Flights to Cuzco, Peru
The best air routes to Machu Picchu and the Incan capital
With most major airlines tha fly to Peru stopping in Lima, a quick flight with a regional carrier is your best option for getting to the tourist center of Cuzco.
Cuzco, Peru is where many travelers to Peru fly to so they can see the famed ruins of Machu Picchu. No direct flights fly to Cuzco from international destinations, therefore all travelers flying into Peru have to go through Lima where they can catch any number of cheap daily flights to the Andean capital.
Cuzco flights are often canceled due to strong winds that make the aircrafts difficult to take off. Sometimes they are delayed and delayed all day long and finally canceled when night falls. Some airlines will put you up in a hotel, others will just tell you to come back the next day.
Airlines that fly to Cusco from Lima and a brief description of each:
LAN - LAN airlines has the most daily flights to Cusco from Lima by far.During the peak season of May to September LAN has as many as ten daily flights to Cusco and to Lima. Prices are generally higher, however, if a flight is canceled LAN will put you up in a hotel or put you on another flight with ease. Many travelers prefer to pay a bit more for that security. LAN also has flights from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, Puno (Juliaca), and Arequipa.
TACA - Taca has one daily flight that arrives from Lima and departs Cusco in the early morning. If leaving from Lima you will have to wake up at two or three in the morning to get to the airport early enough to make your 5am flight. Taca is known for overbooking their seats to Cusco, so it is best to arrive at the airport as early as you can. If they do overbook you, they will put you up in a hotel in Lima.
Aero Condor - Peruvian airline Aero Condor has three daily flights between Lima and Cusco, beginning at 5:45 am. Aero Condor also flies to Puno (Juliaca) and Puerto Maldonado from Cusco, so if you plan on visiting these destinations you may be able to save money on a combination ticket.
Star Peru - Star Peru has two daily flights to Cuzco from Lima at 5:50am and 9:15am.
Wayra Airlines - Low cost Peruvian airline Wayra Airlines no longer flies.
TANS - Tans was once the cheapest option the get to Cuzco, however, the airlines license was suspended in January of 2006.
Bus Travel to Cuzco, Peru
Many do arrive to Cuzco by bus and many companies operate out of the city. From Lima, a bus ride cost roughly the same price as a one way flight and takes about 24-30 hours. However, if traveling from Arequipa, Puno, Ayacucho, or the Nazca area, the travel times are quite quicker and it may be your best option of getting to Cuzco. Companies such as Ormeño or Cruz del Sur are your best option with the best buses.
