Book flights to Cusco

Cusco sits high in the Andes mountains, and is the primary gateway for those beginning a journey through the southern highlands. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, the city remains a high-altitude destination where modern life follows the rhythms of ancient history.

The historic centre has a rich architectural character, where Spanish colonial structures sit atop precision-carved Inca stonework. Significant sites include the Plaza de Armas, the Coricancha temple, and the nearby fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Cobbled streets wind through the San Blas neighbourhood, known for its artisan workshops and white-walled buildings.

Visitors find a destination defined by its archaeological depth and the enduring presence of Quechua culture. Exploration here often focuses on the transition from historical discovery to the natural beauty of the Sacred Valley. This high-mountain setting provides an atmospheric base for understanding the region’s complex past and local culinary traditions.

High season in Cusco

Cusco experiences its high season during the dry months from May to September. When landing at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, travellers are greeted by crisp air and deep blue skies. Daytime temperatures are mild, but the lack of cloud cover leads to freezing nights, requiring visitors to prepare for sharp thermal shifts. The landscape is golden and dry, providing clear views of the surrounding peaks and making it the most popular time for high-altitude trekking.

The city atmosphere is busy and energetic, especially during June for the Inti Raymi festival. This celebration of the Sun God brings massive colourful processions and traditional music to the streets, centering on the Plaza de Armas and the ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Life moves at a fast pace as the city hosts international crowds seeking outdoor adventure. The clear weather ensures that mountain passes remain accessible, allowing for a predictable and social travel experience.

Low season in Cusco

Cusco enters its low season during the rainy period from November to March. Visitors arriving by air often descend through thick clouds to see a lush, emerald-green landscape. While heavy rain showers are common in the afternoons, the mornings often remain bright and clear. The air is more humid and the nightly temperatures are generally warmer than in the dry season, creating a softer, more temperate environment within the city.

The social rhythm becomes quieter and more reflective during these months. The streets are less crowded, allowing for a tranquil exploration of colonial cathedrals and Inca stonework. While some trekking routes like the Inca Trail close in February for maintenance, the surrounding Sacred Valley remains lively and full of life. This season offers a more intimate look at local routines as the city settles into a relaxed pace, defined by the scent of rain on ancient stones and the sight of mist clinging to the mountainsides.

As the primary gateway for those venturing toward the high-altitude wonders of the Andes, the local airfield provides the most common point of arrival for a flight to Cusco. The city is served by a single facility located within the urban perimeter, ensuring a short transition from the runway to the historic centre.

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, identified by the IATA code CUZ, is situated approximately 5 km southeast of the Plaza de Armas. It operates as the second busiest aerial hub in the country, primarily handling domestic flights to Cusco from Lima, Arequipa, and Juliaca, alongside limited international services from regional neighbours. The facility consists of a single terminal building where major carriers like LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSmart maintain a consistent presence throughout the day.

Upon exiting the arrivals hall, travellers typically find that a pre-booked transfer or a taxi is the most efficient way to reach the city. The drive to the Centro Histórico generally takes between 15 and 25 minutes, depending on the narrow-street traffic common in the ancient capital. While there are no dedicated rail or metro links, official taxi services operate from designated ranks immediately outside the terminal doors. For those staying in the San Blas or Cusco City Centre districts, many accommodations provide private shuttle pickups that meet passengers directly at the gate. Local bus services, known as combis, stop on the main road outside the airport perimeter, though these are often crowded and less practical for those carrying significant luggage.

Stepping off the plane at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, the thin, crisp mountain air immediately signals a change in pace. Cusco greets newcomers with a landscape of terracotta roofs and steep cobblestone alleys that wind through the heart of the Andes.

Plaza de Armas
This central square is the social core of the city, where colonial arcades and ornate cathedrals sit directly atop ancient stones. The mixture of Spanish architecture and indigenous foundations creates a visual timeline of the region's complex history.

Sacsayhuaman
Located on the northern outskirts, this massive stone complex has boulders so precisely fitted together that a single sheet of paper cannot pass between them. It is a quiet space for reflection on the engineering genius of past civilizations while overlooking the city below.

San Blas
Known as the artisan quarter, this neighbourhood is a maze of narrow streets filled with workshops and galleries. The area has a bohemian energy, where local woodcarvers and weavers share their craft with those wandering the steep, whitewashed paths.

San Pedro Market
The scent of fresh herbs and roasting cacao fills the air in this bustling hall, providing a sensory introduction to Andean life. It is a place to find everything from colourful textiles to traditional medicinal plants and local cheeses.

Qorikancha
Once the most important temple in the empire, this site was originally covered in solid gold. Today, the Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo occupies the space, though the masterful masonry of the original inner sanctum remains the primary draw.

Twelve Angled Stone
Tucked away on Hatun Rumiyoc Street, this singular piece of masonry is a masterpiece of precision and durability. It remains a symbol of the city's architectural resilience, drawing visitors who want to see the seamless joinery up close.

Finding the right flight to Cusco is a smooth process when you use the search filters to compare different airlines and departure times that suit your itinerary. For those who travel often, eDreams Prime has added benefits that make every journey even more rewarding, ensuring you are ready to board your plane with total peace of mind.