Lima to Cusco: how to reach the gateway to Machu Picchu

Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, and most trips start in Lima. There are two main ways to do the leg: plane or bus. They're very different experiences.

The short answer

• Plane: ~1 h 20 flight. It's by far the fastest and the most chosen.
• Bus: around 20+ hours on mountain roads. Cheap and scenic, but long.

The full breakdown, with airlines and distance, is in how to get from Lima to Cusco.

Why almost everyone flies

Lima is at sea level and Cusco is at about 3,400 meters. The overland route is mountainous and very long. So, unless the journey itself is part of the plan, the plane is the dominant option: in a little over an hour you go from the coast to the Andes.

The altitude issue (important)

Cusco is VERY high. Soroche (altitude sickness) is real and hits a lot of people on arrival by plane, because the change in altitude is abrupt.

Tips:

• Take it easy on the first day. No strenuous hikes right after you arrive.
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol the first few hours.
• The classic coca tea helps many people.
• If you're going straight to Machu Picchu, consider sleeping first in the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo, Urubamba), which is lower than the city of Cusco.

And if you still want to go by bus?

The bus makes sense if:

• You want to save money and have time to spare.
• You're interested in the Andean landscape and stopping in towns along the way.
• You prefer to gain altitude more gradually (though the bus still climbs high).

On arrival

At your destination, see what to do in Cusco: it's the base for Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Sacsayhuamán and much more. And if your trip starts in the capital, check out Lima.

Approximate times. Check schedules and availability with each airline or bus company.