Thinking of visiting Machu Picchu? Hold on. First, you need to know how to get from Lima to Cusco. It’s not a short trip or something you can wing. If you want your experience to start off right, you need to be clear on how to travel between the two most important cities of your journey.
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In this article, we’ll tell you about the most practical ways to get there, what to keep in mind, and how to choose the best option based on your plan.
What is the best way to get from Lima to Cusco? It depends on you
Traveling from Lima to Cusco is the first step to experiencing Machu Picchu. There are several ways to make this trip, and there isn’t one right option. It all depends on your available time, your plans, and how you want to start your journey.
Option 1: Travel from Lima to Cusco by plane
Flight duration and departure frequency
The fastest way to get to Cusco from Lima is by flying. The flight takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are multiple flights departing every day from early morning until late at night, which gives you complete flexibility to choose the schedule that works best for you.
Which airlines fly from Lima to Cusco?
When considering how to get from Lima to Cusco quickly and directly, flying is one of the most practical options.
Major domestic airlines like LATAM, SKY Airline, and JetSMART operate this route with daily flights. All of them depart from Jorge Chávez International Airport, located in Callao, and offer varied schedules to fit your itinerary.
How to get from Cusco airport to the historic center?
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is only about 15 minutes from downtown Cusco. You can take an authorized taxi or use ride-sharing apps like Uber or InDriver. Cusco is waiting for you just minutes away!
Option 2: Travel from Lima to Cusco by bus (by land)
How long does the road trip take?
Taking a bus from Lima to Cusco is a long trip, typically lasting between 20 to 24 hours, depending on the route and service. While it’s a long journey, some travelers choose this option to enjoy the scenery, make stops along the way, or avoid the sudden changes in altitude.
Recommended bus companies and types of services
Several companies offer this route with different levels of comfort. Some of the most well-known are Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, and Civa. You can choose between 140° or 160° reclining seats, or even fully flat bed-type services, which come with individual screens, air conditioning, and on-board snacks.
Option 3: Private car or van route (flexible trip)
How many hours does it take and how is the road?
The road trip from Lima to Cusco by car or private van takes between 17 and 22 hours, depending on the route and any stops you make. The road is long, with winding sections, steep climbs, and high-altitude areas.
If you decide to drive on your own, it’s crucial to have experience driving on highways and in mountainous Andean regions.
Is it better to rent a car or hire a private transfer?
If you enjoy driving and have the experience, renting a car gives you complete freedom. But if you’d rather avoid the fatigue, hiring a private van with a driver is a more comfortable and secure option. Also, you can arrange for custom stops and travel at your own pace without having to worry about traffic or the altitude.
What to consider before traveling from Lima to Cusco
Altitude change: how to adapt and avoid altitude sickness
- Cusco is at more than 3,300 meters (11,000 feet) above sea level, so if you come from Lima (at sea level), you will feel the change.
- If you arrive by plane, your body does not have time to adapt, which is why it’s common to feel a headache, nausea, or fatigue in the first few hours.
- The ideal thing to do is to take it easy on the first day: avoid running, climbing stairs quickly, or doing unnecessary physical exertion.
- Do not eat a heavy meal or drink alcohol when you arrive, that worsens the symptoms.
- Hydrate well. Drinking water or coca tea can help to relieve discomfort.
- If you arrive by land, the ascent is gradual and that can help you adapt better.
- If you have a history of problems with altitude, bring pills for soroche (consult with a doctor first).
- Drink coca tea upon arrival in Cusco, this will help you with the symptoms of altitude sickness.
What to bring on the trip: clothes, snacks, documents
- Warm clothing, especially if you travel at night or pass through high areas. A windbreaker or fleece jacket is key.
- Comfortable sneakers, especially if you will make stops or transfers.
- Light snacks such as bars, cookies, or dried fruits for the road.
- Water bottle, to stay hydrated.
- Personal documents at hand (DNI, passport, tickets, reservations).
- Portable charger or power bank, especially on long trips.
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer, useful if you make stops on the road.
- Cash (in soles), since some towns do not accept cards.
Best time to travel without climate-related issues
The best season to travel from Lima to Cusco is from April to October, when there is less rain. During these months, the roads are in better condition and flights have fewer delays due to bad weather. If you travel during the rainy season (November to March), check the weather before you leave and allow for extra time in case of delays.
Choose how to get from Lima to Cusco based on your type of trip
Now that you have a clear idea of how to get from Lima to Cusco, the next step is to choose the option that best fits your travel style. It’s not just transportation; it’s the true beginning of your trip. Choose the route that aligns with your time, energy, and what you hope to get out of the journey. Because arriving in Cusco isn’t just another step—it’s the starting point for something much bigger.
We hope this guide helps you choose the best option for your trip from Lima to Cusco, based on your travel style.
Traveling is about discovering, learning, and creating unforgettable memories, and Peru is the perfect destination for all of that. Its landscapes, history, and culture make every experience unique, filled with moments that will change your life.
We invite you to explore our Peru packages Your experience in Peru is just one step away. Contact us now and start living the unique adventure you’ve always dreamed of.
More information:
- Visit our English website: Peru Grand Travel
- Visit our Spanish website: Viajes Machu Picchu Tours
- Visit our Portuguese website: Machu Picchu Pacotes
