Cusco (CUZ): the Aeroexpreso shuttle, and the Ollantaytambo option
A stop called Aeropuerto del Cusco sits 310 metres from the terminal. The Aeroexpreso shuttle lists Cusco and Ollantaytambo among its destinations.
- The stop is Aeropuerto del Cusco, described in the operator's data as the Cusco Airport Shuttle, about 310 metres from the runway reference point.
- Aeroexpreso is the operator, and its service lists Aeropuerto del Cusco, Cusco and Ollantaytambo.
- Ollantaytambo is the railhead for Machu Picchu, so a direct link from the airport skips a night in Cusco.
- That is the single most useful thing about this service for most arrivals.
- The airport sits inside the city, in the San Sebastian district, about 5 km from the Plaza de Armas.
- Cusco is at about 3400 metres, and altitude sickness is a real consideration on arrival.
- Going straight down to the Sacred Valley, around 2800 metres, is the standard advice for acclimatising, which is what the Ollantaytambo link supports.
- Collectivos and taxis crowd the terminal exit, and the shuttle is the structured alternative.
The shuttle
- Aeroexpreso runs a shuttle from Cusco's airport. Its stop, about 310 metres from the runway reference point, is named Aeropuerto del Cusco (Aeroexpreso - Cusco Airport Shuttle).
- The service lists Aeropuerto del Cusco, Cusco and Ollantaytambo among its points in the published data.
- A small number of trips appear, so this is a scheduled shuttle rather than a frequent service. Book or check before you land.
Why Ollantaytambo matters
- Ollantaytambo is where the trains to Machu Picchu leave from, in the Sacred Valley.
- A direct airport link means you can go straight there rather than staying in Cusco first.
- It is also lower, about 2800 metres against Cusco's 3400. Arriving from sea level, that difference is significant.
The altitude
- Cusco is at roughly 3400 metres. Flights arrive from Lima at sea level in about ninety minutes.
- Take the first day slowly. Altitude sickness affects a large share of arrivals regardless of fitness.
- Descending to the Sacred Valley on arrival and returning to Cusco later is the common strategy, and it is what the airport shuttle network is shaped around.
The airport
- It is inside the city, in San Sebastian, about 5 km from the Plaza de Armas.
- A replacement airport at Chinchero has been under construction for years, intended to take international flights.
- Almost all traffic today is domestic, principally from Lima.
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