How to get to Cusco: flights, airport and arrival tips
Almost every Cusco trip starts the same way — a short, scenic flight over the Andes from Lima. Here is how to get here smoothly, and how to handle that first day at altitude so your trip starts well.
By air (the usual way)
Most travelers fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete airport (CUZ) from Lima — about a 1 hour 20 minute flight, with frequent daily departures. There are also direct flights from some other Peruvian and regional cities.
Cusco’s mountain weather can disrupt afternoon flights. Morning departures are more reliable and give you the rest of the day to settle in gently.
By land
Comfortable tourist buses connect Cusco with Puno (Lake Titicaca), Arequipa and Lima, often with sightseeing stops. There is also a scenic (and pricey) train between Cusco and Puno. These routes have the bonus of gradual altitude gain.
Your first hours at altitude
Cusco is at 3,400 m, so take it easy on arrival — rest, hydrate, eat light, and save the big activities for day two or three. Read our altitude guide. If you can, spend your first nights lower in the Sacred Valley.
Arriving soon?
We can arrange transfers and build your trip from day one.
Getting to Cusco by air
The fastest and most popular way to reach Cusco is by air into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). Frequent daily flights connect from Lima (about 1 hour 20 minutes), with additional routes from Arequipa, Juliaca, La Paz and seasonal international services. Most travellers fly via Lima.
| Route | Approx. flight time |
|---|---|
| Lima → Cusco | ~1h 20m |
| Arequipa → Cusco | ~1h |
| La Paz → Cusco | ~1h (seasonal/limited) |
Getting to Cusco overland
Long-distance buses reach Cusco from across Peru — Lima (a long ~20+ hours), Arequipa (~10 hours) and Puno (~6–7 hours), among others. The Puno route is scenic and popular as part of a Lake Titicaca trip. There is also a luxury train between Cusco and Puno for travellers who want a memorable journey. Buses are economical but slow; flying saves a day or more.
Altitude on arrival: the key tip
Flying straight into Cusco means going from sea level (Lima) to 3,400 m in under 90 minutes — a big jump. Take your first day very easy: rest, hydrate, drink coca tea, eat light and avoid alcohol. Some travellers deliberately start lower in the Sacred Valley (around 2,800 m) to acclimatize more gently. Read our altitude guide before you fly, and arrange airport pickup so your first hours are stress-free.
Frequently asked questions
Most people fly from Lima to Cusco (about 1 hour 20 minutes). You can also arrive by tourist bus or train from Puno, Arequipa or Lima.
Roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes, with frequent daily flights, mostly in the morning when mountain weather is most reliable.
It is not essential, but a night in Lima can make for an easier morning flight and a gentler start. Many travelers fly straight to Cusco and rest on arrival.
