Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) is the primary aviation gateway to the historic city of Cusco and the world-famous ruins of Machu Picchu. Situated at an elevation of approximately 3,310 meters (10,860 feet), it is one of the highest commercial airports in the world and serves as Peru's second busiest hub. The airport features a single, compact two-story terminal that efficiently handles millions of travelers annually, despite the significant operational challenges posed by the surrounding Andean mountains and thin high-altitude air. Due to these geographical constraints, the airport typically only operates during daylight hours, with most flight movements concentrated between 5:30 AM and 8:00 PM.

The terminal building provides a range of essential amenities tailored to the needs of international tourists and domestic travelers. The ground floor houses the check-in counters, baggage claim, and several currency exchange booths and ATMs. On the upper level, the departures area features a variety of shops specializing in high-quality alpaca wool products, local ceramics, and Peruvian textiles. For those seeking comfort, the 'Hanaq VIP Lounge Cusco' is located airside near Gate 9, offering refreshments, Wi-Fi, and a quiet space to relax before boarding. Dining options are plentiful, with cafes and small restaurants serving traditional Andean snacks, coca tea (popular for alleviating altitude sickness), and international coffee.

Transit at CUZ is relatively straightforward due to the terminal's compact layout, with all boarding gates within a short walking distance. However, because of the high altitude and unpredictable mountain weather, flight delays are common, particularly in the afternoons when winds can pick up. For domestic-to-domestic connections, the process is quick, but international travelers should be aware that most international flights into Peru first land in Lima (LIM), where customs and immigration must be cleared. Ground transportation is well-organized, with authorized taxi stands located directly outside the arrivals hall providing a 15-20 minute link to Cusco's historic Plaza de Armas. Plans are currently underway to replace this airport with the much larger Chinchero International Airport in the coming years to further expand the region's capacity.