You’re pumped about visiting Peru and ticking Machu Picchu off your bucket list. Still, the question of how to get to Cusco, an obligatory transit point en route to the Inca-built wonder, weighs heavy in your trip planning agenda. What are all the options? What’s the best choice for me, my family, and my friends?
The international airport in Cusco receives a handful of flights from Bolivia and Colombia, but it is small and not equipped to handle large aircraft. For this reason, many travelers coming from abroad fly to the capital of Lima first, go through customs and immigration, and then catch a shorter 1-hour 30-minute flight to Cusco.
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
Staying at a hotel near the Lima airport has many benefits if you have an overnight connection with a morning flight to Cusco the next day. You may think you can wait out your layover at the airport, but as frequent travelers ourselves, we know for a fact that having a comfortable room to sleep in takes away a lot of stress and makes the following day a whole lot more fun.
Here are Lima airport hotels we recommend:
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Our travel advisors suggest LATAM for flights between Lima and Cusco and other destinations in Peru. While LATAM fare is generally more pricey than competitors, the airline has the best on-time flight record and the highest number of 20 plus daily departures to Cusco. Flying LATAM to and from Cusco is even more desirable during the rainy season in the Andes (from December to March) when flight delays and cancellations are more likely because the airline offers the most flexibility with last-minute changes.
Cusco Tours:
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (airport code: CUZ) is the only airport in Cusco. A handful of transport options from the airport include negotiating a ride with an airport taxi driver or taking a public bus outside the terminal.
If you’re traveling with Peru for Less, our representative will greet you at the airport and accompany you for the hassle-free transfer to your hotel in Cusco. Transfers to hotels in the historic center usually take 25 to 30 minutes. Sometimes a festival or procession in town results in closed streets and more traffic, in which case our company driver will work out the best alternate route to your hotel.
PeruRail operates long-distance railway travel connecting Cusco with Arequipa and Lake Titicaca (Puno). Classic train cars reminiscent of early 20th-century rail travel, scenic views, gourmet meals, and live music are part of this luxurious experience.
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Photo from PeruRail
The Andean Explorer is a luxury, multiday train experience. By day, admire the scenery of Peru’s southern highlands aboard the train and visit destination attractions at each stop. The high-end amenities and services ensure an unforgettable railway trip! Mingle in the Piano Bar Car, savor freshly prepared meals in the Dining Car, or relax in the Observation Car. Spend each night on the Andean Explorer in an en suite cabin.
The Andean Explorer operates four routes:
*Please note that there are limited weekly departures from each destination.
Route: Peruvian Highlands
Route: Andean Plains & Islands of Discovery
Route: Spirit of the Water
Route: Spirit of the Andes
The PeruRail Titicaca is a luxury, full-day train journey that runs to and from Cusco and Lake Titicaca. Live music plays in the background at the train station. Once aboard, enjoy a 3-course gourmet lunch, afternoon tea, and an Andean-inspired dance and musical performance. The Titicaca Train makes one stop along the route at the Andean market of La Raya.
* Please note that the Titicaca Train has limited departures from Cusco and Puno each week. There are no departures on Tuesdays.
Route: Cusco to Lake Titicaca
Route: Lake Titicaca to Cusco
The issue of long-distance bus travel in Peru’s Andean region is the curvy roads and the ups and downs that add significant time to a journey that looks much shorter on Google Maps. A direct bus from Lima to Cusco takes a whopping 21 hours or more! For this reason, many travelers reason it’s worth flying to Cusco instead of taking the bus. Flight prices can be quite a bargain when you factor in the time saved in traveling between distances.
Still, if you are on a tight budget or have a more open backpacker’s schedule, then busing long distances in Peru might be for you. Reputable bus companies like Cruz del Sur, Civa, Ormeño, and Oltursa offer upgraded seat options that make a trip pretty comfy without breaking the bank. Think reclinable seats, air-conditioning, some foodservice onboard, and individual entertainment screens.
Photo from Cusela
Cusela offers comfortable bus transport with guided sightseeing between Puno and Cusco (and vice versa). The experience gets high marks from Peru for Less travelers. Flying between these destinations is generally around the same cost as booking the Cusela Bus, with the latter option including the bonus of visiting attractions like the Raqchi archeological complex and stunning San Pedro Apostol de Andahuaylillas Church.
Our team crafted a trip to Peru for Patricia H., who gave Cusela rave reviews: “Another highlight for me was the bus ride from Cusco to Puno. Our guide on that trip was excellent, and the five stops unexpectedly amazing. We were blown away by Raqchi and would never have known anything about it if we had not taken the bus trip. Even the trip through Juliaca was interesting. Our first stop at the Iglesia de San Pedro Apostol was also incredible.”
There are endless Inca attractions and cultural gems to discover in Cusco and Machu Picchu! Let our team of experts at Peru for Less help you! Talk to a Travel Advisor today.
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