Cusco Airport: Transfers, Schedules and Arrival Tips

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Cusco Airport: Transfers, Schedules and Arrival Tips

Arriving in Cusco for the first time can raise many questions: transfers, prices, schedules, or how to get to your hotel. The good news is that the airport is very close to the city center. In this guide, you’ll learn how to get around from the airport, how much each option costs, and what to do when you arrive to start your trip to Machu Picchu without complications.

✈️ What is Cusco Airport?

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is the main gateway for travelers visiting Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Sacred Valley.

📍 Key airport facts

Altitude: 3,399 meters (11,152 ft) above sea level
Distance to historic center: 5 km
Transfer time: 10 to 15 minutes
Main route: Lima – Cusco
Airlines: LATAM, Sky Airline, JetSMART

Due to Cusco’s geography and altitude, flights usually operate only during the daytime.

🚕 How to Get from Cusco Airport to the City Center

Transportation from the airport is quick, and there are several options depending on your budget.

🚖 Taxi from the airport

This is the most common and fastest option for tourists.

Time: 10 – 15 minutes
Average price: $5 – $10 USD

Tips:

Negotiate the price before getting in
Many taxis do not use a meter
Carry Peruvian soles in cash

🚐 Private transfer (hotel or agency)

Many hotels offer airport pickup services.

Time: 15 minutes
Price: $10 – $20 USD

Advantages:

Driver waiting with your name
More safety and comfort
Ideal if it’s your first time in Cusco

📱 Ride-hailing apps

In Cusco you can use apps like:

Uber
InDriver

Estimated price: $4 – $8 USD

Sometimes drivers pick up passengers outside the main airport area.

📊 Quick Information for Travelers

Factor	Information
✈️ Airport	Alejandro Velasco Astete
📍 Distance to city center	5 km
⏱️ Transfer time	10 – 15 min
💰 Average taxi fare	$5 – $10 USD
🌧️ Rainy season	November – March
☀️ Dry season	April – October

💰 Transfer Costs: What’s Included and What’s Not

Understanding transportation prices helps avoid confusion upon arrival.

✅ What a private transfer usually includes

Airport pickup
Identified driver
Direct transportation to your hotel
Assistance with luggage

❌ What is usually not included

Tips
Additional stops
Tours or sightseeing along the route

💵 Average price: $10 – $20 USD per vehicle

🧭 What to Do When You Arrive at Cusco Airport

For many travelers, arriving in Cusco is their first contact with the altitude of the Andes.

Recommended steps

Collect your luggage
Exchange a small amount of money
Take a taxi or transfer
Go directly to your hotel
Rest during the first hours

This helps your body adapt better to the altitude.

🌟 Expert Tips for Travelers

🏔️ Prepare for altitude sickness

Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level.

Helpful tips:

Rest on your first day
Drink plenty of water
Avoid alcohol upon arrival
Try coca tea (mate de coca)

🎒 Travel light

The streets in the historic center are cobblestone, so large suitcases can be uncomfortable.

🌤️ The weather changes quickly

Even on sunny days it can get cold.

Always carry:

A light jacket
Sunscreen
Sunglasses

💵 Carry cash

Although many places accept credit cards, taxis and small shops usually require cash.

✔️ Is it worth arranging your transfer before arriving?

Yes, especially if:

It’s your first time in Cusco
You arrive early in the morning
You travel with a lot of luggage
You prefer to avoid negotiating with taxi drivers

Booking your transfer in advance reduces stress and makes your arrival much easier.

Recomendaciones de nuestros pasajeros

sebastian g

An excellent place to rest Marvelous Hotel Cusco is a budget-friendly accommodation located in the historic center of Cusco, just a 7-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas and near the Central Market of San Pedro. It has an average rating of 8.0 out of 10 on platforms like Hotels.com, appreciated for its good value and friendly staff.✅ ProsCentral location: Perfect for exploring Cusco on foot, with easy access to tourist attractions and local services.Panoramic views: The rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the city—one of the hotel’s highlights.Reliable Wi-Fi: Strong internet connection, reportedly good enough for video calls.Helpful staff: Guests describe the team as kind and helpful, assisting with tour bookings and luggage storage.⚠️ Things to ConsiderCold rooms: Like many places in Cusco, the rooms can get quite cold at night due to the lack of heating.Noise issues: Some guests mentioned thin walls or poor sound insulation, which can affect sleep quality.Cleaning standards vary: While many guests found the rooms clean, others noted that the bathrooms could be better maintained.🧳 Best ForTravelers on a budget looking for a central location with basic but sufficient amenities. It's especially convenient for those planning to do hikes like the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek, as the hotel offers free luggage storage during the tours.

Mariela H

Un viaje maravilloso, que fue inolvidable con Maravilloso Perú. Tuve una experiencia increíble con esta agencia de viajes. Desde el primer contacto, la atención fue muy profesional y amable. El guía era excelente: conocedor, divertido y siempre asegurándose de que todos estábamos cómodos y disfrutando del recorrido. Además, el recorrido estuvo muy bien organizado, con tiempo adecuado y paradas interesantes. El precio era muy justo por la calidad del servicio y todo incluido. Sin duda los volvería a elegir para mi próxima aventura, muy recomendable!

Tourist64240670588

SALKANTAY TREKKING UNA CAMINATA INCA MEMORABLE ¡¡¡¡SUPER RECOMENDADO!!!! Experiencia increíble en la caminata, impresionante servicio, desde la hora de recojo y el guía Fernando un excelente profesional.Conocer los andes de Perú , es algo que te llevaras en la memoria para siempre, es un viaje por las montañas donde recorrieron los incas, y hasta el día de hoy aun se siente la esencia de los antepasados incas.Lo super recomiendo!!!

Keyla C

Mi mejor experiencia Estoy encantada Me ayudaron y siempre estuvieron pendientes de todo . Salió increíble, no tuve que preocuparme por nada. Siempre volvería a viajar con esta agencia ..

saidcha C

El viaje inolvidable de mis sueños con el Perú Maravilloso Tuve una experiencia maravillosa con esta agencia de viajes. La calidad del servicio fue excelente, con cada detalle cuidadosamente preparado para garantizar una experiencia cómoda y enriquecedora. El guía fue uno de los momentos más destacados del tour: tuvo un conocimiento profundo de cada sitio que visitamos y lo compartió de una manera clara, entretenida y apasionada. Me sentí seguro en todo momento, ya que el equipo siguió bien - protocolos definidos y siempre estuvo atento al bien - estar del grupo. La planificación fue impecable: se cumplieron los horarios, el itinerario fue equilibrado y no hubo contratiempos. En cuanto al precio, me pareció muy justo y accesible teniendo en cuenta todo lo que estaba incluido, y además ofrecían opciones que se adaptaban a diferentes presupuestos. También me pareció notable la accesibilidad del tour, con instalaciones para personas con movilidad reducida y atención personalizada. Una experiencia que sin duda repetiré.

Victor Padoveze

Melhor do que esperavamos! Uma região muito diferente das demais, bem interessante de escutar e aprender sobre a história local, são MUITAS piscinas que estão ali desde a época pré-inca, mais de 3.000, e o mais mágico é que mantém a renda de centenas de família por anos e anos.

Marcial Ata Cusi

Una experiencia inolvidable Tomamos la opción de contar con la organización de nuestro tour a Machupicchu con la agencia Marvelous travel, fue una experiencia extraordinaria, nos brindó toda la información desde el día que nos contactamos, el guía que nos tocó para visitar la ciudad inca de Machupicchu nos asistió en todo momento de nuestro viaje, nos encantó su atención y la información que nos dio a cerca de Machupicchu. gracias por toda la atención brindada estamos muy agradecidos mi pareja y yo.

hebert c

Super Walli es un gran guía turístico en cusco Tuvimos un día fabuloso con un super él un grest wally! Recogida rápida, explicación exhaustiva del día. Cuando empezamos nuestra caminata, él tuvo especial cuidado para asegurarse de que todos en el grupo estaban haciendo bien. Algunos caminaban, otros tomaban este camino. Él se aseguró de que supiéramos dónde encontrarnos en cada punto de control... es un gran guía turístico...

Pablo P

La mejor excursión La visita fue inolvidable en compañía de nuestro guía Alex siempre pendiente del grupo muy amable alegre servicial y sabe mucha historia recomendable

Nilton C

Exelente servicio Fue una linda experiencia lo disfrutamos a lo máximo fue inolvidable, recomendamos hacer los viajes, la comida, nuestro guía fue lo mejor

Gimena Rojas

Doing the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life, and a big part of that was thanks to the outstanding service and care provided by Marvelous Peru. From the very first contact, their team was professional, friendly, and informative. They answered all of our questions quickly and gave us clear, detailed information about the itinerary, what to pack, and what to expect on the trail. The logistics were flawless — every transfer was on time, the campsites were well set up, and the support team was incredibly kind and helpful throughout the journey. A special mention goes to our guide, who was not only knowledgeable about Inca history, the local flora and fauna, and the geography of the Andes, but also passionate and deeply connected to the region's culture. His insights truly enriched our experience. The trek itself was absolutely breathtaking. Each day brought new landscapes: from the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Salkantay Mountain to lush cloud forests, turquoise glacial lakes, and ancient Inca trails. The route was well-paced, with plenty of breaks, and we always felt safe and supported. It’s a physically challenging trek, but Marvelous Peru made sure everyone was comfortable and well taken care of. One of the highlights was definitely the food. Considering we were in remote mountain areas, the meals exceeded all expectations. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. There were generous portions, local flavors, and even vegetarian options — a huge plus for some of us in the group. Our camp chef deserves a medal! Reaching Machu Picchu on the final day felt incredibly rewarding. After five days of hiking through such diverse and awe-inspiring terrain, standing before one of the world's wonders felt even more magical. It was the perfect end to a journey that tested us physically and rewarded us spiritually. I wholeheartedly recommend Marvelous Peru to anyone considering the Salkantay Trek. Their passion, organization, and genuine care for their travelers truly set them apart. If you want to discover the beauty of the Andes and Machu Picchu in a way that’s immersive, authentic, and unforgettable, go with Marvelous Peru. You won’t regret it.

Sergio Prado

The guide had so much knowledge and heart-he brought the trail to life

Marilyn Astudillo

I didn’t expect to enjoy the food on a mountain trek so much. Every meal was amazing.

yosgali rebeca boza carpio

Exelente

Noce Tampoco ce

Everything was so well organized, and the views were absolutely unforgettable.

Alexander Quispe R.

Reserve el tour de Salkantay de 5D/4N fui con el el mejor Guía Pablo tube una experiencia Maravillosa y en nuestra visita a Machupicchu tuvimos un clima espectacular recomiendo la compañía 🥳😃😃😃buena organización 🤗

nilton abelardo ccopa lopez

Una excelente experiencia recomendamos hacer los viajes con la compañía, servicio de calidad

Ivn_ Nghtmr

The Salkantay Trek with Marvelous couldn't have been better thanks to our incredible guide, Daniel. Honestly, I've never had such a great guide. Daniel is so warm, cheerful, and energetic. He wasn't just a guide, but part of our trekking family—many guides could learn something from him! Aside from that, our group was very personable, young, and motivated. The private cooks traveling with us prepared amazing food, and there was always enough of it. I've never eaten so well on a trek. Only in the last few days, when the cooks left and provided us with food at the restaurant, did the quality of the food really suffer compared to before. The accommodations were good, the sleeping bags provided were sufficient, and Daniel, our guide, tailored the route to our group's needs so everyone was satisfied.