Cheap Flights to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is served by just a single airport, Alejandro Velasco Astete Intl. Airport (CUZ).

Make your way through the glass doors of Alejandro Velasco Astete Intl. Airport (CUZ) and your Machu Picchu adventure will have begun! The city’s main airport, it’s located 72 kilometers from the downtown streets.

You have a couple of choices if you’re going to Machu Picchu. Take your pick of 4 air carriers that service this destination from at least 6 airports around the globe.

Machu Picchu receives most of its flights from LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline and Viva Airlines Peru with LATAM Airlines being the favorite choice of carrier. Lima is the most popular city for passengers to take off from.

Flying to someplace new is much more fun when there aren’t any stopovers to worry about. If you’re jetting off to Machu Picchu, the good news is that there are around 245 direct flights operating each week.

Flights to Machu Picchu from Lima, Arequipa and Puerto Maldonado airports are in high demand.

If it’s Lima you’re departing, you’ll be midair for around 1 hour and 24 minutes before you touchdown in Machu Picchu. Airport to airport from Arequipa typically takes 1 hour and 3 minutes and from Andrés Avelino Cáceres Dorregaray, it’s 45 minutes.

We all know those lucky travelers who somehow grab incredibly cheap plane tickets whenever they fly. Eager to know how to do it for your Machu Picchu vacation? Don’t wait until the last possible moment to secure your flight. Also, do some online research and compare your options. If your destination has a few airports, you may be able to nab a terrific deal by flying into a less busy terminal. And finally, don’t forget that the early bird catches the worm. Know what a typical airfare costs and be ready to secure your ticket as soon as you see a great bargain. The best deals don’t last long.

We’ve got the lowdown on how to make your flight as stress-free as possible. Follow our top tips and you’ll be speeding through the airport and enjoying Machu Picchu in no time.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and medications. Next, bring items that’ll help pass the time, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It’s also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don’t forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, can’t come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be the goal when selecting what to wear during your flight. Consider your footwear carefully too, as swelling of the feet and ankles can be a side effect of flying. Slightly roomy, flat shoes are your best bet.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long-distance travel is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To prevent this from happening, take every opportunity to wander around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are also a great idea to help lower your risk.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Machu Picchu quick and painless. Below are some handy tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They’ll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you’ll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They’ll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.