Cusco’s Main Airport

Cusco’s Main Airport, officially known as the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), is located in the city of Cusco, which is situated in the Andes Mountains of southeastern Peru. The airport is named after Alejandro Velasco Astete, a Peruvian pilot who was the first to cross the Andes Mountains by air in 1925.

The airport serves as the main gateway to the historical city of Cusco, which was once the capital of the Inca Empire, and is now a popular tourist destination. In recent years, Cusco Airport has seen a significant increase in passenger traffic, thanks to the growing popularity of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited tourist attractions in South America.

Cusco’s Main Airport has a single terminal building, which offers a range of services and amenities for travelers, including restaurants, cafes, shops, currency exchange, and ATMs. The airport is served by several airlines, both domestic and international, and offers direct flights to and from major cities in South America, as well as a few destinations in North America.

Things to Know

• The airport is located 5.5 km (3.4 miles) from the Main Square of Cusco City. The journey time is 20 minutes approximately by taxi.
• Cusco airport is located in the city, surrounded by several neighborhoods.
• It measures around 3.4 km in length, this is the number one and only runway. There is an airport control tower and wind direction indicator as well as DME radio telemetry equipment and locator.
• Landing and taking off in Cusco is spectacular but not for the faint-hearted as it is ranked one of the 20 highest airports in the world.
• Weather conditions: The airport is located in the Andes Mountains, so weather conditions can be unpredictable, particularly during the rainy season (November to April). Flights may be delayed or canceled due to weather, so it’s important to check with your airline before arriving at the airport.
• The airport in Cusco is basically a nice-weather-only airport. If the cloud cover is less than 3,800 feet above the airport, planes cannot land.
• When the winds are blowing strong and the sky gets stormy, unfortunately, you are about to miss your next flight to Lima. On the contrary, if flying from Lima to Cusco, passengers will be taken to the nearest airport in Arequipa. If the weather persists badly, the plane will get back to Lima. (most airliners are limited to 10 -15 mph tailwinds on take-off).

Cusco Airport to Main Square: A Guide to Transportation and Transit Options

• Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal. It’s important to negotiate the fare beforehand and ensure that the driver is licensed and has a valid identification card. The taxi ride from the airport to the main square takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Private transfer: Private transfers can be arranged beforehand through your hotel or a local tour operator. This option is more expensive than a taxi, but it provides a more comfortable and secure ride.
• Public bus: There are several public buses that operate between the airport and the main square. This option is the least expensive, but it can be crowded and uncomfortable, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

It’s important to note that traffic in Cusco can be heavy and congested, especially during peak hours, so it’s recommended to allow plenty of time for transportation. Additionally, it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings and exercise caution when using public transportation.