confusion or missed connections. The fare varies depending on driver availability and traffic conditions. If you do not have soles, choose payment by debit or credit card.
Leaving Cusco Airport by Bus
Photo: Facebook Smart Bus Perú
Although Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport does not have an official bus service, you can travel to the Historic Center using public transportation. If you decide to do so, walk to Velasco Astete Avenue and wait for the Correcaminos, the name of the company that will take you to your destination.
If this option appeals to you, keep in mind that the buses are not equipped to carry suitcases or large backpacks. These can cause discomfort to other passengers. Only board them if you are traveling light.
The fare is very affordable (1.20 soles), and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. If your destination is Plaza de Armas, get off at the Almagro bus stop, located just one block from the urban heart of Cusco.
What to Do After Your Transfer
Photo: Facebook Secretos & Recetas del Perú
+Don’t panic. If you arrive in the morning, settle into your hotel and rest for as long as you feel necessary. Remember that Cusco is located at 3,400 m (11,155 ft) above sea level, and if you have flown directly from Lima, the sudden change in altitude may affect you.
+Stay hydrated. If you experience symptoms of acute mountain sickness or soroche (headache, nausea, or general discomfort), drink water regularly. This can help. It is also a good idea to drink coca or muña tea.
+Don’t overdo it. If your body has not yet adapted to the altitude, do not eat too much or choose fatty foods. Digestion is slower in Cusco, and after a heavy breakfast or lunch, you may feel sluggish for the rest of the day.
+Stay in the city. On your first day, skip strenuous excursions. If you are not acclimatized and venture to Vinicunca, the 7 Colors Mountain, or Humantay Lake, your body may react negatively. Take advantage of your first few hours in Cusco to calmly explore the Historic Center.
+Join a tour. After resting, it is an excellent idea to join our Cusco free walking tour (we offer three departures in English and Spanish) or our city tours through Cusco’s Historic Center (we offer two departures, with groups of no more than 20 passengers). With either option, you will discover the ancestral and colonial essence of the “navel of the Andean world.”
