Cusco's airport is only a few kilometres from the historic centre, so the ride into town is short, normally 15 to 30 minutes. The real challenge is the altitude: you land at about 3,400 m, often within a couple of hours of leaving sea level. Plan an easy first day, use an official taxi or a pre-booked transfer, and consider heading straight to the lower Sacred Valley.
From the airport to the centre
The airport lies on the edge of the city, and most hotels in the historic centre are a short drive away. Official taxis have fixed rates posted at the counter or agreed before leaving. Hotels will usually send a driver if you ask, and many accommodation providers include this in the booking. Ride-hailing apps are used in Cusco, though pick-up rules at the airport vary.
Avoid unsolicited offers inside the terminal. Taxi fares in town are low compared with those in many countries, but they are not metered, so agree the amount first. For the basics, see taxis and ride-hailing, and for the layout of the historic centre, Cusco.
Going straight to the Sacred Valley
Many visitors do not stay in Cusco at all on arrival. The Sacred Valley towns, such as Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, are several hundred metres lower, which makes the first nights easier. The drive from the airport to the valley goes up over the Chinchero plateau, then descends, and takes roughly an hour and a half to two hours, depending on the town. A pre-booked car makes sense, because your luggage and your tiredness are both at their highest when you land.
For the other ways to make the journey, see Cusco to the Sacred Valley, and to choose a base, the Sacred Valley.
Practical notes
Flights in and out of Cusco tend to be concentrated in the morning, when the air is calm and the cloud is high. Afternoon winds can cause delays, so avoid tight same-day connections out of Cusco. When you leave, allow plenty of time: the airport is small and busy, and the road into town can be slow at peak hours. Keep your passport and medication in your hand luggage.
The first day plan
If you do stay in Cusco on the first night, treat the day as a low-effort one. Check in, rest, drink water and take a short, flat walk around the Plaza de Armas. Coca tea is widely offered in hotels and is a local custom; whether it helps is debated, and you should ask a doctor if you are unsure about it. Eat lightly and avoid alcohol until you know how you feel.
Do not book a strenuous activity such as a high hike or a rainbow-mountain trip for the first morning. See sleeping at 3,400 m to understand what the first night often feels like. See altitude sickness for the warning signs and the reasoning behind a gradual ascent.
Luggage, tours and early starts
If you plan a trek or a night in Aguas Calientes, leave the bulk of your luggage at your hotel in Cusco and carry only what you need. Hotels commonly keep bags for guests, but confirm this at booking. Airport left-luggage services exist, though availability and prices vary.
Tours often begin before dawn, so check where your guide will meet you and whether pickup is included. Airport pickup is sometimes bundled with a tour package; ask when you book. When you fly out, remember that the morning schedule means early starts, and arrange the taxi the night before.
Connecting to other destinations
Cusco is the starting point for most of southern Peru. From the airport, onward travel to Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu goes by road to the valley and then by train. See Lima to Cusco for the flight leg that brings most visitors here.
For Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, the overland options are covered in Cusco to Puno and Cusco to Arequipa. Anyone returning to Cusco after a trek should plan a night in town before a morning flight home, rather than going straight from the trailhead to the airport.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Cusco airport from the Plaza de Armas?
A few kilometres. The ride normally takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Should I go straight to the Sacred Valley?
It is a popular way to ease into the altitude, since the valley is lower. It does mean you see Cusco later in the trip.
Can I take a bus from the airport?
Local buses pass near the airport, but with luggage and the altitude most visitors prefer a taxi or transfer.
Is it hard to breathe when I get off the plane?
Many people notice they get out of breath more quickly, and some feel light-headed. Move slowly for the first hours and drink water. If you have heart or lung conditions, see a doctor before you travel.
What time of day are flights to Cusco?
Most schedules are concentrated in the morning, though there are some afternoon flights. Expect weather to cause occasional delays.
Is there a cash machine at the airport?
There are usually ATMs and exchange counters, but facilities and rates change. Take a little cash for the first taxi and use town for larger needs. See money and ATMs.
Can I leave luggage at the airport or my hotel?
Hotels commonly store luggage for guests who go trekking or on overnight trips. Airports may offer paid left-luggage, but availability varies.