Getting There & Away: Cuzco

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 arrive in Cusco. Most international travelers fly into Lima (LIM) first, then connect to Cusco.

Seasonal Flights & Airport Facilities

Seasonal availability 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 includes ATMs, currency exchange, shops, cafes, and car rental desks. Arrive at least 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 taxis. 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 ride 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 taxis. Confirm the driver and vehicle details match the app's information before getting in.
Pre-arranged Transfers: Many hotels offer airport pick-up services, often for a fee. This can 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 across various 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 data plans abroad.

Travel Insurance & Flight Compensation

World Nomads

Specializes in travel insurance for adventurous travelers. A solid choice for active trips. Visit World Nomads.

SafetyWing

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

AirHelp

Assists passengers in receiving up to €600 in compensation for delayed or canceled flights. (15-16.6% commission, 45 days cookie). Visit AirHelp.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Explore train services for scenic journeys.

Train Services

PeruRail: Operates routes from Poroy (a short drive from Cusco) and Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), the closest town to Machu Picchu. They offer various service levels.
Inca Rail: Also operates from Ollantaytambo (and some services 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 intercity travel by bus.

Bus Routes

Bus Terminal Terrestre de Cusco: Main terminal for long-distance buses. Major companies: Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, Civa, and Tepsa. They offer various classes of service, including Cama (full recline seats).
Lima to Cusco: This is a long journey, typically 20-24 hours. It is generally not recommended due to safety concerns on winding mountain roads and the rapid altitude change. Flying is a safer and quicker option.
Puno (Lake Titicaca) 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 in Cusco and Peru presents challenges. Expect aggressive drivers, varied road conditions outside major highways, a lack of clear signage, and complex city traffic. For most visitors, relying on taxis, buses, or organized tours is a more practical approach.

Driving Advisories

Not Recommended: Self-driving in Cusco is generally not advised for tourists due to 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 can be winding. Secondary roads might be unpaved.

Road Safety & Border Crossings

Important information for road safety and regional travel.

Safety & Crossings

Safety: Night driving outside urban areas 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 La Paz), border crossings are at Desaguadero or Kasani. Passport and proof of onward travel are necessary.
Car Rental: Major international agencies have limited presence in Cusco. Most car rentals are 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 winding mountain roads can be challenging and risky.
Night driving outside urban areas 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 Machu Picchu.
Check for latest road conditions and advisories, especially during the wet season.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Departure details and timings.

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 30 minutes before departure. Have your ticket and passport.
Airport/Station Facilities: CUZ offers basic facilities: check-in, security, waiting areas, small shops/cafes. Train stations feature waiting areas, restrooms, and small shops.

Border Crossings Regional

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

Crossing Details

Passport Control: Present valid passport 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 ample 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

Check 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, especially during peak hours, 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 or use a ride-sharing app to ensure timely arrival.

Final Check for Departure

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

Getting There & Away