Airport in Cusco - Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ)

Machu Picchu might be the most famous attraction we have in Peru. But in order to get there you have to go through Cusco city and if you are flying, this is the airport you will arrive to.

I have been flying to this airport since I was a little girl and I'm happy to say it has been improving lately.

It's mostly domestic, there are just 3 international flights, 2 from Bolivia and 1 from Brazil. But most of the tourists come through Lima.

Here are a couple of tips for your stop here:
-since it's a small airport there are not many airlines serving this airport. It's strange to find many flights arriving at same time, so picking up your bags would be easy.
-when you are arriving you will feel the air a bit strange because of the altitude. Take it easy and walk slow, so it won't hit you.
-just in front of the baggage claim, there are a lot of stands from different hotels and tour operators. They can be quite annoying.
-the best way to go into the city is taking a cab. Be sure they don't overcharge you. You have to bargain with the drivers. If they are asking for too much say: "muy caro" (too expensive)
-before departing you have to pay an airport tax. For domestic flights is S/.11 (about US$3). Pay that after getting your boarding pass.
-going through security is simple and easy.

Ok, now something serious. Cusco's airport can be problematic. It can be shut down, sometimes because of the bad weather and other because protests. In that case you'd have to stay longer at the airport or maybe come back the next day. There is a good number of daily flights to Lima, but I'd recommend to show up early, just in case.

Something fun/nice is that you might be welcomed by a group of musicians and also the staff working there is friendly. Just when you are landing to Cusco, you will see the beauty of the city and couldn't wait more to start discovering the city.