Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
Cusco, Peru
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
High-altitude gateway to Machu Picchu and the Inca heartland.
- ›Sits at approximately 3,310 meters (10,860 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest commercial airports in the Americas.
- ›Named after Alejandro Velasco Astete, a celebrated early 20th-century Peruvian aviator.
- ›Aircraft performance is significantly reduced due to high altitude, limiting payload and fuel capacity.
- ›Operations are typically restricted to daylight hours due to challenging mountainous terrain surrounding the airport.
- ›The runway is approximately 3,399 meters long, constrained by the topography of the Andean valley.
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport serves Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire and primary jumping-off point for Machu Picchu. Sitting at an elevation of approximately 3,400 metres above sea level, it is one of the highest commercial airports in the Americas and demands special operational procedures for aircraft and passengers alike. The airport plays a critical role in Peru's tourism economy, connecting Cusco to Lima and select regional destinations year-round.
- Main Terminal — A single integrated terminal handling all domestic and international arrivals and departures, featuring check-in, immigration, and limited retail.
- Taxi from official airport taxi stands to Cusco city centre (approx. 15–20 minutes)
- Pre-booked private transfer services to hotels and the historic district
- Shared colectivo minibuses operating between the airport and Plaza de Armas area
- Car rental desks available inside the terminal (limited options)
- Marriott Cusco
- Casa Andina Premium Cusco
- Hotel Monasterio (Belmond)
- Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- Wyndham Cusco Saqsayhuaman
Inside the terminal, passengers will find a modest selection of cafés and snack bars serving Peruvian staples, sandwiches, and coffee before and after security. The city centre of Cusco, just minutes away, offers a vibrant dining scene ranging from traditional Andean cuisine to international restaurants along Calle Plateros and Plaza Regocijo. Arriving early and eating in the city is recommended, as in-terminal options are limited.
- Altitude sickness (soroche) is common at 3,400 m — rest upon arrival, stay hydrated, and consider coca tea to ease acclimatisation.
- Domestic flights from Lima can be delayed or cancelled due to mountain weather; always allow buffer days before connecting to Machu Picchu trains.
- The airport is close to the city centre, but official taxis are strongly recommended over informal drivers for safety.
- Carry some Peruvian soles in cash for taxis and small purchases, as card acceptance is not universal around the airport.
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Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is an international airport located in the city of Cusco, in southeastern Peru. Cusco, a principal tourist attraction in Latin America, receives various domestic flights as well as some international flights. The runway is completely paved. It operates at limited capacity due to its precarious location near the city's center. Despite these limitations, the airport has consistently ranked as Peru's second most important air terminal, handling 3,004,412 national and international passengers in 2023, as reported by CORPAC.
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