✨ AI-Enhanced Insights
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport serves Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire and gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Situated at approximately 3,310 meters (10,860 feet) above sea level, it is one of the highest commercial airports in the world. The airport is named after Peruvian aviation pioneer Alejandro Velasco Astete, the first person to fly over the Andes from Cusco to the jungle region.
💡 Local Tip
Spend at least 24-48 hours acclimatizing in Cusco before attempting the airport's altitude, and consider booking a hotel with oxygen supplementation on arrival if you have respiratory sensitivities—many Cusco hotels offer this service as standard for guests flying in directly from sea level.
🚖 Getting There
The airport is located just about 5 km (3 miles) southeast of Cusco's historic center, with the taxi ride typically taking 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Official airport taxis and registered remises (private hire cars) are recommended over unmarked vehicles for safety and fixed pricing. Shared shuttle services and hotel pickups are also widely available and can be arranged in advance.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How high is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport?
A: The airport sits at approximately 3,310 meters (10,860 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest international airports in the world. Travelers may experience altitude-related symptoms and should take precautions.
Q: Which airlines operate at this airport?
A: Major carriers serving CUZ include LATAM Airlines, Avianca, Viva Air, and JetSMART, with frequent domestic flights to Lima and select international routes to cities like La Paz and Bogotá.
Q: Can I fly directly to Machu Picchu from this airport?
A: No, there are no flights to Machu Picchu. From the airport, travelers typically take a taxi or transfer to Cusco's train station or bus terminal to continue their journey to Aguas Calientes by train or to Hidroeléctrica by road.
Q: What are the airport's operating hours and limitations?
A: The airport has limited operating hours, typically closing in the late evening, and weather conditions such as fog or rain can occasionally cause delays or diversions due to surrounding mountainous terrain.
AI-generated content · Generated Jun 28, 2026 · MiniMax-M3