Reshaping Travel to Cusco: Night Flights This Year & New Airport Underway
Dual measures could reshape travel to Cusco. One is the outfitting of the current Velasco Astete Airport to allow for evening and nocturnal flights, which is being considered to allow for more visitors- 300,000 additional visitors by the end of the year. This would just be until the second measure is completed: the new airport planned to be constructed in Chinchero just outside of Cusco, which is already underway and will allow for Cusco to receive international as well as night flights.
Published on 11-09-2012, por Inca World
Last month a compensated land expropriation bill for the new Cusco airport previously announced by President Ollanta Humala passed the Peruvian Congress, smoothing the way for a project which has been rumored for years but with little advancement- an international airport for Cusco, located in the tiny rural town of Chinchero just outside of Cusco. The government investment thus far foreseen is US$460 million, but the payoff will be far greater: more tourists, modernization and jobs for Chinchero and other the surrounding communities of Cusco.
The current airport, Velasco Astete, is incapable of handling either major international flights or nighttime flights due to its size, equipment, and a location surrounded by hills. For these reasons, the airport currently accepts only domestic small-aircraft flights, between the hours of 6:00am and 5:00pm.
Carlos Canales, the President of the National Tourist Chamber known as CANATUR, is now indicating that he is seeking permission for the Velasco Astete Airport to receive nighttime flights while the new airport is being constructed. He indicated that Cusco could receive 300,000 additional visitors by the end of the year through nocturnal flights if the airport is outfitted with radio navigatin systems and beacons, allowing for flights to arrive between 5:00pm and midnight.
"With this we could have between 15 and 20 additional daily flights and a tourist coming from the United States could connect directly with Cusco without disembarking in Lima and waiting for their connecting flight the following day" he stressed. This measure is currently under consideration.
Dual measures could reshape travel to Cusco. One is the outfitting of the current Velasco Astete Airport to allow for evening and nocturnal flights, which is being considered to allow for more visitors- 300,000 additional visitors by the end of the year. This would just be until the second measure is completed: the new airport planned to be constructed in Chinchero just outside of Cusco, which is already underway and will allow for Cusco to receive international as well as night flights.
Published on 11-09-2012, por Inca World
Last month a compensated land expropriation bill for the new Cusco airport previously announced by President Ollanta Humala passed the Peruvian Congress, smoothing the way for a project which has been rumored for years but with little advancement- an international airport for Cusco, located in the tiny rural town of Chinchero just outside of Cusco. The government investment thus far foreseen is US$460 million, but the payoff will be far greater: more tourists, modernization and jobs for Chinchero and other the surrounding communities of Cusco.
The current airport, Velasco Astete, is incapable of handling either major international flights or nighttime flights due to its size, equipment, and a location surrounded by hills. For these reasons, the airport currently accepts only domestic small-aircraft flights, between the hours of 6:00am and 5:00pm.
Carlos Canales, the President of the National Tourist Chamber known as CANATUR, is now indicating that he is seeking permission for the Velasco Astete Airport to receive nighttime flights while the new airport is being constructed. He indicated that Cusco could receive 300,000 additional visitors by the end of the year through nocturnal flights if the airport is outfitted with radio navigatin systems and beacons, allowing for flights to arrive between 5:00pm and midnight.
"With this we could have between 15 and 20 additional daily flights and a tourist coming from the United States could connect directly with Cusco without disembarking in Lima and waiting for their connecting flight the following day" he stressed. This measure is currently under consideration.
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Machu Picchu in 2026?
We would like to inform our travelers that availability for Circuit 1 and 2 for the months of November, December and January is at 85% of capacity. We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance.
New Circuits and Routes
The Ministry of Culture has consolidated the three main tours. As of 2026, Tour 2 (The Royal Route) remains the only one that allows visitors to take the classic photo from the Guardian’s House. We have adapted all our packages to ensure this access.
Digital Check-In and Biometric Verification
Say goodbye to long check-in lines! Starting this season, entry is faster thanks to the new digital check-in system. Our packages include full management of your personalized tickets to prevent errors on the state platform.
| Circuit | Ideal for... | Clasic photo | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit 1 (Panoramic) | High views and photo posts | Yes | Low |
| Circuit 2 (Andean) | Complete circuit through the ruins | Yes | Medium |
| Circuit 3 (Reality) | Persons or reduced movement | No | Very low |
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Explore the breathtaking diversity of the Central Andes. From ancient archaeological wonders and surreal high-altitude landscapes to world-class gastronomy and Amazonian adventures, our updated 2026 guides showcase the very best of this premier global destination.
