Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

V!VA User‘s Description

For those coming to Cusco from Lima and not wanting to do the nearly 24-hour, non-stop bus ride needed to access--or depart from--this region, there is the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport.  The airtime between the two cities is one hour.

Freshly remodeled, this is one of the most modern of all Latin American airports, the only one featuring boarding bridges between the terminal and the planes.  It is named after a Peruvian pilot who in 1925 was the first man to fly over the Andes.

The airport serves mostly domestic flights, though it does receive some international charter flights. Due to its high altitude (10,860 feet / 3310 meters above sea level), all flights to Cusco from Lima leave in the morning. The airport is about three miles (5 kilometers) east-southeast of the city; a cab will take you there for six soles (two dollars), or you can take a bus for one sol. 

There are no hotels at the airport, so an early departer can choose to sleep on its floors. It is safe and well-patrolled by guards. An ATM dispenses cash with most cards.

A special feature of this airport is the domesticated and people-friendly alpacas that will greet you, and are open to both petting and picture posing.