Taking Taxis in Cusco

Taking Taxis in Cusco

Taxi safety is a concern for many tourists traveling in Cusco, and luckily it is a very safe city. With that being said, we still have some tips to ensure that we get you around Cusco safely.

Taxis need to have a sticker in the front window that indicate a license, along with a registration number on the inside door. There are many unlicensed taxis roaming around, and you are probably better off avoiding these, especially later at night.

As far as cost goes, the price is usually S/.4 or S/. 5 to travel anywhere around the city center. Your best bet is to decide on a price before you enter the taxi to avoid being overcharged. Also, if you do not agree with the price, then do not hesitate to opt for a different taxi; there are plenty of options to choose from. Taxi drivers often try to take advantage of tourists when naming a price, so make sure to ask people around you are unsure of what a fair fare is.

While most taxis are safe, there are rare cases where passengers have been robbed. To avoid this happening, it is best to stay alert throughout your taxi ride. Do not fall asleep, and make sure to pay attention throughout the entire ride. When you exit the taxi, make sure to have gathered all of your belongings. If you happen to leave something behind, the chances of seeing it again are extremely slim.

If you do not feel comfortable flagging a taxi down off the street, then there are a number of safe, reputable taxi companies to choose from. You can arrange pickup through your hotel. While these will come at a slightly higher cost, you will never have to worry about an unsafe arrival. If this is something that interests you, try using one of these companies: Llama taxis, Taxi Turismo, Taxidatum, Easy Taxi, or Cusco Taxi.

Keep in mind that if you are traveling somewhere further than Cusco, such as the Sacred Valley, then there are much more affordable ways to travel than using a taxi. Try heading to Puputi Street or Pavitos Street and hopping into a collectivo. This is a car or van that will transport a group of passengers to the same location at a reduced cost. For example, a collectivo from Cusco to Pisac will cost S/.4 while a taxi will cost anywhere from S/.50 – S/.60.