โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
80
minutes
International โ Domestic
80
minutes
International โ International
95
minutes
Interline Connections
125
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
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.
๐ 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.
Despite 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.
For 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 Cuscoโs high-altitude operations are frequently subject to weather-related delays.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Andahuaylas Airport (ANS) is a vital regional aviation hub and the only airport capable of handling commercial traffic in the Apurรญmac Region of south-central Peru. Located approximately 6 kilometers from the city of Andahuaylas, the airport serves as a critical link for a region defined by its rugged Andean terrain and fertile agricultural valleys. This high-altitude airport operates with a passenger terminal building and a 2,499-meter asphalt runway (designated 3/21) positioned on a mesa above the Chumbao River, equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) to ensure all-weather operational reliability and accommodate modern turboprop aircraft. The airport is managed by CORPAC S.A. and plays a key role in supporting the local economy and regional administration.
The terminal experience at Andahuaylas is focused on efficiency and essential passenger services. Inside the compact terminal, travelers have access to a main hall featuring check-in counters and a modest waiting area. Amenities are basic but cater to the primary needs of regional travelers, including a small snack bar or cafรฉ offering light refreshments and local beverages. While the facility lacks extensive commercial retail or premium lounges, it provides a functional and organized environment for arrivals and departures. The layout is exceptionally straightforward, with minimal walking distances from the check-in area to the tarmac boarding zone, ensuring a quick transition for passengers navigating the high-altitude environment.
Operational activity at ANS is heavily influenced by its location in the Peruvian Andes, situated at an elevation of approximately 3,444 meters (11,300 feet) above sea level. This high altitude requires specialized performance considerations for aircraft and can affect travelers, who are advised to move slowly and stay hydrated upon arrival. The airport has historically seen scheduled services from carriers like LC Perรบ, though flight frequency can be subject to seasonal weather patterns and operational status. For visitors, the airport represents a professional and welcoming threshold to the Apurรญmac region, offering immediate access to local attractions such as the Sondor Archaeological Complex and the beautiful Pacucha Lagoon.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Andahuaylas Airport (ANS) is a streamlined process focused on regional domestic travel within the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Since the airport does not handle direct international commercial flights, nearly all international travelers will begin their journey to the Apurรญmac Region by connecting through Jorge Chรกvez International Airport (LIM) in Lima. It is highly recommended to allow a minimum of four hours for this transfer in the capital, as you will need to clear immigration, reclaim your checked baggage, and move from the international arrivals area to the domestic departures zone for your onward flight. The journey from Lima to Andahuaylas typically utilizes regional turboprop aircraft and offers some of the most spectacular mountain views in South America, but passengers should be prepared for the significant physiological shift that comes with landing at a high-altitude mesa.
Upon arrival at ANS, the most immediate 'connection' for travelers is the transition to local ground transportation to reach the city center, located about six kilometers away. Taxis and three-wheeled mototaxis are the primary options available immediately outside the terminal building, and the trip typically takes between 15 and 20 minutes depending on the local traffic conditions. It is essential to agree on a fixed fare with the driver before you depart the airport grounds, as vehicles are not metered; a typical fair price for a taxi into town is around 10 to 15 Peruvian Soles (PEN). For those traveling on a tighter budget or heading to more remote parts of the province, shared taxi services known as 'colectivos' often congregate near the airport entrance and provide an economical way to reach neighboring districts, though they generally only depart once the vehicle is full.
Travelers must be acutely aware that Andahuaylas Airport sits at an extreme elevation of approximately 3,444 meters (11,300 feet) above sea level, which can immediately cause symptoms of altitude sickness, or 'soroche,' such as headaches, shortness of breath, and fatigue. To mitigate these effects, newly arrived passengers are strongly advised to move slowly, avoid heavy physical exertion during their first few hours on the ground, and stay well-hydrated with water or traditional coca tea. Most local hotels are well-equipped to assist travelers with altitude-related issues and may even offer supplemental oxygen if needed. By planning for a quiet first day and allowing your body to acclimatize gradually, you can ensure that your visit to the beautiful landscapes of the Apurรญmac Region remains a positive and healthy experience.
Flight operations in the high Andes are notably susceptible to seasonal weather patterns, with the rainy season from November to March occasionally causing delays or cancellations due to low visibility or heavy cloud cover. It is vital to maintain close communication with your airline and confirm your flight status at least 24 hours prior to departure through their official mobile app or website. Given the limited electronic payment infrastructure at the regional airport, always ensure you are carrying sufficient Peruvian Soles in cash to cover your ground transportation, local meals, and any immediate travel needs. Treating this regional flight as a critical and weather-dependent segment of your broader Peruvian itinerary will help you manage expectations and navigate any unexpected changes with greater ease.
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