{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Airport",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry": "Peru",
    "addressLocality": "Cusco"
  },
  "airlines": [
    "LATAM Per\u00fa",
    "SKY Airline Peru",
    "JetSMART Per\u00fa"
  ],
  "amenityFeature": [
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "45 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to International Connection Time",
      "value": "80 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "80 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to International Connection Time",
      "value": "95 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Interline Connection Time",
      "value": "125 minutes"
    }
  ],
  "city": "Cusco",
  "code": "CUZ",
  "connection_tips": "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. A critical connection tip for travelers is understanding the physical challenge of its extreme 3,310-meter (10,860 feet) altitude; passengers are strongly advised to move slowly, stay hydrated, and consider coca tea upon arrival to mitigate altitude sickness (soroche). Historically, the airport operated strictly during daylight hours, but as of late 2025, operating hours have been extended to 22 hours daily (4:00 AM to 2:00 AM) to alleviate severe congestion and provide more flexible links to international flights in Lima.\n\nDespite these longer hours, it is still highly recommended to book morning flights (between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM) when Andean visibility is clearest and mountain winds are calmest, as afternoon cancellations due to high winds remain common. For those with layovers, the Hanaq VIP Lounge near Gate 9 offers a quiet retreat with refreshments and Wi-Fi. It is also important to note that the long-awaited replacement, Chinchero International Airport (AICC), reached approximately 33% physical completion in mid-2025 and is slated for operation in late 2026.\n\nFor now, navigating the compact CUZ terminal remains straightforward, with authorized taxis found just outside arrivals providing a 15-to-20-minute ride to the Plaza de Armas for approximately 30-40 PEN. Always allow a minimum 4-to-5-hour buffer for onward international connections in Lima, as Cusco\u2019s high-altitude operations are frequently subject to weather-related delays.",
  "country": "Peru",
  "flag_url": "https://flagcdn.com/w320/pe.png",
  "flight_search_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=PEN",
  "frequent_traveler_tip": [
    "Cusco's high elevation means short runways at this airport.",
    "Light meals and hydration help while waiting in the sunny departure hall.",
    "Altitude affects visitors\u2014acclimatize slowly and try coca tea for soroche relief.",
    "Gateway to Machu Picchu\u2014book train tickets to Aguas Calientes in advance.",
    "Hanaq VIP Lounge near Gate 9 offers quiet space and refreshments."
  ],
  "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=SPZO",
  "google_maps_reviews": {
    "rating": 0.0,
    "recent_reviews": [],
    "total_reviews": 0
  },
  "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=PEN",
  "iataCode": "CUZ",
  "icao": "SPZO",
  "international": true,
  "last_modified": "June 2026",
  "last_updated": "2026-03-30",
  "latitude": -13.536,
  "layover_planner_info": "Taxis to city; cafes in terminal.",
  "longitude": -71.941,
  "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 45,
  "mct_domestic_to_international": 80,
  "mct_interline": 125,
  "mct_international_to_domestic": 80,
  "mct_international_to_international": 95,
  "missed_connection_help": "Airline counters near departures.",
  "name": "Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport",
  "region": "South America",
  "related_airports": [
    {
      "code": "AQP",
      "name": "Rodr\u00edguez Ball\u00f3n International Airport"
    },
    {
      "code": "LIM",
      "name": "Lima"
    }
  ],
  "terminal_info": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nTransit 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.",
  "terminal_map_url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alejandro_Velasco_Astete_International_Airport"
}