Private transfers from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
Cusco's Alejandro Velasco Astete airport sits inside the city, about 3.7 km from the historic centre and 3,310 m above sea level. It is the arrival point for Machu Picchu, and most flights are short hops over the Andes from Lima.
We run fixed-price transfers from arrivals to the Sacred Valley: Urubamba, Yucay, Pisac and Ollantaytambo, where the Machu Picchu trains leave. We also quote hotels in Cusco itself, the train station at Poroy, and stops on the way at Chinchero, the Maras salt pans and the Moray terraces. Your luggage goes into the car once, and your driver tracks your flight.
Arriving at Cusco Airport: where to meet your driver
Cusco Airport is small, and all arriving passengers come out through the same arrivals exit after baggage reclaim. Your driver waits just outside it, holding a sign with your name; hotel drivers and tour representatives gather here too, so look for yours. If you can't see your driver, call or message the number we sent you rather than accepting another ride.
Transfer times from Cusco Airport
- Cusco historic centre (Plaza de Armas): 15–30 minutes
- Poroy station: 20–35 minutes
- Chinchero: 40–55 minutes
- Pisac: 45–60 minutes
- Maras salt pans: 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes
- Urubamba: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes
- Ollantaytambo station: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours
Arriving at altitude
Cusco stands at 3,399 m, and TravelHealthPro, the UK's official travel health service, says altitude illness usually occurs above 2,500 m, with symptoms typically starting 6 to 10 hours after the ascent. It lists the rate of ascent, sleeping altitude and exertion on arrival among the risk factors. The Sacred Valley is lower than the city, around 2,790 to 2,970 m from Ollantaytambo to Pisac. Speak to your doctor before you travel, especially if you have a medical condition.