Taking a Taxi in Cusco - The Fastest Way to Explore
Catching a quick and reliable Cusco taxi is a great way to get around this ancient city and visit all of the amazing sights on offer. You can easily hail a Cusco taxi service on the street, thousands can be found driving around during the day or parked up on the curb. Otherwise, you can book one via an app, over the phone, or in advance with a trusted company like Welcome.
Taxis in Cusco are generally not very spacious, with room for 3-4 passengers and a small suitcase each. Some companies also offer larger station wagons and minivans which can seat up to 8 passengers. Vehicles are usually yellow or white, with a “TAXI” sign on the roof and a criss-cross pattern along the side. Rides are charged at the driver’s discretion so it’s always best to agree on a price upfront before starting your journey.
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How much is a taxi in Cusco?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM AIRPORT TO CUSCO CITY | 3.90 € | 3.90 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM PLAZA DE ARMAS TO CRISTO BLANCO | 3 € | 3 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM PLAZA DE ARMAS TO SACRED VALLEY | 16 € | 16 € | 1 HR 30 MIN |
| FROM PLAZA DE ARMAS TO URUBAMBA | 16 € | 16 € | 1 HR 30 MIN |
| FROM PLAZA DE ARMAS TO PISAC | 13 € | 13 € | 1 HR |
Cusco Taxi Rates
When you take a taxi in Cusco, your driver won’t use a taximeter to calculate your fare. Instead, they will decide on a fixed fare based on where you wish to travel. Although Cusco taxis are very cheap compared to other cities around the world, the cost of your journey will usually be higher if you’re a foreigner, so feel free to barter with your driver if you think the price offered is unfair. Just make sure to agree upon a price with the driver before entering the vehicle.
On average, short journeys around the city will cost around €0.80 to €1.30 (PEN 3-5) during the day and around €1.60 to €1.80 (PEN 6-7) at night.
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How to get a Taxi in Cusco
Most official taxis in Cusco are white with a taxi sign on top and their unique taxi number written on the two back doors. This isn’t a strict rule, however, so you may come across taxis in different colors and models. In any case, you can hail a taxi from the street by waving your arm when you see one; if they are available they will pull over.
Another way to find a taxi service in Cusco is to walk to a nearby taxi stand. These are most often found outside bus and colectivo stations, near major tourist attractions, and if you’re near the historical center, Plaza de Armas. Don’t forget to check that you are using an official taxi by looking for the taxi registration sticker in the front window.
How to get a taxi from Cusco Airport
If you’re arriving to Cusco via Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, you’ll find the taxi stand curbside in front of the airport entrance/exit. Only official taxis can use the airport car park, so it’s best to avoid accepting a ride with anyone who tries to walk you outside of this area.
There is a taxi counter inside the Baggage Claim area where you can purchase a ticket for a ride, otherwise, you can negotiate with a driver at the taxi stand. As a guide, the fare from Cusco Airport to the city center should be around €3.90 (PEN 15).
How to get a taxi from Plaza de Armas
Taxis line up along Portal Belen, opposite the cathedral. Compared to the other roads that surround the plaza, this area has the most space for taxis to pull over.
How to get a taxi from San Pedro Train Station
Chances are you’ll pass through here on your way to or from Machu Picchu. Taxis tend to congregate around the front entrance to the station at times when a train is due in. There isn’t a dedicated taxi stand but taxis will be parked up behind each other in an unorderly fashion; simply walk up to one or wait for a driver to approach you.
How to get a taxi from Wanchaq Train Station
If you’re lucky enough to be riding on one of PeruRail’s luxury train services, this is where you will disembark. While there is a small drop-off and pick-up area outside the station entrance, it is best to arrange transport through your hotel or you can pre-book a private transfer. Otherwise, taxis can be found cruising the streets around the station.
Most Popular Cusco Taxi Apps
While Cusco is a relatively small city, finding a taxi late at night can sometimes be a challenge, plus it can get rather chilly during the winter. This is when it can be helpful to use a Cusco taxi app to book your ride, which also has the benefit of an upfront cost.
Currently, Uber is the only ride-hailing service available, however, for rides to and from the airport, we suggest pre-booking a ride with Welcome Pickups for a guaranteed on-time pickup. Even when using an app, wait times can sometimes be lengthy, which is not something you want to gamble with when you have a flight to catch.
Useful Cusco Taxi Numbers
If you’re traveling late at night or from outside the city center ring, it’s safer to book your ride in advance or call a Cusco taxi number directly via one of the local phone dispatch companies. You can choose to call one of the following companies or have the receptionist at your hotel do it on your behalf if you don’t speak any Spanish.
- Taxi Cusco VIP: +51 947 791 860
- Llama Taxis: +51 984 557 280
- Taxi Turismo: +51 999 245 000
Booking your Cusco Taxi with Welcome Pickups
The absence of taximeters or official tariffs, on top of the presence of illegal taxis driving around the city, can make taking a local taxi in Cusco quite stressful. Not to mention the language barrier. However, if you book with a trusted company such as Welcome Pickups, all these issues vanish. We guarantee a 5-star service every time thanks to our competitive fixed rate fares, English-speaking drivers, guaranteed on-time pickups, and 24/7 customer service line.
Cusco Taxi Tips
- Always agree on a price upfront with your driver before entering the vehicle.
- Not all Cusco taxi drivers speak English so it’s a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Spanish.
- Many hotels are located on narrow, cobblestone pedestrian streets, so your driver may not be able to take you right to the door of your hotel.
- Some drivers may try to charge you per passenger. However, the number of passengers allowed in a Cusco taxi is four and the price should be for the entire vehicle.
- A taxi may honk their horn at you to indicate that they are free.
- The streets of Cusco can be very narrow, often with room for just one vehicle. When flagging a taxi down, try to find a space where the taxi can safely pull over, otherwise, they may drive straight past you.
- Taxi drivers can sometimes drive a little recklessly in Cusco so always make sure you are wearing your seatbelt.
- Always get in and out of the vehicle on the side of the curb.
- Some drivers may accept US dollars but you will receive a better rate if you pay in local soles. Always confirm with your driver before starting.
- Try to pay for your ride with small bills as the driver may not have change, plus, you risk being given counterfeit notes.
- Ask your hotel for an estimate on how much a ride should cost to your destination.
- A good rule of thumb is to negotiate a fare 10-15% lower than what a driver initially offers. However, at night and during peak hours, rates may be higher.
- Drivers may charge more for excess luggage.
Wheelchair-Accessible Taxi in Cusco
Unfortunately, the standard taxis in Cusco aren’t equipped for wheelchair users. If you’re looking for transfer options around the city that have a built-in hydraulic lift or ramp available for wheelchair users and individuals with reduced mobility, you will need to book with a private, specialist company before arriving in Cusco.
Cusco Taxi Safety and Complaints
Taxis that operate throughout Cusco must have a license from the local district displayed in their front window. Legal taxis must also have their unique vehicle registration number printed on the rear doors.
To avoid any issues, it’s highly recommended that you only take official taxis in Cusco, since unregistered and unlicensed drivers are more likely to drive recklessly and overcharge. If you encounter any issues during your ride, it is best to file a report with the local police or contact the taxi company directly.