Did you decide to travel to Cusco and don’t know which route is best for you? Don’t worry! Here, you’ll find the best routes by bus, plane, and train, along with what you can see along the way. We’ll tell you everything you need to know to travel smoothly to the Imperial City of Cusco. Let’s go!
How to Get to Cusco from Abroad?
Currently, the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco operates international flights to La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia; Santiago, Chile; and Bogotá, Colombia.
On the other hand, Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima receives direct flights from all South American countries, Madrid, Barcelona, Mexico City, the United States, Punta Cana, Paris, San José, Havana, Amsterdam, London, and many others. Remember that a layover will be necessary if there are no direct flights to Cusco from your country.
For travelers from the United States, it is easy to fly from Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, New York, Houston, and Atlanta. Round-trip prices typically range from $600 to $750 at this time of year (July).
How to Get from Lima to Cusco?
Now it’s time to decide what suits you best and what you want to experience. For example, the cheapest way to travel from Lima to Cusco is by bus, while a slightly more expensive option is to fly directly.
Lima to Cusco by Bus
If time is not an issue and you’re looking for the cheapest way to get to Cusco, then bus routes are the most attractive options for you. Plus, you can marvel at the various landscapes you’ll encounter along the different routes.
Bus companies offer two types of routes: the fastest and the longest.
- The fastest route takes passengers from Lima through Nazca and Abancay, with a travel time of 18 to 21 hours.
- The longest route goes from Lima to Nazca but passes through Arequipa. Although the total travel time is between 24 to 27 hours, many tourists prefer this route for the opportunity to tour these cities, as it can be done in stages.
Some travelers choose the longest route to stay in Arequipa and explore the White City for a couple of days. Their destination is still Cusco, but it’s worth taking advantage of the tour options along the southern route.
To take any of these buses, you must go to the bus terminals located in Lima. The main ones are on Av. 28 de Julio (La Victoria), Plaza Norte, and San Juan de Miraflores (kilometer 12 of the Panamericana Sur highway). Prices range from $17 to $27.
It’s highly likely that passengers will experience altitude sickness once the ascent through the Andes begins, so it’s a good idea to take precautions.
Getting to Cusco by Train
Unfortunately, there is no direct train from Lima to Cusco. However, if you choose the southern bus route and can afford it, you could get off at Arequipa or Puno to board a luxury train.
- From Arequipa: You have the ‘Belmond Andean Explorer,’ one of the most luxurious trains in the world, which runs from Puno to Cusco. The journey on this train is 2 days and 2 nights.
- From Puno: You can take the PeruRail Titicaca Train, which departs from the shores of Lake Titicaca to the Imperial City. Onboard, you’ll enjoy live music and typical dances from the Peruvian highlands. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to travel a route considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Keep in mind that these are luxury services, but the experience is unique. You’ll travel through mountains and clouds, highlands and snow, plains and peaks. Also, remember that the trip can be made from Cusco to Puno or Arequipa as well.
However, these two services will not be operating in 2021. We will inform you as soon as possible when they resume.
Plane from Lima to Cusco
If you don’t have much time and want a safer way to travel, then flying from Lima to Cusco is your best option. There are daily flights, with most departing before 12 a.m. to allow tourists to make the most of their day in the city.
Cusco has only one airport, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Flights from Lima to Cusco last just over an hour and cost between $65 to $95, depending on the services offered by the different airlines. The airlines landing in Cusco include Viva Air, Sky Airline, LATAM, Star Peru, and Peruvian Airlines.
Peruvian airlines’ baggage policy from Lima to Cusco is quite generous. Each company has different restrictions for both carry-on and checked baggage. Carry-on luggage ranges from 4 kg to 16 kg on premium flights. For checked baggage, the Peruvian standard is usually 23 kg for economy and up to 32 kg for business class.
Keep in mind that starting from December 10, 2021, travelers over 45 years of age must show a vaccination card to board domestic flights.
