Trip planning guide
How to Get to Machu Picchu: Flights to Cusco, Altitude and Buffer Days
Planning flights for Machu Picchu? There's no airport at the site: you fly to Lima, connect to Cusco, then continue by train or on foot to Aguas Calientes and the bus up. This guide explains the Lima connection and rechecking bags, pacing for Cusco's altitude, and how to match flights to train and entry tickets.
In short: Fly to Lima, connect to Cusco, then take the train (or trek) to Aguas Calientes and the bus up to Machu Picchu. Plan to recheck bags in Lima, allow easy days in Cusco for the altitude, and book flights around confirmed train and timed entry tickets.
Written by Marshall Jones, co-founder of Catchaflight
Published Last updated
Flying to Lima
From the US, LATAM flies nonstop to Lima from Miami and Los Angeles, among other cities. From Australia, the usual routing is to Santiago, then onward to Lima.
The Miami to Lima and Los Angeles to Lima route guides cover the nonstop options.
Flying from Australia? The Sydney to Santiago route guide covers the first leg.
For LATAM fares, Premium Business and South American connections, see our LATAM Airlines flights guide.
The Lima to Cusco connection
In Lima, plan to collect your checked bags, clear customs and hand them back to LATAM for the flight to Cusco, even when everything is on one booking and the bag tag shows Cusco.
- Allow time for immigration, collecting and rechecking bags, and reaching the domestic gate.
- Choose a comfortable connection over the shortest one available.
- Keep the international and Cusco flights on one ticket where practical.
Altitude and pacing
Cusco sits at around 3,400 metres above sea level. Don't plan a strenuous excursion straight after landing; build in easy days, and get individual altitude advice from a travel-health clinician before you go.
We ask about walking distances, stairs and altitude rather than assume what you can manage based on age. Machu Picchu involves uneven paths and steps, so arrange any assistance and transfers with that in mind.
Trains and entry tickets
From Cusco, trains run from the Cusco area or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes on fixed timetables, and buses take you up to the site. Some travellers trek instead.
Machu Picchu tickets are sold by circuit with an entry time, and only through Peru's Ministry of Culture website, tuboleto.cultura.pe. For 2026, daily visitor numbers are capped at 5,600 in the high season (including 19 June to 2 November) and 4,500 the rest of the year, so tickets and trains can sell out.
We match flights to confirmed train, entry and tour arrangements, rather than book flights first and hope the rest fits. Leave a buffer before your international flight home, too.
Advice from our travel experts
Answers from our travel experts to the questions travellers ask us most.
How should I plan the flights for Machu Picchu?
For Machu Picchu, you fly to Cusco and continue by ground transport and train, or trek. Don't plan a strenuous excursion straight after landing: Cusco is at high altitude. Build in easy days and get individual altitude advice from a travel-health clinician; a couple of nights doesn't guarantee acclimatisation.
In Lima, allow for immigration, collecting and rechecking bags, and the domestic connection. Match flights to confirmed train, entry and tour arrangements, and leave a buffer before your international flight home.
Any advice for travellers over 55?
Fewer stops, longer stays and a quiet day after a long flight can make the holiday much more comfortable. For insurance, check cover for every country and activity, cancellation costs, medical treatment and evacuation from remote areas, and confirm any altitude or trekking restrictions with the insurer.
Before you book Machu Picchu flights
- Train and timed entry tickets confirmed before flight times are fixed
- Comfortable Lima connection with time to recheck bags
- Easy days planned in Cusco after arrival
- Individual altitude advice from a travel-health clinician
- Buffer before the international flight home
- Insurance checked for altitude, trekking and medical evacuation
Frequently asked questions
Can you fly to Machu Picchu?
No. You fly to Cusco via Lima, then take a train or trek to Aguas Calientes and a bus up to the site.
Do I need to recheck bags in Lima?
Usually, yes. Plan to collect your bags, clear customs and recheck them for the Cusco flight, even on one booking.
How high is Cusco?
Around 3,400 metres above sea level. Build in easy days after arrival and get individual altitude advice before travel.
Should I book flights or Machu Picchu tickets first?
Confirm train and entry tickets first, then match the flights to them. Entry tickets are sold only on Peru's Ministry of Culture website, tuboleto.cultura.pe.
Which US cities fly nonstop to Lima?
LATAM flies nonstop to Lima from cities including Miami and Los Angeles.
Sources and review
About this guide: This guide combines our practical booking experience with information checked against airline schedules and published Machu Picchu access arrangements. Entry rules, train timetables and flight schedules change, so travellers should confirm current arrangements before travel.
Catchaflight is an independent travel agency that helps travellers compare itineraries, understand fare conditions and arrange flight bookings. Our guides draw on practical booking-assistance experience and are checked against current airline and other relevant official sources before publication.
Policies can change; confirm current details with the official provider before relying on them.
Related LATAM Airlines guides
LATAM Premium Business
Is it worth it, the new suite with a door, lounges and mixed-cabin tickets.
LATAM Partners: Delta, Qantas and oneworld
What LATAM leaving oneworld means for points, status, lounges and bags.
LATAM Baggage Allowance
Cabin and checked bag limits, cheaper fares and rechecking bags in South America.
LATAM Check-In
Automatic check-in, the 48-hour window and how early to reach the airport.
LATAM Premium Economy
Regional Premium Economy, the coming Premium Comfort cabin and alternatives.
LATAM Seat Selection
LATAM+ and extra-legroom seats, seat fees and sitting together.
LATAM Manage Booking
Managing a LATAM flight booked through an agency, Qantas or Delta.
LATAM Changes and Cancellations
Change costs, fare differences and what to do when a flight is disrupted.
How to Get to the Galápagos
Flights via Quito or Guayaquil, Baltra or San Cristóbal, and buffer days.
How to Get to Easter Island
Flights from Santiago, the entry form and buffer nights.
How to Get to Patagonia
Puerto Natales or Punta Arenas, El Calafate and seasons.
Miami to Lima flights
Several nonstop flights a day.
Los Angeles to Lima flights
The West Coast's nonstop to Peru.