ARRIVING AT
CUSCOLeaving Cusco–Alejandro Velasco Astete International: transport guide
Cusco–Alejandro Velasco Astete International · Peru
Medium riskUpdated June 2026High confidence
High altitude (3,400 m) — go slow on arrival. Official taxis fine; unauthorized drivers overcharge by 5×. Walk to centre is uphill but possible.
TL;DR
CUZ (Cusco–Alejandro Velasco Astete International) is the main international airport serving Cusco, Peru. The recommended way out is Take an official taxi from the desk to Plaza de Armas (~S/.15–S/.25, 15–20 min). Pickup is at Official taxi desk in Arrivals. The most common scam to watch for is "Altitude exploitation". Fares on the CUZ → Plaza de Armas route typically run S/.15–S/.25; anything above S/.80+ unauthorized is almost certainly a scam. Last updated June 2026.
IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING
Take an official taxi from the desk to Plaza de Armas
- Typical fare
- S/.15–S/.25
- Journey time
- 15–20 min
- Pickup
- Official taxi desk in Arrivals
WARNING · Outside the airport gates, drivers quote S/.50–S/.80 to tourists. Hydrate and go slow — altitude hits hard
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Compare your options at a glance
| Option | Cost | Wait | Payment | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Official taxi (desk) | S/.15–S/.25 | Immediate | 💳Card / Cash | |
Uber / Cabify / inDriver | S/.10–S/.20 | 5–15 min | 💳Card | |
Combi / shared van | S/.1 | Every 10 min | 💵Cash | — |
Street taxi (outside gates) | S/.40–S/.80 | Immediate | 💵Cash | — |
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Your first 30 minutes
- 1Clear immigration (most arrive via LIM)
- 2Collect bags, clear customs
- 3Stop at the official taxi desk for fixed fare to Plaza de Armas
- 4Move slowly — altitude affects everyone
- 5Total to centre: 15–20 min
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Airport exit score
AIRPORT EXIT SCORE
72/ 100
- Scam risk70
- Public transport70
- Ride-hailing75
- Signage clarity80
- Payment convenience75
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Fare reality check
CUZ → Plaza de Armas
- S/.15–S/.25ExpectedWhat locals actually pay
- S/.50+ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
- S/.80+ unauthorizedProbably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
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Best ways out, ranked
- 1
Official taxi (desk)
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- S/.15–S/.25
- Journey
- 15–20 min
- Wait
- Immediate
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Fixed fare
- Regulated
Cons - 2
Uber / Cabify / inDriver
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- S/.10–S/.20
- Journey
- 15–20 min
- Wait
- 5–15 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Cheapest
- Tracked
Cons- Coverage varies
- 3
Combi / shared van
- Cost
- S/.1
- Journey
- 30–45 min
- Wait
- Every 10 min
- Payment
- 💵 Cash
Pros- Very cheap
Cons- No luggage space
- Confusing routes
- 4
Street taxi (outside gates)
- Cost
- S/.40–S/.80
- Journey
- 15–20 min
- Wait
- Immediate
- Payment
- 💵 Cash
ProsCons- Frequent overcharging
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Paying without surprises
- Soles cash for small fares; cards in hotels and tourist restaurants
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Common scams
Altitude exploitation
Medium riskDrivers offer 'oxygen taxi' or 'altitude service' at huge markups.
HOW TO AVOID · Take any regular official taxi — the hotel has oxygen if needed.
Coca leaf 'gift' shakedown
Medium riskDrivers/touts hand coca leaves then demand payment.
HOW TO AVOID · Decline politely; coca tea is free at most hotels.
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What locals & travellers say
CUZ·Cusco
“Most altitude sickness on day 1 is dehydration + rushing.”
Official AirportDrink water, walk slowlyChecked June 2026likely
01 / 02
- "Most altitude sickness on day 1 is dehydration + rushing." — Drink water, walk slowly
- "Spend at least one night in Cusco before higher excursions — or lower in Sacred Valley first." — Acclimatize before Machu Picchu
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Arrival checklist
- Soles cash
- Altitude awareness
- Hotel name written down
✉︎
Take it with you
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CUZ arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave Cusco–Alejandro Velasco Astete International?
- Take an official taxi from the desk to Plaza de Armas. Outside the airport gates, drivers quote S/.50–S/.80 to tourists. Hydrate and go slow — altitude hits hard.
- Are taxis at CUZ safe?
- Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: altitude exploitation — Drivers offer 'oxygen taxi' or 'altitude service' at huge markups. Take any regular official taxi — the hotel has oxygen if needed.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at CUZ?
- Yes — Uber / Cabify / inDriver works at CUZ. Typical cost S/.10–S/.20, journey ~15–20 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
- How much should a taxi from CUZ to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the CUZ → Plaza de Armas route is roughly S/.15–S/.25. Anything around S/.50+ is high — S/.80+ unauthorized is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at CUZ?
- Carry small local notes — Official taxi (desk) expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at Cusco–Alejandro Velasco Astete International?
- Official taxi desk in Arrivals. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is CUZ safe to arrive at late at night?
- CUZ is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
- What scams should I watch for at CUZ?
- The most reported at CUZ: Altitude exploitation; Coca leaf 'gift' shakedown. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.
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