Overall, Cusco is a safe and welcoming city. But like any popular tourist destination, it attracts people looking to take advantage of distracted travelers.
Your trip should be about excitement, not stress. This practical guide shows you where to pay attention so you can enjoy Cusco with peace of mind.
1. Taxis: agree on the fare first
Transportation is where tourists most often overpay or fall for scams.
The common mistake: getting into a taxi without agreeing on the fare, or using unlicensed taxis.
How to avoid it:
- Use apps or radio taxis. Choose ride-hailing apps or radio taxi services, which keep a record of the vehicle and the fare.
- Agree on the fare first. If you hail a taxi on the street, don’t count on a meter (they’re neither common nor reliable). Ask how much it costs to your destination and negotiate before you get in. A ride within the historic center shouldn’t cost more than S/ 5 or S/ 6.
2. ATMs and currency exchange
Handling money is always a weak spot.
The common mistake: exchanging large amounts on the street or using isolated ATMs at night.
How to avoid it:
- Safe ATMs. Always use ATMs inside banks, shopping malls or your hotel. Avoid the ones on the street or in poorly lit places.
- Formal exchange offices. In Cusco, the best exchange offices are on Avenida El Sol. The rates are competitive and the transaction is safe. Always check the bills you receive.
3. The “help” that distracts you
It’s a common trick in crowded places such as the San Pedro Market or the Plaza de Armas.
- How it works. Someone approaches you with a confusing question, asks for help with a map or “accidentally” stains your clothes. While you’re distracted by the “help,” an accomplice takes your belongings.
- How to avoid it. Be polite but firm. Never leave your backpack or bag unattended, even if someone tries to distract you. Carry your valuables in front of you and always close by.
4. Fake tickets and “friendly” guides
Watch out for last-minute offers on the street.
- The risk. Buying Machu Picchu tickets or Cusco tourist bus tickets from street vendors. They may be fake or not include the services promised.
- How to avoid it. Buy tours and tickets only from formal, registered agencies, or directly at the official government offices.
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Fewer risks with an agency
When you book your tours with Tari Tours, you take the risk out of the logistics: safe, licensed transportation, certified guides and genuine tickets.
Want to get around Cusco without worries?
We’re a local agency in Cusco, registered with MINCETUR since 2003, with English-speaking guides. We arrange transfers, tours and tickets with licensed transportation, so you can focus on your trip.