Cusco, the former Inca capital, is the base for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Flights arrive from Lima and a few other cities; the city sits at high altitude, so plan time to acclimatize.
Cheap airfare to Cusco is mostly about timing and flexibility. Compare fares across airlines and nearby airports, shift your dates a few days either way, and book when the price looks right.
Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport is close to the city center. Taxis and hotel transfers usually reach the historic center in about 15–20 minutes.
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Flights sorted? Compare cheap hotels in Cusco by neighborhood on RoomsCheap.com, our sister hotel site.
The dry season from about May to September is peak. The rainy months (around November–March) are quieter and often cheaper, though the Inca Trail closes in February.
Most travelers fly to Lima (LIM), then take a short domestic flight to Cusco (CUZ).
A new airport at Chinchero in the Sacred Valley has been under construction; check whether it has opened before booking.
Travelers typically take a train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, then a bus up to the site.