Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is the main access point to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire and gateway to Machu Picchu. With more than three million passengers each year, it is the second-largest airport in Peru after Jorge Chávez Airport in Lima.
How to Get to Velasco Astete Airport
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is located in the Wanchaq district of Cusco, just four kilometers from the historic city center. Thanks to its convenient location, travelers can reach their hotels or the city’s tourist center via a 10- to 15-minute taxi or private shuttle ride.
At an elevation of 3,310 meters, the airport is one of the highest commercial airports in the world. This is an important detail, as many visitors may experience altitude sickness upon landing. Therefore, it is recommended that visitors hydrate, rest, and avoid strenuous physical activity during the first few hours in Cusco.
In terms of transportation, the airport offers several options. Official taxis are the safest and most reliable, offering fixed fares and direct service to the historic center for approximately 20 to 30 soles (US$5 to US$8). Another option is private or tourist transfers, which are offered by hotels and travel agencies. These are ideal for those seeking convenience or traveling in a group. You can also use apps like Uber or InDriver, although sometimes drivers cannot access the airport gates, so you may have to walk a few meters to find them. Finally, buses and vans run along the main avenue near the airport, but they do not enter the terminal. Therefore, they are not recommended for those arriving with luggage or seeking greater security.
Travel times are convenient. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the historic center and about an hour and a half to reach more distant places, such as Ollantaytambo (the departure point for the train to Machu Picchu) and the Sacred Valley (Urubamba).
In short, Velasco Astete Airport’s central location makes it easily accessible to tourists. However, this location also limits the airport’s ability to expand. This is why the new Chinchero International Airport is being built in the Sacred Valley.
Air connectivity is available at Velasco Astete Airport
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) is the gateway to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Although the airport is not very large, it has good connections that make traveling easy for all visitors.
Flights within Peru
Most tourists first arrive in Lima, where they then take a flight to Cusco. The Lima-Cusco route has the most frequent flights in the country, with departures ranging from early morning to late at night. This allows for great flexibility when planning your trip.
The airport also offers direct flights to other popular tourist destinations in Peru:
Arequipa, also known as the «White City,» is home to the Colca Canyon.
Puerto Maldonado is the gateway to the Amazon rainforest.
There are international flights at Velasco Astete Airport
Although Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is small and limited by its location within the city and its altitude, it provides travelers with convenient direct international connections to reach Cusco without going through Lima.
Currently, the airport has direct flights to Santiago, Chile; Bogotá, Colombia; La Paz, Bolivia. Airlines such as LATAM, Avianca and Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) operate these routes, offering travelers a variety of fare and schedule options.
The flight from Santiago, Chile, takes approximately three and a half hours, making it one of the most popular routes for tourists visiting both countries on the same trip.
The flight to Bogotá takes nearly four hours and is a key connection for visitors arriving from North America, Central America, or the Caribbean thanks to Bogotá’s role as an international hub.
The flight to La Paz takes just one hour and fifteen minutes, making it an excellent option for those wishing to visit Cusco and Lake Titicaca.
International flights to Cusco operate during the day and evening because the airport is closed at night. Although immigration and customs procedures are generally faster than at Lima’s airport, it is recommended to arrive three hours in advance for this type of trip. This improves the passenger experience.
During the high season (June to September), some airlines increase their flight frequencies or open new routes to accommodate the large number of tourists visiting Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Transportation options to and from the Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is located in Cusco, just four kilometers from the historic city center. Thanks to its ideal location, travelers can reach the Plaza de Armas or the city’s main hotels in just 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
There are several transportation alternatives for travelers:
Official airport taxis are the safest and most reliable option. They are available at authorized taxi stands inside the terminal. The fixed price to the historic center is usually between 25 and 35 soles (7 and 10 US dollars).
Mobility apps such as Uber, Cabify, and InDriver also operate in Cusco. Prices are generally lower, ranging from 15 to 25 soles. However, drivers sometimes prefer to pick up passengers at locations near the airport.
Many hotels, agencies, and tour operators offer private transfer services. This service is ideal for groups, families, or people with a lot of luggage. Prices vary, but usually range from 40 to 70 soles (12 to 20 USD) per vehicle.
Public transportation consists of vans and minibuses that pass near the airport and have very low fares (between one and two soles). However, they do not enter the terminal, have no luggage space, and are not recommended for newly arrived tourists.
In general, visitors are advised to take an official taxi or private transfer because they are safer and more comfortable. Those looking to save money can opt for ride-hailing apps as long as they have an internet connection.
It’s important to note that transfers can take longer than expected during peak travel times, so it’s best to leave for the airport well in advance.
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