Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) serves Cusco and is the main gateway for visitors to Machu Picchu and the surrounding region. It operates from a single passenger terminal that handles primarily domestic flights (notably to Lima) and some regional international services. The airport handles significant tourist traffic and can be busy during high season.
Terminal Guide for Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport #
Cusco has one compact terminal handling arrivals and departures; check-in and security are landside with a modest airside gate area. Facilities are scaled for regional traffic, and peak periods see heavy passenger loads. International arrivals (where applicable) are processed through a single international area within the terminal.
Getting to and From Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport #
The airport is very close to Cusco city centre - typical travel time is about 10-20 minutes by road depending on your hotel. The most common options are official airport taxis and pre-booked transfers; some hotels provide shuttle service. There is no rail link; local buses and colectivos operate in the city but are less convenient with luggage.
Facilities, Shopping, and Dining at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport #
Facilities are limited compared with larger international airports. There are a small number of food and drink options landside and airside, basic duty-free on some international services, and car rental desks. Wi‑Fi is available but may be limited; charging points are available in public seating areas. Accessibility assistance is provided - arrange with your airline or hotel if needed.
Tips for Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport #
- Altitude and flights: Cusco is at high altitude - if you feel breathless on arrival, sit and rest and avoid heavy exertion; morning flights are common and popular with tourists.
- Taxis from the terminal: Use official airport taxis or pre-booked transfers to get into the city - negotiate or confirm the fare before you leave the terminal.
- Expect queues during high season: The single terminal can become crowded in peak tourist months; allow extra time for check-in and security.
Weather & Climate near Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport #
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 0°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (620 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 7° - 19° | 13° | 137 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.7h |
| February | Acceptable | 7° - 19° | 13° | 109 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.4h |
| March | Good | 7° - 19° | 13° | 93 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Very Good | 5° - 19° | 12° | 39 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.7h |
| May | Very Good | 3° - 20° | 11° | 6 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.5 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.4h |
| June | Excellent | 1° - 19° | 9° | 3 mm | some cloud | 78% | 1.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.2h |
| July | Excellent | 0° - 19° | 9° | 3 mm | some cloud | 75% | 1.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.3h |
| August | Excellent | 2° - 20° | 11° | 6 mm | some cloud | 72% | 2.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.6h |
| September | Very Good | 4° - 20° | 12° | 15 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Very Good | 5° - 21° | 13° | 36 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.3h |
| November | Good | 6° - 21° | 13° | 66 mm | overcast | 76% | 2.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.6h |
| December | Acceptable | 7° - 20° | 13° | 107 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.9 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.8h |
