Flights to Machu Picchu
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on June 15, 2023 by James Bustamante
Flights to Machu Picchu (or, more precisely, Cusco) are among the more important items that all tourists traveling to Perú will need to book in advance.
Some of the items to check off the list would be the following:
Securing your Cusco Tours, Inca Trail passes, Machu Picchu reservations, and, of course, your Peru Flights.
Most people arriving in Peru need to know a few things. Among them is how to actually get to and join a Machu Picchu hike.
Well, first of all, you usually can’t fly there directly; you have to travel to Cusco from the nation’s capital known as Lima.
Booking Peru Flights
There are many travel-oriented search engines you can check, such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, Expedia, Kayak, and Easyjet are some of the most popular.
Experienced world travelers use these sites to search for good rates and schedules, eventually choosing a certain airline and rate.
Traveler’s Tip: After checking on these sites, make sure to book the actual flight directly on the airline website in case changes are needed or if there’s a problem and you need to talk to a person to sort it out.
You can, of course, just have one of our travel advisers take care of your domestic flights as well as the rest of your Peru tour package.
Sometimes having an integral solution to the entire planning phase can make the trip that much more enjoyable.
Flights to Machu Picchu: Airlines
If you want to check out what the available airlines are for the route Lima – Cusco Lima, check out the list below:
All airlines have several flights going to Cusco and back every day. Pricing for Flights to Machu Picchu (Cusco) can vary from $78/person to $250/person for the roundtrip service.
Pricing for flights to Machu Picchu will vary according to season, how far in advance flights are booked, and lastly availability.
First up, we have Latam Perú, formerly LAN Perú S.A., which has the most flights between Cusco and Lima and offers inflight entertainment, complimentary food and drink, and access to airport VIP lounges to make your next flight to Peru more enjoyable.
It is obviously the most well-known airline within the Peruvian territory as well as the most reliable.
A newish airline that has become quite popular is Viva Air. It offers similar services and has transported over half a million travelers over the last year. This airline is committed to giving customers a low-cost, personalized service.
One thing to note with these new low-cost options, they tend to be operated with an especially high emphasis on minimizing operating costs and without some of the traditional services and amenities provided in more traditional airlines.
Prices are based on these very services, so everything from how many bags you take to even checking in can have extra fees.
Once you reach Cusco Airport, you’ll notice that it only has 5 gates and a few off the main terminal. This airport is fairly small, but because it sees many flights and thousands of tourists a day, it has a good amount of facilities.
There are a few restaurants before and after security and some shops too. Massage facilities and communication services are also available.
There are a few ATMs in the check-in Area. If you have time, look across the parking lot for last-minute shopping.
Once in Cusco, Machu Picchu is merely a train ride away, but it can be a little complicated without the proper planning.
If you want a fully customized itinerary from a Peru-based Machu Picchu travel agency, then contact one of our travel advisers.
Additional Information About Flights to Machu Picchu
Nearly 100% of flights to Cusco will go through Lima first.
The nearest airport to Machu Picchu is located in the mountains in high altitude Cusco, Peru. (11,000 ft / 3350 m elevation). Although Cusco is considered an international airport, the majority of flights will come through Lima. Here’s why it matters:
- Getting to Cusco is a 2-day process for most visitors, and that increases the chances for exposure to flight delays and cancellations.
- Many flights from the US arrive late in the evening in Lima, and an overnight stay is needed. There is one hotel at the airport. Wyndham is an easy 5-minute walk from the terminal. Any other hotel you book will require transportation. Miraflores is at least a 45-minute drive each way. Hotels do not have free shuttles, and it’s best to arrange transportation with the hotel in advance. The average cost is $35 – $50 USD each way for small groups 2-4. More for larger groups.
- Cusco, Peru, is the gateway airport for 100% of all Machu Picchu visitors who arrive by air.
- Local domestic airline services can have issues with reliability due to weather, flight availability and the potential for mechanical problems.
- From Cusco, it’s another 5-6 hours by train and bus each way to get to Machu Picchu ruins.
Alternative Travel: Bus Ride From Lima to Cusco
The distance from Lima to Cusco is 694 mi (1117 km). You can go through them in 17-22 hours of travel on the highway.
Bus companies that cover this itinerary are Oltursa, Excluciva, Tepsa, Movil Tours, Wari Palomino, Civa, and Expreso Los Chankas; they suggest different prices on their bus tickets Lima – Cusco, which oscillate from s/.90 to s/.185. Buses leave from the terminals that are in the North, Centre and South of Lima.
The timetable for the buses goes from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. In Cusco City the terminals are located in the Terrapuerto of the city, next to the Vía Evitamiento, main road of the urban area.
If you want to know anything more about Peru, Cusco, and Machu Picchu Travel, check out the rest of our blog posts at Peru Travel Blog, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our special packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Machu Picchu
How long does it take to get to Machu Picchu?
Once in Cusco, the whole process will take about 3 to 4 hours.
How do you travel from Lima to Cusco?
The best way to get to Cusco would be in a flight from Lima. There is also the option of taking the bus, however, it is not recommended.
How long is the bus ride to Cusco?
The bus ride from Lima to Cusco can take over 20 hours.
How long is a flight from Lima to Cusco?
The flight to Cusco takes a little over an hour.
Will I get altitude sickness in Cusco?
This is a possibility, but you should be fine after a few days rest.
Which airline should I choose?
You should look for flights that fit your particular schedule. All domestic airlines use the same-sized planes, and the overall design will be the same. The service will also be quite similar in all options.
What if the flight is canceled?
The airline should either: accommodate you onto another later flight or give you a refund/voucher.
