How to Get to Cusco. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

Information on main airports and carriers.

Flight Details

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ): Main airport for Cusco. Mostly handles domestic flights. International flights from neighboring countries are few.
Domestic Airlines: LATAM Airlines Peru, Sky Airline Peru, JetSmart Peru are major carriers. The most frequent route links Lima (LIM) to Cusco (CUZ), taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
International Connections: Direct flights from global hubs do not get to Cusco. Most travelers from abroad fly into Lima (LIM) first, then connect to Cusco.

Seasonal Flights & Airport Facilities

Seasonal access and airport services.

Airport Services

High Season (June-August): Flights to Cusco are more expensive and book quickly. Book well in advance. Shoulder Seasons (April-May, September-October): Prices are generally more reasonable. Low Season (November-March): Lowest prices, higher chance of rain.
CUZ is a smaller, modern airport. It contains ATMs, currency exchange, shops, cafes, and car rental desks. Arrive no later THAN 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights; security lines can be long.
Booking flights 2-4 months ahead is advised for the best prices, especially for the Lima-Cusco segment.

Airport Taxi

Most common and convenient option. Pre-pay inside the terminal or negotiate a fare with drivers outside.

Ride-sharing Apps

Didi and Uber are available and often slightly cheaper than official cabs. Confirm details before entering.

Colectivos/Minivans

Cheaper shared vans from just outside the airport. They take passengers to specific city points.

Airport Transfer Options

Taxi & Ride-Sharing

Taxi: Most common. Official airport taxis are available; pre-pay inside the terminal or negotiate a fare with drivers outside. A lift to the city center takes 15-25 minutes and costs S/15-25. Always agree on the fare beforehand.
Ride-sharing Apps (Didi/Uber): These services are available and often slightly cheaper than official cabs. Confirm the driver and vehicle details match the app's information before getting in.
Pre-pre-arranged Transfers: Many hotels offer airport pick-up services, often for a fee. This might be convenient, especially for first-time visitors or late-night arrivals.
Colectivos/Minivans: Cheaper shared vans operate from just outside the airport. They take passengers to specific points in the city. This option suits budget travelers familiar with the area.

Flight Deals & VPN Services

Flight Deals: Check Dollar Flight Club for discounted airfares.
Flight Comparison: Use Skyscanner to compare flight prices through different airlines and find the best deals.
VPN Services: NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer secure internet access, especially useful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks during travel.
eSIMs: Airalo offers eSIMs for convenient mobile data plans abroad.

Travel Insurance & Flight Compensation

World Nomads

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SafetyWing

Insurance designed for digital nomads and remote teams, providing flexibility and comprehensive coverage. Check out SafetyWing.

AirHelp

Assists passengers in receiving as much AS €600 in money for delayed or canceled flights. (15-16.6% commission, 4FIVE days cookie). Visit AirHelp.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Explore train services for scenic journeys.

Train Services

PeruRail: Operates routes from Poroy (not far by car from Cusco) and Ollantaytambo to The Town at the base of machu picchu (The Lost city of the incas Pueblo), the closest town to The Lost city of the incas. They offer various service levels.
Inca Rail: Also operates from Ollantaytambo (and some amenities from Cusco/Poroy) to Aguas Calientes. They provide different classes of service.
Andean Explorer (Belmond): This is a luxury overnight train service between Cusco and Puno (Lake Titicaca), offering a scenic and comfortable journey.

Long-Distance Buses

Options for travel between cities by bus.

Bus Routes

Bus Terminal Terrestre de Cusco: Main terminal for long-long-haul buses. Major companies: Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Civa, and Tepsa. They provide different classes of service, including Cama (full recline seats).
Lima to Cusco: This is a long journey, typically 20-24 hours. It is usually not recommended due to safety concerns on serpentine mountain roads and the rapid altitude change. Flying is a more secure and quicker option.
Puno (The Birthplace of the sun) to Cusco: This route takes approximately 6-8 hours. It is a popular route, and many tourist buses offer stops at archaeological sites along the way (often called the "Ruta del Sol" or "Sun Route").

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Driving within Cusco and Peru has challenges. Expect aggressive drivers, varied road conditions outside major highways, a lack of clear signage, and complex city traffic. For most travelers, relying on taxis, buses, or organized tours is a more practical approach.

Driving Advisories

Not Recommended: Self-driving within Cusco is generally not advised for tourists on account of traffic and road conditions.
Requirements: If you drive, an International Driving Permit (IDP) and your home country's driver's license are necessary. DiscoverCars.com offers competitive rates.
Road Conditions: Main roads are generally paved but it's possible to be winding. Secondary roads might be unpaved.

Road Safety & Border Crossings

Important information for road safety and regional travel.

Safety & Crossings

Safety: Night driving in the countryside is strongly discouraged. Hazards include poor lighting, livestock on roads, and potential road issues.
Border Crossings: Not directly relevant for Cusco. If overland travel to Bolivia (e.g., Puno to Chuqi Yapu), border crossings are at Desaguadero or Kasani. Passport and proof of onward travel are necessary.
Car Rental: Major international agencies have limited existence in Cusco. Most car hire is initiated from Lima.

Travel Advisories

Lima to Cusco by bus is generally not recommended due to long journey and altitude changes.
Self-driving in Cusco city traffic or on curvy mountain roads can be challenging and risky.
Night driving in the countryside is discouraged due to safety concerns.

Always confirm driver and vehicle details match ride-sharing app info.
Be aware of limited baggage space on some train services to The Lost city of the incas.
Check for eveningst street conditions and advisories, especially during the wet season.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Departure details and when to gos.

Departure Info

Exit Fees: No specific departure tax for international flights is usually charged separately; it is included in your airfare.
Departure Procedures: For flights from Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ), arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before departure. Security lines can be long. For trains from Poroy or Ollantaytambo, arrive at least HALF an hour before departure. Have your ticket and passport.
Amenities At the airport/station: CUZ offers basic facilities: check-in, security, waiting areas, small shops/cafes. Train stations feature waiting areas, restrooms, plus boutiques.

Border Crossings Regional

This section is not directly relevant for Cusco itself, as it is a city not on the coast. If you plan overland travel to or from Bolivia (e.g., from Puno to Chuqi Yapu), border crossings are at Desaguadero or Kasani. A valid passport and proof of onward travel are necessary.

Crossing Details

Passport Control: Present a passport that is not expired and any necessary visas.
Entry/Exit Stamps: Ensure you get appropriate stamps for Peru and the next country.
Customs Check: Be aware of customs regulations for both countries.

Confirm Bookings

Double-check flight/train times and departure gates.

Secure Valuables

Keep valuables secure and accessible for easy check-in.

Arrive Early

Arrive with plenty of time to account for unforeseen delays.

Final Departure Check

Passport & Documents

Ensure all documents are readily available.

Checklist

Passport validity (6+ months).
Flight/train tickets.
Immigration Card (TAM).

Travel Advisories & Health

Look for any last-minute travel advisories or changes.

Health & Safety Reminders

Check for updated travel advisories.
Confirm any health requirements for your next destination.
Ensure your travel insurance is still active.

Departure Logistics

Airport Check-in

Arrive early, particularly during rush hour, to account for security lines and check-in queues.

Luggage Limits

Be aware of baggage allowances for your flight or train. Overages may incur extra fees.

Ground Transport to Airport/Station

Pre-book a taxi ride or use a ride-sharing application to ensure timely arrival.

Final Check for Departure

Confirm all documents are readily available. Look for any last-minute travel advisories or changes to schedules.

How to Get to Cusco