One of the most common questions travelers ask when planning their trip is where to fly to reach Machu Picchu. The answer is simple: there is no airport next to the archaeological site. All flights arrive in Cusco, where you continue your journey by road and train.
In this guide, we’ll explain which routes and airlines serve Cusco, the status of the new Chinchero airport, how to get from the airport into the city, and what to consider when booking your flight for a more comfortable journey to Machu Picchu.
Cusco Airport: Your Gateway to Machu Picchu
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (airport code CUZ) is the only airport handling commercial flights in the region. It is located within the city, just a few miles from the historic center.
An Airport Right in the City
The airport is surrounded by mountains and sits at a high elevation, so weather affects flight operations. Many flights are scheduled in the morning, when conditions tend to be more stable.
What About Chinchero Airport?
The new Chinchero International Airport is under construction in Urubamba Province, at an elevation of 3,712 meters (12,178 feet) above sea level. It is intended to replace the current airport and accommodate longer-distance international flights, but construction has faced years of delays.
| Detail | Status in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Construction completion | Scheduled by Peru’s Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) for the second half of 2028 |
| Start of operations | Possibly in 2029, following a testing period |
| Planned capacity | Up to 12 million passengers per year |
In the meantime, all flights to Cusco continue to arrive at Velasco Astete Airport. If you’re traveling in 2026 or 2027, that will be your airport.
Flight Routes and Airlines Serving Cusco
The most popular route is Lima–Cusco, with nonstop flights taking approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART operate this route with numerous daily departures.
Domestic Flights
| From | Airlines |
|---|---|
| Lima | LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART |
| Arequipa | LATAM and JetSMART |
| Puerto Maldonado | LATAM and Sky Airline |
| Juliaca | LATAM |
| Ayacucho | LATAM |
Nonstop International Flights
| From | Airline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago, Chile | LATAM | Operating |
| Santiago, Chile | Sky Airline | Starting January 3, 2027 |
| Bogotá | Avianca | Operating |
| La Paz | Depending on the season | Operating |
| São Paulo | LATAM | Starting March 29, 2027 |
If You’re Traveling From Europe, North America, or Other Countries
The most common option is to fly into Lima first and then take a domestic flight to Cusco. Depending on your airline, you can also connect through Bogotá, Santiago, or, starting in 2027, São Paulo.
Allow Enough Time for Your Connection
If you’re arriving in Lima on an international flight, leave several hours between your arrival and your flight to Cusco. This gives you time to clear immigration, collect your luggage, and check it in again.
From Cusco Airport to Machu Picchu: The Rest of the Journey
Landing in Cusco is just the first leg of your trip. From the airport, you still need to get to your hotel and then make your way to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of the archaeological site.
From the Airport to Downtown Cusco
The drive takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic. You can use an authorized airport taxi, a ride-hailing app, or a transfer arranged by your travel agency.
From Cusco to Machu Picchu
| Route | Transportation | Approximate travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Cusco–Ollantaytambo | Bus or car through the Sacred Valley | 1 hr 30 min to 2 hr |
| Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes | Train | 1 hr 30 min |
| Aguas Calientes–Machu Picchu archaeological site | Bus | 25 to 30 min |
Can You Visit Machu Picchu on the Same Day You Land?
It’s possible if you arrive early, but it’s not recommended. You’ll go from sea level to more than 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) in a short period and then take several long transfers, which often leads to fatigue and discomfort.
An Alternative for Acclimatization
Many travelers head straight from the airport to the Sacred Valley, which is at a lower elevation than Cusco. They spend one or two nights there before taking the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Tips for Booking Your Flight to Cusco
Choosing the right flight date and departure time can make your entire Machu Picchu trip go more smoothly. These tips will help you plan.
When Choosing Your Flight
- Choose Morning Flights. They give you the rest of the day to rest and acclimatize.
- Book Early During Peak Season. Between June and August, and during celebrations such as Inti Raymi, fares increase and flights fill up.
- Check What’s Included in Your Fare. Some airlines charge extra for checked baggage on basic fares.
- Choose a Window Seat. On the flight from Lima, you may be able to see the Andes on clear days.
When You Arrive in Cusco
Your body needs time to adjust to the city’s elevation of 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level. Walk slowly, drink water, eat light meals on your first day, and avoid alcohol until you feel well.
Plan Your Entire Journey Together
If you want to start in the Sacred Valley, a Sacred Valley tour with a connection to Machu Picchu picks you up in Cusco and drops you off in Ollantaytambo to catch the train. If you’d rather not coordinate your train, bus, and admission ticket separately, a 2-day Machu Picchu tour organizes the entire trip starting from your arrival in Cusco.
Have a Backup Plan for Delays
Weather can sometimes delay or cancel flights to Cusco. Avoid booking your train to Aguas Calientes just a few hours after landing, and leave at least one overnight buffer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Direct Flights to Machu Picchu?
No. There is no airport at Machu Picchu. You must fly to Cusco and continue by bus and train to Aguas Calientes.
How Long Is the Flight From Lima to Cusco?
Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes on a nonstop flight.
Which Airlines Fly From Lima to Cusco?
LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART operate nonstop flights between the two cities.
Is Chinchero Airport Open Yet?
No. According to Peru’s Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), construction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2028, with operations beginning after a testing period.
Can I Fly Directly to Cusco From Another Country?
Yes, from cities such as Santiago, Chile, and Bogotá. A nonstop route from São Paulo is scheduled to begin in 2027.
