
How to plan your flight to Machu Picchu like a pro
Discover the best airports and flights to reach Machu Picchu. Learn where to fly, how to get from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, and tips for planning your journey through Peru's Sacred Valley.
by Trisha Pillay
8 min read
Overview:
- Best airports and flights for reaching Machu Picchu
- Where do you fly to go to Machu Picchu?
- Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) – Lima
- Why choose Lima?
- Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) – Cusco
- Other regional airports
- Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (Arequipa)
- Padre Aldamiz International Airport (Puerto Maldonado)
- From Cusco to Aguas Calientes
- Closest town to Machu Picchu
- Tips for visiting Machu Picchu
Best airports and flights for reaching Machu Picchu
Where do you fly to go to Machu Picchu?
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
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) – Lima
Why choose Lima?
Best international connectivity Reliable infrastructure and plenty of amenities You can explore the capital if you have a layover
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) – Cusco
Other regional airports
Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (Arequipa)
Padre Aldamiz International Airport (Puerto Maldonado)

From Cusco to Aguas Calientes
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.
Closest town to Machu Picchu
Take a 30-minute bus ride up to the ruins Hike for about 1.5 hours up a marked trail through the jungle
Tips for visiting Machu Picchu
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.