How to Get Around Cusco

How transport works in Cusco

Historic centre is compact and walkable but steep + high-altitude — pace yourself the first 48h. Taxis flag-down S/5–10 in centre; Uber + InDriver work reliably. Colectivos to Sacred Valley towns (Pisac S/5, Ollantaytambo S/15) from Calle Puputi + Pavitos. PeruRail Vistadome / Inca Rail to Machu Picchu from Poroy (currently Ollantaytambo — check status) 3h30 US$70–450 return. Cusco airport (CUZ) 15 min taxi S/25.

Your options compared

• Walking

  Centro + San Blas are compact but steep + high-altitude — pace yourself first 48h.

• Taxi / Uber / InDriver

  S/5–10 in centre; Uber + InDriver both work reliably + safer than street taxis.

• Colectivo

  Shared minivans to Sacred Valley towns from Calle Puputi + Pavitos — Pisac S/5, Ollantaytambo S/15.

• PeruRail / Inca Rail

  The only rail to Machu Picchu — book 2+ months ahead for Vistadome or 360 in high season.

Passes and tickets

Boleto Turístico Cusco S/130 covers 16 sites + 10 days including Sacsayhuamán + Pisac + Ollantaytambo + Chinchero.

Local transport tips

Machu Picchu entry ticket sold separately at machupicchu.gob.pe — book 3+ months ahead for Circuit 2 (Classic) + Circuit 3 (River).

Arriving from the airport

• Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ)

  15 min taxi S/25–35 to Centro; Uber + InDriver S/15–20; complimentary hotel pickup common.

Do you need a rental car?

Inside Cusco a car is usually a liability — parking and traffic cost more than transit. A rental earns its keep for day trips and regional drives, so compare rates only for the days you actually leave the city.