Best airports and flights for reaching Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the most remarkable historic sites in South America. Set high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, this 15th-century Inca citadel attracts travellers keen to explore its impressive stonework, sweeping views of the Sacred Valley, and rich cultural history. The “Lost City of the Incas” has earned it the title of one of the Seven Wonders of the World and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One common question travellers ask is: Where do you fly to to reach Machu Picchu?
With no direct airport to Machu Picchu, getting to this destination involves a few steps. Most international travellers fly into Lima first, then take one of the many domestic flights to Cusco, the nearest city to Machu Picchu. From Cusco to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), visitors can take the train with Peru Rail or Inca Rail, known for their panoramic windows, or opt for hiking the Inca Trail. The rainy season (November to March) can affect travel plans, while the dry months (April to October) tend to be busier. Planning is essential to ensure a smooth and memorable visit to this iconic archaeological site.
Here’s everything you need to know to get there smoothly. Please also feel free to schedule a call with one of our helpful staff. We would love to guide and assist you in planning your adventure.
Where do you fly to go to Machu Picchu?
You cannot fly directly to Machu Picchu. The closest city to Machu Picchu with an airport is Cusco, about 75 kilometres away. The airport is named Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) and is the most practical gateway for travellers headed to the site. Consequently, depending on where you’re flying from, you’ll likely need to pencil in a layover in Bogota, Colombia, which also makes for an excellent stop-and-visit if you have the time. But you can’t reach Cusco directly from most international destinations, so your journey will likely begin at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, the capital of Peru.
Here is how the flight and travel sequence typically goes:
- First, fly to Lima (LIM), the capital of Peru
- From Lima, you will take a domestic flight to Cusco (CUZ), a high-altitude city nestled in a mountain valley 3.4 kilometres above sea level. Cusco is considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas.
- Ground or rail transport from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), a small town set at the foot of the famous heritage site
- Bus or hike to the Machu Picchu entrance
The closest airports are in Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, and Puerto Maldonado.
Let’s break it down:
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) – Lima
Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima is Peru’s busiest airport. It’s where most international travellers land. Major airlines from North America, Europe, and other parts of South America offer direct flights here. From Lima, you need to catch a domestic flight to Cusco. Several local airlines fly this route daily, including LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSmart. Flights are short, just over an hour, and frequent.
Why choose Lima?
- Best international connectivity
- Reliable infrastructure and plenty of amenities
- You can explore the capital if you have a layover
This airport is the most common entry point for travellers heading to Machu Picchu.
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) – Cusco
Cusco’s airport is the closest airport to Machu Picchu, and the one you’ll fly into from Lima. Though it’s called an international airport, it mainly handles domestic flights due to its altitude and runway limitations. Located at 3,400 metres above sea level, Cusco is also a great place to acclimatise before heading to Machu Picchu. You should spend a couple of days here to help your body adjust to the altitude. The high elevation of Cusco and Machu Picchu can lead to altitude sickness, with symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Acclimatising properly is essential before hiking the Inca Trail or exploring the Sacred Valley. To avoid discomfort and fully enjoy your visit to Machu Picchu, arrive in Cusco a few days in advance, stay well hydrated, and ease into activities with light walks around town. Preparing for the altitude helps ensure a safer, more enjoyable trekking experience in this iconic region of Peru.
Other regional airports
While Lima and Cusco are the primary airports to consider, a few others could fit into your broader travel plan:
Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (Arequipa)
Located in southern Peru, Arequipa is known for its beautiful colonial architecture and the nearby Colca Canyon. You can fly here from Lima and then take a connecting flight to Cusco. It’s a good option if you want to explore more of Peru before visiting Machu Picchu.
Padre Aldamiz International Airport (Puerto Maldonado)
This airport serves the Amazon Basin and is ideal if you’re combining your Machu Picchu trip with a jungle adventure. You can fly here from Lima or Cusco, and then fly or take a boat back to Cusco.
A man in traditional wear poses for a photo in Cusco.
From Cusco to Aguas Calientes
Once in Cusco, you have a few options to reach Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu:
- By train: The most popular and scenic option. Trains leave from Poroy or Ollantaytambo. The journey takes around 3.5 hours and follows the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley.
- PeruRail and Inca Rail operate daily services.
- Trains have panoramic windows for viewing the stunning landscape. Unfortunately, there is no train service offered to Machu Picchu from Lima.
- By car and bus: You can take a car or bus to Ollantaytambo and board the train from there. Alternatively, for those who enjoy scenic routes, rental cars or long-distance buses are available from Lima to Cusco, though be aware that the journey can take upwards of 20 hours due to the mountainous terrain. Major rental car companies are available in Peru. Bus companies, like Cruz del Sur, Civa and Bolivia Hop, offer comfortable bus services with reclining seats and meal services.
- By trek: The adventurous can hike the Inca Trail, which takes four days and ends at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate.
If you're wondering about the best way to go to Machu Picchu, it depends on your preference for comfort, time, and fitness level. The train is the easiest, but hiking offers a rewarding experience.
Closest town to Machu Picchu
As mentioned earlier, the closest town to the site is Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. It is a small town fully geared towards tourism and only accessible by train or on foot. There are no roads leading in or out. Once in Aguas Calientes, you can either:
- Take a 30-minute bus ride up to the ruins
- Hike for about 1.5 hours up a marked trail through the jungle
Aguas Calientes has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. You can enjoy hot springs, waterfalls, and beautiful scenery while preparing for your visit to the site.
Tips for visiting Machu Picchu
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your trip:
- Book early: Entry tickets to Machu Picchu are limited and must be booked in advance. This also applies to Inca Trail permits.
- Acclimatise in Cusco: Spend at least two days in Cusco to help your body adjust to the altitude.
- Pack light but smart: Weather in the Andes can change quickly. Bring layers and waterproof gear.
- Avoid the rainy season: The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, from May to September.
- Choose your route wisely: The classic Inca Trail offers a unique trekking experience, but there are also great alternatives like the Salkantay Trek and Lares Trek, which do not require permits.
- Many visitors also combine their Machu Picchu trip with a hike to Rainbow Mountain, another stunning natural wonder in the Andes.
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So, where do you fly to for Machu Picchu? The most common route is to fly into Lima, then catch a domestic flight to Cusco, and travel by train or trek to Aguas Calientes before visiting the ancient citadel. Though the journey requires several stages, each one offers its own scenic and cultural highlights.
If you’re asking where to fly to get to Machu Picchu or looking for the best way to go to Machu Picchu, the answer lies in your travel preferences. Whether you love the comfort of a train or the adventure of a multi-day hike, the route to Machu Picchu is part of the adventure itself.
For expert help planning your journey, get in touch with our Follow Alice tour operators. We offer fully guided Inca Trail treks, support with flights and accommodation, and all the insider knowledge you need for a smooth and unforgettable experience.
