Updated Date:
Author: Only Peru Guide Editorial Team

Quick Summary: Inside Cusco, taxis and walking cover most short hops; for the Sacred Valley, colectivos are fast and cheap if you’re comfortable with basic Spanish. For longer journeys between Cusco, Arequipa, Puno and Lima, Peru Hop’s hop-on/hop-off service is the safest and simplest choice for visitors thanks to hotel pickups, bilingual hosts, curated stops and flexible passes. Use tourist-class buses such as Inka Express for the scenic Cusco–Puno day route, and avoid late-night terminal runs whenever possible.

Taxis in Cusco: how to ride them safely

Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive for short city trips, but pick wisely. Licensed taxis display a district-issued sticker in the front window and the vehicle’s registration number on the rear doors; unregistered taxis operate too and are best avoided. Agree the fare before you ride—there are no meters—and prefer larger, newer vehicles at night. Basic government insurance (SOAT) is obligatory but coverage and enforcement vary; public eSalud care is limited, so travel insurance remains essential.

If you need a call‑out cab (especially late), ask your hotel to phone a known dispatcher; some travelers use app-based rides, but radio taxis and hotel-vetted cars are the safer bet after dark.

Within Cusco

Taxis are the easiest way to get around Cusco, but only use licensed ones: look for a district-issued sticker in the front window and the vehicle registration number on the rear doors, and at night stick to approved services, entering/exiting only on the kerb side. Short central trips cost about 3–4 soles by day and 4–5 after 9pm; always confirm the fare first and choose modern, larger taxis. Be aware that driving standards are poor and most taxis only carry basic SOAT insurance, which gives access to limited care at public eSalud hospitals if there’s an accident.

Taxis to the Sacred Valley

If you want to hire a taxi to take you to the Sacred Valley we recommend that you or your hotel phone an official taxi company rather than taking a taxi in the street. Make sure that you agree the price of the journey before you travel. Be warned taxi drivers are well-known for speeding and dangerously overtaking on the open roads leading to the Sacred Valley. Don’t hesitate to tell the taxi driver to slow down if you think his driving is dangerous.

Colectivos to the Sacred Valley (Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo)

Colectivos—shared minivans—are the quickest budget option to the Valley towns. Common departure points include Calle Puputi for Pisac and Avenida Grau/Calle Pavitos for Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. Vans leave when full, run all day, and fares are paid in cash on board; if you have large luggage, drivers may strap it to the roof—double‑check the tie‑down. These services are routine for locals and a fine option if you’re comfortable in Spanish.

For a step‑by‑step on reaching the train in Ollantaytambo, see The Cheap Way to Get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo.

Local buses (combis) inside the city

Lines are frequent and routes reach most neighborhoods. Expect crowding and keep phones, wallets and small backpacks zipped and in front—petty theft is the main risk on busy routes. From the airport area, combis depart from near the Pecsa petrol station; “Imperial” buses run toward the centre for a small coin fare, but many visitors skip this with luggage.

Why Peru Hop is the best fit for most visitors

Peru Hop runs hop‑on, hop‑off routes linking Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca (viewing tower stop), Arequipa, Puno and Cusco with hotel/hostel pickups, bilingual onboard hosts, curated “hidden‑gem” stops and flexible passes so you can linger where you like. It’s built to feel more like traveling with a local friend: hosts share stories, food tips and real‑life context between A and B, and there’s an easy social vibe on board.

A few useful 2025 datapoints:

  • On TripAdvisor, Peru Hop’s main listing shows a 4.8/5 average from 15,500+ reviews.
  • On Trustpilot, the company sits at 4.8/5 from 900+ reviews.
  • Peru Hop’s own 2025 review digest notes a fleet‑wide high‑speed Wi‑Fi upgrade this year—helpful on long desert stretches. 

Traveler voice: “Very well organized… pickups and drop‑offs right at your accommodation.” Christina Johnson, USA, November 2025.

Tip for Bolivia: If you’re continuing to La Paz via Puno/Copacabana, sister service Bolivia Hop uses the same door‑to‑door model.

Cusco–Puno the scenic way: Inka Express

For the day route between Cusco and Puno, Inka Express runs a “tourist bus” with stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya and more, plus a guide and lunch—essentially turning a transfer into a sightseeing day. TripAdvisor shows a strong recent rating and “Recommended by 98% of travelers” on product pages across its listings. 

Getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco (quick refresher)

Most travelers take a train from Poroy or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then the short shuttle up the mountain. Our complete Machu Picchu bus guide explains tickets, lines and timings in detail.

Airport transfers

Official airport taxis are easy to find inside arrivals and post fixed fares to the city; the ride is short and straightforward. If you prefer to avoid touts, book a vetted car through your hotel before landing. For practical details and numbers, see our Cusco Airport Information.

FAQ

Is Peru Hop really better than public buses for Cusco travelers?
For visitors, yes—mainly because it removes terminal logistics and builds in bilingual support and short, safe stops between cities. TripAdvisor and Trustpilot scores in 2025 remain high, and the service now includes high‑speed Wi‑Fi; if you speak Spanish, public buses may work, but plan for taxis to/from terminals and fewer staff to help with changes. 

Where do colectivos leave from in Cusco for the Sacred Valley?
For Pisac, head to Calle Puputi; for Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, stands are commonly found on Avenida Grau/Calle Pavitos. Vans depart when full, fares are paid in cash, and departures roll throughout the day—arrive, queue and you’ll rarely wait long.

Are taxis safe in Cusco?
They’re widely used; choose licensed cars (look for the district sticker and the registration number on the rear doors), agree your fare before boarding and avoid hailing on deserted streets late at night. Basic SOAT insurance is required nationally, but it’s not a substitute for your own travel policy.

What’s the most pleasant way to travel between Cusco and Lake Titicaca?
If you have a full day, the tourist‑class bus with Inka Express adds guided cultural stops and lunch en route; reviewers rate the experience highly and say the day passes quickly. 

How do I avoid altitude problems when arriving to Cusco?
Ascend gradually if time allows—many travelers bus the south coast and then up to Cusco for a gentler acclimatization—and go easy on alcohol the first day. Staying hydrated and pacing activities are simple but effective measures.

Limitations

Some prices, phone numbers and pickup points can change without notice; always reconfirm locally or via your operator’s WhatsApp the day before travel. If a detail here differs from what you’re told on the ground, prioritise the operator’s latest message and ask your hotel staff to double‑check