Layover in Cusco (CUZ)

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.

Plan my Cusco layover

About Cusco

Cuzco or Cusco, in the Southern Sierras, is a fascinating city that was the capital of the Inca Empire. Cuzco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Peru's most visited cities as it is the largest and most comfortable city from which tourists can begin visits to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and other Inca sites in the region.

From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.

How much time can you use?

After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.

LayoverDomestic arrivalInternational arrival
4 hoursAbout 1h 47m in the cityHead straight to your gate
6 hoursAbout 3h 47m in the cityAbout 2h 12m in the city
8 hoursAbout 5h 47m in the cityAbout 4h 12m in the city
12 hoursAbout 9h 47m in the cityAbout 8h 12m in the city

Getting into Cusco

About 19m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center, roughly 5 km (3 mi). This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.

Questions

Can I leave the airport on a layover in Cusco?

On a domestic connection, you need roughly 4 hours or more to get into Cusco and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 6 hours or more.

How do I get from CUZ to central Cusco?

Allow about 19m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center; the center is about 5 km (3 mi) from the airport.

How early should I head back to CUZ?

Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.

Build a plan for your exact flight

Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.