# CUZ — Cusco (Cusco–Alejandro Velasco Astete International)

> CUZ (Cusco–Alejandro Velasco Astete International) is the main international airport serving Cusco, Peru. Source: https://www.airportexit.com/airports/cuz-cusco

## At a glance

- **Best exit method:** Take an official taxi from the desk to Plaza de Armas
- **Typical fare:** S/.15–S/.25
- **Journey time:** 15–20 min
- **Pickup point:** Official taxi desk in Arrivals
- **Key warning:** Outside the airport gates, drivers quote S/.50–S/.80 to tourists. Hydrate and go slow — altitude hits hard
- **Fare reality (CUZ → Plaza de Armas):** expected S/.15–S/.25 · concerning S/.50+ · likely scam S/.80+ unauthorized
- **Overall risk:** medium — High altitude (3,400 m) — go slow on arrival. Official taxis fine; unauthorized drivers overcharge by 5×. Walk to centre is uphill but possible.
- **Last updated:** June 2026 (high confidence)

## Ways out of CUZ, ranked

1. **Official taxi (desk)** _(recommended)_ — cost S/.15–S/.25, journey 15–20 min, wait Immediate, payment Card & Cash.
   - Pros: Fixed fare; Regulated
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.
   - Cons: Frequent overcharging

## First 30 minutes after landing at CUZ

1. Clear immigration (most arrive via LIM)
2. Collect bags, clear customs
3. Stop at the official taxi desk for fixed fare to Plaza de Armas
4. Move slowly — altitude affects everyone
5. Total to centre: 15–20 min

## Common scams at CUZ

- **Altitude exploitation** (medium risk): Drivers 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 risk): Drivers/touts hand coca leaves then demand payment. _How to avoid:_ Decline politely; coca tea is free at most hotels.

## Payment warnings at CUZ

- Soles cash for small fares; cards in hotels and tourist restaurants

## Arrival checklist for CUZ

- Soles cash
- Altitude awareness
- Hotel name written down

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Canonical URL: https://www.airportexit.com/airports/cuz-cusco
Source: Airport Exit (https://www.airportexit.com)
Last updated: June 2026

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