Welcome to the first installment of Nuts and Bolts. Here we will be giving tourists and travelers some clues, hints and tricks dealing with transportation around any given town. This Nuts and Bolts is dedicated to travel in the city of Cusco, Peru, and surrounding areas.

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Taxis

Though cheaper than in the US, travel by taxi around Cusco can deplete your daily budget quickly. As in all of Peru, you should negotiate your fare before getting in the cab; however, in Cusco almost all rides in the central area should only be S/.2.50 or S/.3 after 10pm. If you shoot for this price point they might think you know what you are doing and not try to rip you off. Taxis to the Airport will always be more (S/.5 or 6).

Getting around without a taxi

We have compiled Cusco bus information and put it all into this map. This map is not complete, but we will update it every time we whip through Cusco. All of the locations are detailed on the map page and below.
Cheers and good luck.

To see a full page version of the map CLICK HERE.


View Cusco: Nuts and Bolts in a larger map

#1. The Airport

From Ayacucho and Av. Del Sol you can catch the Correcaminos Micro bus directly to the Airport. Make sure you are on the south side of the street or you will get the long tour of the Correcaminos route before returning to the Ayacucho intersection and on to the Airport. This bus takes about 10 minutes and should cost about S/.1. There are other buses that leave this corner and also go to the airport, but they may take longer routes and more time. Also, there is a Aeropuerto Micro Bus that I have seen and I can only imagine where it goes, but it does not currently stop at this location. The Correcaminos bus should also take you near the Terminal Terrestre.

Catch the Servico Andino Combi on Ayacucho (or anywhere along its route) over to the Rosaspata Market. Ask to make sure the Combi is going the right direction. From the Rosaspata Market you catch either the Huerto Combi up the hill to Sacsayhuamàn, Qenco, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay, or the Christo Blanco Combi to Sacsayhuamàn, Qenco and Christo Blanco.

From the Rosaspata Market you catch either the: Huerto Combi up the hill to Sacsayhuamàn, Qenco, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay, or the Christo Blanco Combi to Sacsayhuamàn, Qenco and Christo Blanco. Sorry, no photo of the Christo Blanco Combi, but I can tell you it is a Combi with the words “Christo Blanco” on the upper part of the windshield.

Just SW of Plaza Tupac Amaru is the terminal where you can catch a bus to Urcos that will stop anywhere along the way for you, Including: Tipòn, Piqillacta or Rumicolca. This one way fare should cost about s/.3 per person and it would be wise to speak with the driver or wrangler early and let them know where you want to get off.

On Av Grau about three blocks SE of El Sol you can catch a bus to Urubamba and sometimes a direct bus to Ollantaytambo. If you are going to Poroy to catch a train this is the Bus for you. Price is around s/.3.

Along the way you can stop at Chinchero, or at Maras to see the terraces of Moray. Make sure to get dropped off at the second/main road to Maras. From here take a cab for about s/.15 to the unique ruins of Moray.

On Av Tullumayo, just south of Garcilaso, catch the bus to Pisac for about s/.3. This bus will also drop you off at Tambomachay, Pukapukara, Qenko and Sacsayhuamàn.

Catch the Correcaminos or Aeropuerto Micro Bus. Other Buses and Combis pass by the Airport on their way to Downtown Cusco, but they could take a long route or put you in a strange part of the City.

Cusco’s Bus station is crazy and unorganized. Make sure you get there early and purchase the Terminal tax in the booth near the middle of the terminal. Before you exit the terminal to the passenger loading area, ask what ramp number your bus company uses, or else.

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