Cusco Airport Peru: Complete Guide For Travelers

1.- OVERVIEW OF CUSCO AIRPORT PERU

The Airport in Cusco Peru is named “Alejandro Velazco Astete”, a Peruvian aviator who gained reputation for being the first to cross the Andes in 1925, from the capital city of Lima. The Cusco Peru Airport differs from Lima Airport in its administration, this is operated directly by the company CORPAC and its intention is to provide personalized attention to all travelers arriving at Cusco Peru Airport for work or vacation.

Among travelers seeking to know the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the existence of Cusco Airport Peru is very beneficial because it saves them a lot of time when undertaking the trip, you can get to Cusco Airport Peru from other cities like Arequipa or Lima where you will find direct and fast flights. Currently Cusco Airport Peru receives about 4 million visitors a year which makes it one of the most popular.

2.- INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF CUSCO AIRPORT PERU

The Airport in Cusco Peru is quite small in comparison to other airports, but it is spacious enough to provide personalized attention to each arriving traveler, so inside Cusco Airport Peru you can find that it has 2 levels which are structured to make the most of the space.

Cusco Airport – international arrivals

2.1.- 1st level of Cusco Airport Peru

It is also considered as the reception and security area of Cusco Airport Peru, here are mainly the areas destined to control passenger data and allow them to board, these areas are:

• Conveyor Belt

Located on the left side of the facilities of Cusco Airport Peru, this is intended for use by passengers arriving and having to pick up their luggage. There are 2 bags which transport the luggage in blocks until it reaches the hands of the owners.

• Health Center

One of the most important areas of Cusco Airport Peru is located right next to the conveyor belt section (a wall separates them) and provides constant attention from a resident doctor and 2 nurses from 06:00 am to 18:00 pm. They mainly attend in cases of altitude sickness such as lack of oxygen or if someone has a decompensation.

• Security Checkpoint (International Flights)

It is considered one of the main guarded areas of Cusco Airport Peru due to the security that governs the whole place. Nowadays, international flights are already being received and there is much more care in the registration of descent. It is located between the medical center and the women’s restroom.

• ATM’s

Very useful for travelers who somehow require cash but in a hurry could not get it. Located at the end of the hallway of Cusco Airport Peru next to the men’s restroom. You can find a set of ATMs belonging to entities such as:

• GlobalNet: Admits all credit cards (The most recommended for foreign travelers).
• BCP
• Scotiabank
• BBVA
• National Bank of Peru
• Club Lounge Lounge

Considered as the VIP area of the entire Cusco Airport Peru, it offers its exclusive use directly only for international members of Diners Club and Lounge Club. If you do not belong to any of them you can access by paying an amount of $ 30.00 dollars per person. This lounge is designed to make waiting more comfortable as it has more comfortable seats, free WiFi connection, coffee, snacks, soft drinks, flight status information, restrooms and satellite TV, unlike other VIP areas such as in Lima here there are no showers but it is not a big problem.

• iPERU Team

An area designed to provide vital information for travelers arriving for the first time to Cusco Airport Peru, this information is free and provided with the intention that the experience in Cusco, Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu is safe.

• Airline Companies

They are stacked like cubicles inside the first level of Cusco Airport Peru. The largest and most representative is LATAM, then Sky Airline and JET smart. These serve the function of making any last minute action or add some extra luggage, you can also buy the ticket directly.

• Police Station

It is like a mini police station, where the same rules apply as a normal one. In Cusco Airport Peru security is the most important thing and the police constantly perform security checks in any area if they see anything suspicious, their attention is 24 hours so they can be a backup if you need any kind of help.

• Exchange House

Designed for travelers who arrive recently and need cash or for those who are leaving and want to change the soles they have left, of course the exchange rate is higher so it is not convenient. We recommend that you use it as a last resort and if you really don’t have time.

2.2.- 2nd level of Cusco Airport Peru

This is more of a waiting area as you will find most of the stores and places where you can waste time until your flight departure time:

• Coffee shop

It is located on the left side of Cusco Airport Peru, is an environment where you can enjoy a cup of coffee. Of course you can also find hamburgers, snacks and Peruvian food. The taste is acceptable and the prices are affordable.

• Snack dispenser

A space designed to provide a snack for travelers that can be candy, soft drinks, cookies or snacks, but keep in mind that prices are much more expensive than in other places.

• Chocolate dispenser

Called the “la cholita” stall, it is quite popular among travelers looking for one last taste of the unique flavor of chocolate from Cusco. You can also take 1 or 2 bars of chocolate with you and mix them with a cup of milk when you get home.

• Alpaca store

If you didn’t have enough time to get one of the popular alpaca garments don’t worry, inside Cusco Airport Peru you can find an exclusive store where you will find unique pieces, although they are expensive they are really worth it.

• Souvenirs

A space designed for those who like to buy souvenirs for family or friends, here you will find details such as ceramics, chess boards, pisco bottles or mini sculptures of quartz and gems, it is not as cheap as in the center of Cusco but it is accessible.

3.- CUSCO AIRPORT TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS

3.1.- Visa and Entry Requirements

You must take into account that among the means of control is the verification of documentation so it is important to know if your nationality is in the group that does not require a visa, some of these are:

• North America

Citizens of the countries of Canada, Mexico and the United States do not need VISA, the rest of the countries do.

• Central America

Citizens of Cuba, Haiti and Nicaragua are required to carry a VISA, the rest of the countries do not.

• South America

The only country that must issue a VISA for its citizens is Venezuela, the rest of the countries can enter freely with the identity document.

• Europe

Countries that are members of the European Union do not require a VISA to enter the country.

3.2.- Language Considerations and Translation Services

Inside Cusco Airport Peru you will discover that one of the improvement actions is that workers can communicate in both Spanish and English so it will not be difficult to ask for information. Of course, for other more specific languages it is suggested that they can go to the iPeru booth where they are oriented in a better way.

4.- SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS AND WEATHER

4.1.- Best Times to Visit Cusco

The best season in Cusco will always be the dry season (May – October), the time of the damage in which the weather is much more stable and there is not so much presence of rains. You must take into account that Cusco, being located in the Peruvian Andes, can have sudden weather changes which in many cases can affect the planning that you may have previously done.

4.2.- How Weather Affects Flights and Travel Plans

It is common that during the rainy season travel is directly affected, mainly delays occur until the weather improves, since during a rainy day it is very complicated to land. It is normal to see how in some cases can be rescheduled until after a day depending on which airline you choose, if your trip is scheduled during the rainy season we recommend that you use the company LATAM this is much more reliable in addition to what has constant departures so if for some reason your flight is postponed they rescheduled for the nearest.

5.- CURIOSITIES ABOUT CUSCO AIRPORT PERU

“Although the airport in Cusco Peru is not very big, it also receives international flights from certain cities such as La Paz, Bogota and Santiago de Chile. But only on certain dates.”

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6.- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Is Cusco Airport open 24/7?

Flights are scheduled from 04:00 am the earliest and almost 22:00 pm the latest. During this time you will be able to use the facilities of the Cusco Airport Peru, outside these hours it is closed.

• How early should I arrive for my flight?

For domestic flights it is enough to be at the airport 2 hours before, as the city is also small it takes between 15 to 20 minutes to get there from downtown. On the other hand if your flight is international you should arrive 3 hours earlier.

• Are there storage facilities at the airport?

Yes, there are spaces where a traveler can store his luggage for a fee of $6.00 dollars per day.

• Can I book Machu Picchu tickets at the airport?

No, Machu Picchu is a very popular attraction and the ways to book are through the Joinnus website or directly with a travel agency such as Auri Peru, in any of the options you must do it at least 2 months in advance.

• How do I search for Cusco airport in the flight pages?

Within the search engine you must make sure that the Cusco Peru Airport Code mentions CUZ, with this you can be sure that it is the correct airport. Be careful because if you choose a similar code you could end up in another city.

Now that you know these facts about Airport Cusco Peru you are ready to plan your next trip safely. Auri Peru has several options that can turn your adventure into something unforgettable, contact us and discover the wonders that you could know in this 2024.

“In the waves of change, we find a true direction.”