You’re probably wondering how to get to Cusco from Lima by plane or bus. Here are some options: Take a plane, take a bus, or even extend your stay in Lima. Depending on your itinerary, you can either fly directly to Cusco or make a 24-hour layover.
Getting from Lima to Cusco on a plane
Getting from Lima to Cusco on the plane is one of the easiest ways to experience Peru, but there are some risks involved. One of the biggest is the high altitude. A flight from Lima to Cusco can reach more than 10,000 feet in just an hour. Additionally, many travelers report feeling sick after the flight. This makes it vital to plan your trip well in advance. If you can, try taking a day trip from Lima instead of flying.
Another option for getting from Lima to Cusco on a budget is taking a bus. Though the journey may be long and tiring, there are several established bus routes connecting Cusco to Lima. Buses generally take 21 to 23 hours. The Economy Bus is a good choice for long journeys, as it offers TV, A/C, and toilet facilities.
The next flight from Lima to Cusco was two days later. The other airlines were unavailable to book a flight on our original dates, so we were stuck in Lima for an extra day. This meant that we would miss our first two days in Cusco and our trip to Machu Picchu. It was a frustrating experience, but we managed to get there.
When getting from Lima to Cusco on a flight, make sure to check the customs clearance requirements before boarding. While the process has changed in recent years, there are still several factors that can affect your flight. For example, if you’re planning to bring souvenirs, you’ll need to declare the value of your items before boarding. This is necessary if you plan on bringing anything worth more than USD $1000 with you.
Another viable option for travelers is taking the bus from Lima to Cusco. There are several bus companies that operate buses from Lima to Cusco. Taking the bus will save you money, and ensure the most comfortable ride on the long journey. In addition to the cheaper price, a bus trip is safer and more comfortable than a flight.
A plane ticket will cost approximately $30 USD, but it can be expensive. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially if you want to save money. You should also look for promotional tickets on some airlines. You can also take advantage of the last-minute discounts by checking in online or at the airport. Checking in online may allow you to select a better seat, but it can also take a while because security checks can cause delays. You should try to arrive at the airport about 1.5 hours before the flight.
Getting from Lima to Cusco on a bus
If you are traveling in Peru and would like to visit Cusco, you should consider taking a bus from Lima to Cusco. Getting from Lima to Cusco by bus is a safe and reliable way to travel between the cities. There are seven daily departures from Lima, and one way adult tickets cost around 26 euros to 51 euros. The bus journey will take anywhere from 21 to 22 hours, depending on the bus you choose.
You will want to make sure you choose a bus with an itinerary so that you can see the sights along the way. A good way to do this is to take a bus that travels along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Several hours later, you will see the Peruvian Andes rising from the Pacific.
You can also take a train to Cusco. This option is less expensive than the bus, and is more comfortable for travelers. A bus trip to Cusco takes 22 hours, but the modern buses are much less nerve-wracking than trains. You may want to consider stopping in one or two places on the way, like Nazca.
In Cusco, you can catch a view of the ancient Incan citadel Machu Picchu. The city’s iconic Rainbow Mountain is a popular place for a selfie and is connected to the site of the Inca temple. The city also boasts the UNESCO-recognized Cusco Cathedral.
The best time to travel to Cusco from Lima is from May through October. The weather is mild and relatively dry throughout these months, although heavy rains can make travel more hazardous. Temperatures in Cusco stay around 65 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. If you’re traveling from Lima, it may be best to avoid the wet season, which can make travel to Cusco more difficult.
Taking a flight from Lima to Cusco
There are many reasons to take a flight from Lima to Cusco. The city is the former capital of the Inca Empire, and you can see many of their archaeological remains. You can also visit Machu Picchu, which is connected to the city. Other highlights include Rainbow Mountain, a famous Instagram spot, and the Moray terraces, which are circular terraces. Another UNESCO-recognized site is the Cusco Cathedral.
Flights to Cusco are available from multiple airlines. Direct flights take about an hour and a half, and are available every day of the week. These flights depart from Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport and arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco.
Cusco has a small airport, but it’s busy. Local buses will pick you up outside of the airport for a small fee. Otherwise, you can take a taxi. Although it will cost more, it’s safest to take a cab if you’re traveling alone.
Depending on your budget, you can find cheap flights by booking 4 weeks in advance. You can also avoid flying during high season, which means higher prices. The cheapest month to fly is May. Flights are also much cheaper at dawn and night. Low-cost airlines also offer cheap flights.
Besides flying, you can take a train to Cusco. PeruRail operates a scenic route along Lake Titicaca. The train also has amenities for travelers. It will take about two days to reach the city. If you have more time, you can spend an extra day in the town, but if you’d like to get the most out of your trip, take a train.
The downside to taking a flight from Lima to Cusco is that you can’t know if you’ll arrive on time. Flights can be late, and many people have reported that they’ve missed their flights. One group, for example, missed the last flight and were stuck in Lima for several days. Luckily, the airline covered the cost of the hotel and transfer by car.
If you’re not interested in hiking or biking, a flight from Lima to Cusco is a great option. It is about 5-6 hours away from Machu Picchu, and you can even take a guided walking tour while you’re there. Just be sure to plan on a day with at least a four-hour layover in Lima.
Taking a bus from Lima to Cusco
Taking a bus from Lima to the Inca city of Cusco is an adventure in itself, and there are many companies that offer this route. The journey from Lima to Cusco is about 22 hours long, and most companies offer at least two daily departures. Unlike a private transfer, you’ll be spending the night on the bus, so it’s important to choose a reliable bus company. Cruz del Sur and Oltursa are two highly rated bus companies that operate daily routes.
Traveling by bus also provides an opportunity to see some of the most spectacular sights in Peru. Along the way, you’ll pass coastal towns and see the Pacific Ocean as it sets and rises. Then, you’ll see the Peruvian Andes rising behind the road.
Taking a bus from Lima to the Inca city of Cusco can be a long and tiring trip, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Buses usually make several stops, including lunch stops. The higher-class buses also tend to offer more amenities, like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and comfortable seats. To make your journey as comfortable as possible, you should buy your ticket well in advance. Keep in mind that buses may run late, so make sure to arrive at the bus station 15 minutes before the departure time.
Taking a bus from Lima to the city of Cusco is an excellent option for travelers who want to explore Peru’s ancient city. You’ll find fascinating sites, museums, and markets to visit in Cusco. You’ll also be able to get a glimpse of the beautiful landscapes from the city’s highest viewpoint.
Although Peruvian buses are generally regarded as safer and more comfortable, there are also many options for speedy routes. Some buses offer free movies and food on board, but they’re not as comfortable as more luxurious buses. If you know Spanish, you might want to opt for a bus with better services.
A bus from Lima to Cusco can take about 22 hours to complete, and it can be a bit nerve-wracking if you’re prone to travel sickness. However, the bus’s modern and comfortable interior will make the journey more bearable for many travelers. Bus prices can vary between USD 25 and 50 depending on comfort level and length of trip.