Is Uber in Cusco Safe? Your 2025 Guide to Getting Around

You’ve just landed in the high altitude of Cusco, your gateway to Machu Picchu. Your phone is out, and the Uber app is open. But a question hits you: Is Uber in Cusco safe? The short answer is yes, Uber is generally a safe and reliable option in Cusco. However, using it effectively and safely requires a few key pieces of local knowledge that every traveler must know. This isn’t just a review; it’s your essential safety guide to navigating Cusco’s transportation scene.

Uber in Cusco: The Safety Advantages

Using Uber over hailing a random street taxi offers several built-in safety features:

• Driver & Vehicle Tracking: Every trip is logged. The app records the driver’s name, photo, license plate, and route. This accountability is a massive safety net.
• Upfront Pricing: The price is set before you get in. This eliminates haggling and «surprise» fares at the end of your journey, a common issue with unofficial taxis.
• Cash-Free Payments: Paying through the app means you don’t need to pull out your wallet, reducing the risk of theft or being short-changed.
• No Language Barrier: The app handles the destination details, so you don’t have to struggle with Spanish directions.

Essential Uber Safety Tips for Cusco

Even with a trusted app, situational awareness is key. Follow these tips for a flawless experience:

A. Verify Your Driver and Car Before Entering

This is the #1 rule. When your Uber arrives, double-check the license plate, car model, and driver’s photo on your app against the vehicle in front of you. Scammers may pretend to be your Uber driver.

B. Choose Your Pick-Up Location Wisely

Avoid having your driver stop in the middle of a busy, narrow street.

• Good Pick-Up Spots: Designated taxi areas, in front of well-known hotels, or on a calmer side street just off a main square.

• Bad Pick-Up Spots: The exact center of the Plaza de Armas during peak hours.

C. Be Prepared for «Cash-Only» Requests

A common quirk in Cusco is for Uber drivers to call or message you immediately after you book to ask if you can pay in cash. While this goes against Uber’s standard policy, it is widespread.

* Why it happens: Drivers often prefer to avoid Uber’s commission fees.

* What to do: You have two choices:

• • Politely insist on in-app payment. You are within your rights to do so.

  • Agree, but confirm the price. If you agree to pay cash, verbally confirm that the price will be the exact amount shown in the app. Get the cash ready in small bills.

D. Use the In-App Navigation

Keep an eye on the route on your own phone’s map. This ensures the driver is following the correct path and deters unnecessary long detours.

The Competition: Are Official Taxis Safe?

You’ll see countless taxis on the streets of Cusco. Their safety varies wildly.

• Safe Taxis: Look for official, licensed taxis. They are usually sedan cars (not hatchbacks) and have a solid colored seal on the windshield and license plates painted on the side.

• Unsafe Taxis: Unlicensed taxis are often older, unmarked hatchbacks. Avoid these. Drivers may overcharge significantly or take unsafe routes.

Pro Tip: Always negotiate and agree on a firm price before you get in a street taxi. Ask your hotel for fair price estimates to common destinations.

Uber vs. Taxi: When to Choose Which

Final Verdict: Is Uber in Cusco Safe?

Yes, Uber is a safe and recommended transportation option in Cusco. Its tracking, pricing, and payment features provide a significant safety advantage over unregulated street taxis.

Your best strategy is to be smart: use Uber for its safety features, but be prepared for local quirks like cash requests. For situations where Uber is inconvenient, use licensed taxis with pre-negotiated fares.

By staying aware and following these tips, you can navigate Cusco with confidence and focus on what really matters: exploring the incredible heart of the Inca Empire.