Flying into Cusco for the first time was one of the most exciting trips of my adult life. It was my first time in Peru, and I was on my way to see Machu Picchu, a place I’d had on my bucket list for years. Let’s just say the magic of the Sacred Valley got to me and I plan to go back every chance I get.
If you do the same, the Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport (CUZ) will be your jumping-off point before getting to Machu Picchu. It’s the second-busiest airport in Peru but relatively easy to navigate as long as you have patience and take your time.
Next time you’re heading to Cusco, the following tips and tricks will help ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.
Arriving at CUZ
Cusco sits at about 11,000 feet, and that altitude can take even seasoned travelers by surprise. The change can result in altitude sickness, even compared to neighboring Lima, so you’ll want to take it slow when navigating CUZ.
I’ve been to more than 50 countries, and I was still hit with nausea and a headache almost immediately upon arrival. It made getting through baggage claim and into a taxi somewhat tricky.
CUZ is the second-busiest airport in Peru after Lima but still relatively small for an international airport. Outside peak hours, retrieving luggage and clearing customs is quick and easy. Most travelers arrive on domestic flights and won’t deal with additional screening.
Getting to and from the airport by public transportation
CUZ is only about 4 miles southeast of the city center, which might tempt you to take public transit. Keep in mind that there are no busses that stop directly at the airport. If you want to catch a bus (locally known as combis), you’ll need to walk to the Pesca gas station nearby.
It’s also worth noting that the busses in this area (and in Cusco proper) do not run regularly and you might end up having to wait for quite a while for your bus to come. Unless you’re really trying to be frugal and make your money go as far as possible, I would recommend skipping public transportation this time around.
Getting to and from CUZ by car
The easiest way to get to and from CUZ is by taxi. You’ll want to take care to hire an official car rather than something unmarked.
Don’t accept a ride from anyone who approaches you with a deal and make sure the taxi you get into is marked with the company number illuminated on the roof of the car. Reputable brands that you’re likely to see are Aló Taxi or Okarina and both are fine.
Taxi fares are typically negotiated beforehand, so don’t worry when you don’t see a meter running. The ride to the city center usually takes about twenty minutes, depending on your hotel’s location, and the cost is reasonable.
Uber is also an option in Cusco. It’s usually a little more expensive than a local taxi, but the convenience of using the app might be worth the extra fee.
Security lines at CUZ
Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport is a small airport with one single terminal. This makes it the airport easy to navigate but can get hectic at security. Despite the small size, I recommend arriving at least 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours early for international flights to ensure you have plenty of time.
I’ve never had to wait more than 15 minutes to get through security but with multiple flights between Cusco and Lima each day in one single terminal, there’s always the chance of getting stuck behind multiple flights’ worth of travelers and having to rush to make it to your gate.
Free Wi-Fi at Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport
There’s no free airport-wide Wi-Fi at CUZ. I learned this the hard way when I left a bunch of work to do during my first long layover at this airport, which caused a lot of unnecessary stress. Don’t plan on getting important work done here.
If you do need access to Wi-Fi and don’t have an international roaming plan, you can access Wi-Fi at most of the cafes and restaurants within the airport. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi access at these establishments is not free, though. You’ll have to buy something to get the password, but even a simple coffee will do the trick.
Souvenir shopping at CUZ
Souvenir shopping at CUZ is limited, but I’ve scored great locally made products while waiting for flights to Lima. There are a couple of souvenir shops before security and a handful airside as well.
On my last trip, I found some beautiful alpaca scarves and artisan-made jewelry at a few of the shops, as well as much-appreciated local Peruvian altitude sickness pills made from a blend of herbs and spices.
The catch? The prices are definitely higher than what you’d find at the markets in Cusco’s city center. My advice is to do your main shopping in town, but if you forgot someone (oops), the airport shops are a solid backup.
Lounges at the airport
CUZ is small and not exactly comfortable. The seating is limited and if you do snag a seat, it’s barely more comfortable than sitting on the floor. If you want to escape the masses, try the Hanaq VIP Lounge Cusco, located airside on the 1st floor (after security, take the stairs to the 1st floor, and you’ll find it about 10 meters away on the right-hand side).
The lounge is only for domestic flights and is open from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm. You can access it up to 3 hours before your flight departs, and while your first alcoholic drink is on the house (one per adult), you’ll have to pay for any after that.
Honestly, you’re mostly paying for a more comfortable chair.
I usually love checking into a lounge but I didn’t find this one to be worth the additional fees, even as a Priority Pass member.
Service animal relief area
Traveling with a pup – whether a service animal or just a furry best friend – can be a lot of fun, but it might not be the best idea to bring an animal to Cusco. The elevated altitude can affect animals just like it can humans and your companion may find it uncomfortable or disorienting.
What’s more, there are no service animal relief areas at the Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport. If you do find yourself traveling with a pet, you’ll have to exit the airport and go outside in order for your pet to do their business.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
