Machu Picchu Getting There

Cusco is the closest airport to Machu Picchu, but since there are no direct flights from the U.S. to Cusco’s Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ), most visitors fly to Lima's Internacional Jorge Chávez (LIM) and connect onward on local airlines. Even then, Cusco is about a 4-hour train ride, and then a 20-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu.

Airlines to Lima include Lan Airlines, TACA Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta. To connect onward to Cusco, book a domestic airline like Lan Peru and Taca Peru.

Direct flights to Lima are around 8 hours from New York, 6 hours and 40 minutes from Houston, and 8 hours and 25 minutes from Los Angeles. Flight time is one hour from Lima to Cusco. Factor in another 4 hours and 20 minutes ground travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu.