Flights, overland routes, getting around locally, and visa requirements for 2026.
Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ) is 5km from the centre. Frequent daily flights from Lima with LATAM, Avianca, and Sky (1h15m, from $50–120 one way booked ahead). Also connections from Arequipa and other Peruvian cities. The airport is at 3,310m — altitude sickness can begin on the flight. Walk slowly from the aircraft. Taxis to the centre cost $5–8 USD.
PeruRail and Inca Rail both operate the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (1h45m, from $50–200 one way). The journey through the Sacred Valley and into the cloud forest is spectacular. Book weeks or months ahead for the dry season. The train from Poroy (near Cusco) is an alternative but adds 2 hours. Buses run from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu (25min, $12 round trip).
The historic centre (San Blas, Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha) is entirely walkable — the streets are pedestrianised or too narrow for cars. Taxis are metered and cheap ($2–5 for most journeys). The Boleto Turístico ($40 USD) covers entry to 16 Cusco-region sites including Sacsayhuamán, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero — excellent value if you plan to visit multiple sites.
At 3,400m, Cusco requires acclimatisation. Spend at minimum 2 nights in Cusco before any strenuous activity (trekking, climbing). Symptoms — headache, breathlessness, nausea — typically peak in the first 24 hours and improve. Drink water, avoid alcohol, eat lightly, and rest. Coca leaf tea (freely available) genuinely helps mild symptoms. For the Inca Trail, allow 3–4 days in Cusco before the trek starts.