Cusco, the imperial city, invites you to discover its cobblestone streets, vibrant markets, and the majesty of Machu Picchu. If you plan your trip to this magical destination, you may wonder how to get to Cusco.
This blog presents the various transportation options available so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. From planes that transport you in a matter of hours to buses that allow you to enjoy the Andean landscape, here you will find all the information you need to start your adventure.
By plane: the fastest way to get to Cusco
Do you prefer to arrive quickly? Then flying is the ideal option for you. Board a plane, and in just 1 hour and 30 minutes from the “Jorge Chavez” International Airport in the capital of Lima, Peru, to the city of Cusco, you will be landing at the international airport “Alejandro Velasco Astete,” located just 5 kilometers from the center of the city.
Requirements for your trip:
Visas:
- For citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, no visa is required to enter Peru.
- For citizens of other countries, a visa is required to enter Peru.
- To verify the specific visa requirements, consult the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: Tourist Visa Issuance.
- You can also contact the Peruvian embassy or consulate in your country of origin.
Passport:
- Have your passport with a minimum validity of 6 months during your trip.
- Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
- If your passport is about to expire, we recommend renewing it before your trip.
Are you from the United States, Australia, Canada, or the United Kingdom? You may be interested in this information:
- Citizens of these countries can enter Peru without a visa with their valid passports for a maximum of 183 days.
- Upon entering Peru, they will be granted an entry stamp in their passport.
- It is important to note that visa requirements may change at any time. We recommend you check for updated information before your trip.
Recommendations:
- Scan your passport and other important documents before your trip and keep a digital copy in a safe place.
- Take a printed copy of your passport and other essential documents with you.
- Remember to always carry your passport with you during your trip.
Recommendations for a pleasant trip:
- Book your flight in advance: Airline ticket prices vary considerably depending on the season and demand. Booking in advance will help you find better deals.
- Pack light: Remember that airlines have weight and size restrictions for luggage. Travel light to avoid additional charges.
- Please arrive at the airport in good time: It is advisable to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight to avoid any inconvenience.
How to fly from Lima to Cusco:
There are direct and daily flights if you decide to travel by plane. It is possible to get to Cusco by air; the trip from Lima to Cusco takes approximately one hour. The route is operated by the following airlines: Latam, Sky, and JetSmart. You can check flights at travel agencies or the airlines mentioned above. Look for flight deals in June, July, October, and November because these months usually have promotions or cheap flight deals.
Flights to Lima from abroad
Remember that travel time and cost may vary depending on the conditions and transportation options you choose.
Latin America:
- Airlines: Avianca, LATAM, Copa Airlines, Aeromexico, Sky Airline, Viva Air, Wingo and other airlines offer non-stop flights to Lima from cities such as Bogota, Rio de Janeiro, Quito, Mexico City, La Paz, Sao Paulo, Havana, Santiago, San Jose de Costa Rica, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Santo Domingo, Guayaquil, among others.
- Frequency: Flights are daily or with a frequency of several flights per week, depending on the route.
- Flight Duration: Between 4 and 8 hours, depending on the city of origin.
- Prices: Prices vary according to airline, season, and demand. You can find flights from USD 200 for a round trip.
Europe:
- Airlines: Iberia, Air France-KLM, Air Europa, Lufthansa, and other airlines offer direct flights to Lima from Madrid, Paris, and Amsterdam.
- Frequency: Flights are daily or with a frequency of several flights per week, depending on the route.
- Flight Duration: Between 10 and 12 hours, depending on the city of origin.
- Prices: Prices vary according to airline, season, and demand. You can find flights from USD 600 for a round trip.
Asia or Oceania:
- Airlines: There are no direct flights from Asia or Oceania to Peru. The leading airlines offering stopover flights are Air China, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Qantas.
- Stopover: The stopover is usually in the United States or Europe.
- Flight Duration: Between 20 and 24 hours, depending on the city of origin and stopover.
- Prices: vary according to airline, season, demand, and flight duration. You can find flights from USD 1000 for a round trip.
How to get to the city center from Cusco airport.
It had just landed in Cusco. How do you get to the city center? Don’t worry; there are options for all budgets and preferences!
Taxi: The most popular and fastest option. You will find an official taxi rank just outside the terminal. The fare to the historic center is around 15 PEN, but agree on the price with the cab driver before you get in. Some unofficial cab drivers in the parking area charge more (between 30 and 35 PEN), including the cost of parking.
Bus: You can take the public transportation company C4M (colored cherry with yellow) or Correcaminos (colored blue), which will take you to the San Pedro market for 1.00 PEN. You can take a cab or walk to the historic center from there.
Private transfer: If you prefer comfort and luxury, you can book a private transfer in advance. Prices vary according to the company and type of vehicle, but you can expect to pay around USD 25.
By bus: for the adventurous
Are you feeling the adventurous spirit knocking at your door? If you prefer a more complete and thrilling overland experience, the bus trip from Lima to Cusco is the ideal option. Let yourself be enveloped by the magic of the Peruvian landscapes as you travel more than 1000 kilometers on a trip that can last up to 23 hours.
Exploring the diversity of Peru:
Throughout your journey, be prepared to witness a gradual transformation of the landscape. This journey will allow you to discover Peru’s incredible natural and cultural diversity, from the arid coasts of Lima to the towering peaks of the Andes, passing through fertile valleys and picturesque villages.
Several ground transportation companies offer bus services with different amenities and routes, so you can find the one that best suits your needs. Cruz del Sur, Palomino, Oltursa, Excluciva, and Superciva are some of the most popular companies.
Charming routes:
- Direct route: The fastest option, with about 20 hours.
- Nazca Route: Enjoy the mysterious Nazca Lines and observe this enigmatic legacy from the air.
- Arequipa Route: Explore Arequipa’s “White City” and the impressive Colca Canyon.
Facing the Challenges:
Traveling by bus to Cusco is an adventure in itself and a test of endurance. The change in altitude and climate can be challenging, so it is essential to be prepared. However, the reward of arriving in Cusco and Machu Picchu after this journey is incomparable.
Recommendations for a memorable trip:
- Book in advance: Buses to Cusco are usually in high demand, especially in high season.
- Adequate luggage: Bring comfortable clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and snacks for the trip.
- Precautions: If you have health problems, consult your doctor before taking a long bus trip.
Arriving in Cusco from other cities in Peru and
Eager to discover the magic of Cusco? No matter your starting point, getting to the Imperial City is an adventure; explore your options.
From Arequipa
As you know, your two options are by air or by land. By air, the flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and you can find flights from 150 PEN depending on the month you buy your ticket.
By land, you have two options: Bus or train. The bus trip, the most economical option, takes 10 to 12 hours, and you can find tickets from 50 PEN. Your second option is by train on the “Belmond Andean Explorer,” an ideal option for those looking for freedom, flexibility, and adventure; enjoy a 2-day and 1-night trip through volcanic and altiplano landscapes, from USD 2,930 to USD 4,740 per person.
From Puno
Puno is located at a distance of approximately 386 kilometers from the city of Cusco. The main tourist attractions in the region are Taquile Island, the floating island of the Uros, and several villages located on the islands and around the great Lake Titicaca. The bus trip takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes. On average, it costs US$10 per person. Tickets can be obtained at the bus terminal in Puno.
Another option is via train on the “Belmond Andean Explorer.” A 1-day trip that allows you to see Lake Titicaca and rural communities. You can find tickets from USD 1,110 to USD 1,720 per person.
From Puerto Maldonado
This jungle town is approximately 477 kilometers from the city of Cusco. Tambopata, Lake Sandoval, and the Manu National Reserve are its most important tourist attractions. The bus trip costs around US$20. The route lasts approximately 9 hours and 40 minutes. In the city of Puerto Maldonado, you can get tickets for public transportation.
Arriving in Cusco from other South American countries
From Colombia
Traveling from Colombia to Cusco-Peru has two options: by air and by land. One of the fastest alternatives is by plane. With direct flights from cities such as Bogota, Medellin, and Cali, the approximate flight time is between 4 and 5 hours. Although this option offers speed and comfort, with onboard services and personalized attention, its cost is higher, starting at USD 200. The recommended airlines for this route are Avianca, LATAM, and Viva Air.
On the other hand, the bus is a more economical option to get to Cusco from Colombia. Although the trip can take 3 to 4 days from cities such as Bogota, Medellin, and Cali, with a price starting at USD 100, it is an alternative that allows you to enjoy the landscapes of the Andean region during the trip. Companies such as Expreso Bolivariano, Flota Magdalena, and Berlinas del Fonce are recommended for this type of trip. However, it is essential to remember that the bus trip can be long and tiring.
From La Paz-Bolivia
Several transportation options offer different experiences and considerations for traveling from Bolivia to Cusco-Peru. One alternative is the bus, the most economical option, with a duration between 24 and 30 hours and a cost of $30 USD. Companies such as Trans Titicaca, Bolivia Hop, and Peru Hop are recommended for this journey. Although it offers an economical option and the opportunity to enjoy varied landscapes and cultural experiences, the duration of the trip, comfort, and safety must be considered.
Another possibility is the train, which lasts approximately 10 hours and is priced at $110 USD. The “Belmond Andean Explorer” train is recommended for this route. This means of transportation offers breathtaking scenery, a luxurious experience, and greater comfort. However, its high price and less frequent departures are aspects to consider.
Finally, airplanes are the fastest option, with a flight time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and a price of USD 150. It is suggested to fly with airlines such as LATAM and Sky Airlines. Although it offers speed and comfort, the high price, less flexibility of schedules, and environmental impact are disadvantages to be considered.
From Santiago de Chile
Several transportation options offer different speeds, comfort, and cost levels to get from Santiago de Chile to Cusco, Peru. The fastest option is by plane, with direct flights from Santiago taking 3 to 4 hours and starting at USD 200. Airlines such as LATAM, Sky Airlines, and JetSMART are recommended for this route, offering advantages in terms of speed and comfort. However, it is essential to consider that the price of flights is high.
On the other hand, the bus represents an economical option to get to Cusco. Although the trip can be considerably longer, with a duration of 40 and 45 hours, the starting price is USD 100. Companies such as Turbus, Cruz del Sur, and Pullman Bus are recommended for this type of trip, highlighting the opportunity to enjoy the scenery. However, the long duration of the trip and the possible discomfort associated with bus travel should be considered. As for places of interest along the way, cities such as Valparaíso, La Serena, Arequipa, and Puno can be visited, enriching the travel experience.
Soroche or altitude sickness when arriving in Cusco
The invisible enemy: When arriving in cities or places of higher altitude, such as Cusco, we face an invisible enemy: the decrease of oxygen. Our body, accustomed to higher oxygen levels.
Levels experiences an imbalance that can result in the dreaded soroche or altitude sickness.
When does soroche manifest itself? According to experts, its effects can begin as early as 2,400 meters above sea level, but not all travelers experience it similarly.
Recognize the symptoms: The symptoms of soroche are generally easy to recognize and are usually mild, not requiring medical attention in most cases. Among them are:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness
- Lack of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Elevated heart rate
- Shortness of breath
Tips to combat soroche:
Food:
- Avoid overeating before traveling to an elevated location.
- Start eating dishes with carbohydrates and natural sugars two days before your trip.
Acclimatization:
- Rest upon arrival at your destination.
- Climb gradually, if possible.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for the first few days.
Remedies:
- Consume coca leaves, coca tea, or pills for soroche.
- Look for these options in stores, bars, or lodges in Cusco.
- You can also buy soroche pills at local pharmacies.
Hydration:
- Drink plenty of water. The altitude dries out the air, and your body needs more water to stay hydrated.
- Always carry a bottle of water with you and drink constantly.
NO Alcohol:
- Moderate or avoid alcohol consumption, as it dehydrates the body and worsens the symptoms of soroche.
Remember
- Soroche is a common and treatable condition.
- By following these tips, you can prevent or alleviate its symptoms and enjoy your trip to Cusco to the fullest.
- If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, consult a doctor.
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