How to get to Cusco?

All the ways to get to Cusco

Cusco or Cuzco is a city in the Peruvian Andes that was the capital of the Inca Empire and is known for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. Becoming a magical and attractive place for any tourist, in addition to the fact that this city is basically a mandatory point for transit to Machu Picchu.

The different ways you can get there:

Land Route

Cusco is connected by road with the main cities of southern Peru. Arequipa, Puno, Puerto Maldonado, Nazca and the capital of Peru Lima all are connected by road and by bus.

Starting from Lima, the most recommended route is the Pan-American Highway south from Lima to Arequipa and then to Cusco (1,659 km or 28 hours of travel, approx.). The other route, not recommended in the rainy season, is through the mountains, via Ayacucho..

Some routes that you can also consider are:

  • Lima-Arequipa-Cusco Route: 1,031 miles, approximately 24 hours by car..
  • Lima-Nasca-Puquio-Abancay-Cusco Route: 710 miles., Approximately 26 hours by car..
  • Lima-Ayacucho Route: It can also be done along the Ruta de los Libertadores and from there to Cusco..
  • Puno - Cusco: 243 miles, 07 hours by car approximately.
  • Puerto Maldonado - Cusco: 333 miles, approximately 10 hours.

Airway

If you choose to fly, the city of Cusco has the Teniente Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ airport code), with comfortable facilities. Located just 3.7 km from the city center..

The Cusco airport receives regular domestic flights from the cities of Lima, with plenty of flights, since very early in the morning to the evening. Also many flights from ArequipaJuliaca (Puno - Lake Titicaca), Puerto Maldonado (Tambopata) and Pisco (Paracas) and international flights from La Paz, Bolivia.

Railroad Track

There is a daily train service from Arequipa City, with and stop in Juliaca City (Puno), it takes approximately 20 hours of travel.

If you take the train From Puno it is 10 hours of travel. Very scenic route. The highest point of this route is La Raya at At a height of 4,322 meters (14,180 feet) above sea level.

There is a daily train service that connects the cities of Cusco, Puno and Arequipa. The Route is Arequipa-Juliaca-Puno-Cusco; covers 750 km or 469 miles. and lasts approximately 17 hours..