What Is the Best Way to Get Around Cusco?

It mainly depends on the distance and the area you want to visit.

1. Walking Around the Historic Center

Walking is usually the best way to explore Cusco’s Historic Center.

The Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha, San Blas, San Pedro Market, and many restaurants and shops are relatively close to each other.

Walking also allows you to discover small streets and hidden corners that you might miss from a vehicle.

2. Taxis in Cusco

Taxis are one of the most commonly used ways to get around the city.

They can be especially practical for:

• going to the airport;
• traveling with luggage;
• returning to your accommodation at night;
• traveling with children;
• reaching areas farther from the city center.

Before getting into a taxi, it is a good idea to confirm the fare with the driver, especially if you are not using a pre-booked service.

3. From Cusco Airport to the Historic Center

The Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is located within the city of Cusco and continues to be operated by CORPAC.

When you leave the airport, you will find taxi services, and you can also arrange a transfer in advance through your accommodation or travel agency.

CORPAC also has specific procedures for companies authorized to provide taxi services inside the airport, so official taxi services are available there.

4. Can You Use Public Transportation in Cusco?

Yes. Cusco has several urban transportation routes used mainly by local residents.

It can be an affordable way to get around the city, but for a visitor who has just arrived, the routes may be less intuitive than taking a taxi.

Public transportation can be useful if:

• you are staying for several days;
• you already know the city;
• you want to travel to areas outside the Historic Center;
• you are traveling with little luggage.

5. Tourist Transportation for Tours

If you take tours such as the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, or a Cusco City Tour, transportation is usually included in the service or arranged specifically for the excursion.

For example, the Cusco Tourist Ticket does not include a guide or transportation. It only provides admission to the attractions included in the ticket.

6. How to Get From Cusco to Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo is an important stop for many travelers because several trains to Machu Picchu depart from there.

From Cusco, you can get there by:

• tourist transportation;
• private transfer;
• taxi;
• shared transportation services available in the city.

If you already have a train ticket, leave enough time between your departure from Cusco and your boarding time.

7. Is It Worth Renting a Car in Cusco?

If you are only visiting the city, renting a car is usually unnecessary.

The Historic Center is best explored on foot, and some streets are narrow, have traffic restrictions, or can be difficult for visitors who are unfamiliar with the city.

A rental car may make more sense if you plan to explore other parts of the region independently, but you should consider:

• traffic;
• parking;
• mountain roads;
• road signs;
• your experience driving in the area.

8. Getting Around San Blas

San Blas is very close to the Plaza de Armas, but many of its streets are narrow and steep.

In some cases, a vehicle may not be able to drop you off directly in front of your accommodation.

If you have large suitcases or limited mobility, ask before booking:

Can a taxi reach the entrance?

9. If You Are Traveling With Children or Older Adults

For families, the most practical option is often to combine short walks with taxis.

It is usually better to avoid:

• long uphill walks;
• unnecessary transfers;
• walking long distances after a full-day tour;
• accommodation with no vehicle access.

10. Transportation at Night

If you are returning to your accommodation late at night, it is a good idea to use transportation arranged through your hotel, accommodation, or a known service.

Avoid walking through unfamiliar areas just to save a short taxi ride.

It is also helpful to save the exact address of your accommodation on your phone, since not every driver may recognize the name of a hotel or Airbnb.

11. Always Keep the Location of Your Accommodation

A simple recommendation:

Save your accommodation on Google Maps before you go out.

If it is an Airbnb or located on a small street, also save:

• the address;
• the street name;
• a nearby landmark;
• the shared location.

Quick Tips for Getting Around Cusco

• Walk around the Historic Center when distances are short.
• Take a taxi when traveling with luggage.
• Confirm the fare before the ride when necessary.
• Leave enough time to reach the airport or train station.
• Ask whether your tour includes pickup from your accommodation.
• Do not estimate travel times based only on distance.
• Consider traffic and steep streets.
• Allow extra time when you have a train or flight.

Which Transportation Option Should You Choose?

Conclusion

Getting around Cusco is relatively easy when you choose the right type of transportation for each trip.

Walking is usually enough for exploring the Historic Center. For the airport, luggage, families, or longer distances, taxis are a practical option. And for attractions outside the city, tourist transportation or a pre-arranged transfer is often the most convenient choice.

The most important recommendation is to always leave extra time before a flight, train, or tour. In Cusco, even a few kilometers can take longer than expected because of traffic, narrow streets, or road conditions.