After you enjoy some of the best restaurants in Lima and take city tours, you will be ready to leave. Then, you can visit the Imperial City of the Incas. An incredible Inca citadel is located in the Cusco region.
Spending a few days in the ancient Inca city has benefits. It allows you to acclimatize to the altitude, learn more about the excellent Inca history, and enjoy the many things to do in Cusco.
There are many alternatives to getting from Lima to Cusco. Therefore, with Machu Travel Peru, we want to tell you about the different ways to get to Cusco!
A complete guide on the trip from Lima to the ancient Inca city
Getting from Lima to Cusco
After enjoying all the things to do in Lima, you will feel ready to leave for Cusco. There are three ways to travel from the Peruvian capital to Cusco. By plane, flying over 584 km in 01:45 hrs. Travel by bus, passing 117 km in 20 hrs approx. By private car, in 15 hrs, with the same bus distance. All these have their advantages and disadvantages, everything will depend on your available time and budget.
An additional note: there is no train connection from Lima to the Imperial City.
| Cheapest way | Fastest way | Most scenic route | Trip last | Price | |
| Plane | X | 01:20 Hrs | 90 $ | ||
| Bus | X | 23 Hrs | 40 $ | ||
| Private car | X | 19 Hrs | 200 $ |
Keep in mind that the prices and times are referential. These vary by provider and season.
Remember that the trip is not short, and it will take you many hours, depending on how you travel. So if you have time, it’s a good idea to go on a discovery adventure (traveling by bus or private car). In addition, you will be able to know landscapes that you would not experience when traveling by plane. Although air travel will save you time, altitude sickness may affect you significantly.
By bus
Cheap – Large duration – Views of amazing landscapes
Remember that you should not miss the adventure of traveling from Lima to Cusco by bus on your next vacation to Peru. You will have more availability and luxury or budget alternatives depending on your chosen route.
Some transportation companies may make tourist stops in the main cities of Peru along the route. Other companies may choose not to make these stops. Some will only take a few-hour break at each stop and nothing more.
If you decide to travel with a tourist agency, you may enjoy these destinations more deeply. Explore the countryside and enjoy the beautiful routes filled with scenic views that a bus trip provides. There is no better time to visit Peru and make your dreams come true than now.
Bus Companies
Taking the bus can be one of the best ways to travel around Peru. Numerous companies offer services from Lima to Cusco. Most companies have a minimum of two to three daily departures, and most depart from the previous day noon to the next noon (The travelers will spend a night on board).
The downside is that Lima doesn’t have a central bus terminal. Each company operates from its station, which can be confusing when choosing a reputable company.
However, taking a bus from Lima to Cusco with the following bus companies is entirely safe. This is due to their experience, modern units, and the professional capacity of their workers.
- Cruz del Sur
- Oltursa
- Móvil Tours
- Civa
These companies offer reliable services and use modern, comfortable buses. Most of them also offer an online reservation service.
1. Via Nazca – Arequipa – Cusco (23 hours)
Lima – Ica
The ideal way to do the trip is to divide it into a few parts. On the way to Arequipa, you will pass through the town of Ica. This track until Ica can take up to three hours, depending on the company you choose to travel with. The road is parallel to the Peruvian beaches, so you won’t have to worry.
Ica is famous for its wineries, which produce the famous Peru drink Pisco. It is a good idea to take the time to taste Pisco and spend an afternoon at the wineries.
Also, you will find one of the most well-known attractions in Peru, the Huacachina oasis in the Ica desert. It is worth spending a day here, as you can swim, sandboard, take dune buggies, and sunbathe. Many places to stay can make your visit to Peru more enjoyable. The best time to visit is all year round. The truth is that some other fabulous Peruvian destinations can complement your trip from Lima to Cusco.
Ica – Nazca
While heading to Cusco, further south and inland, you can find the small and quiet town of Nazca. Why should you stop there? You may wonder. But the truth is, you must stop there (If you have time, of course) as this is home to the famous Nazca Lines.
This destination is a recommendable stop where you can get to know one of the most iconic places in Peru. Drawn by an ancient civilization (Nazca pre-Inca culture) many years ago, the lines remain a mystery. It would be best if you flew over the site to get the best view of the lines. For those who don’t like small plans, it is possible to travel to the city’s outskirts to the observation tower, where you can see a few examples of these lines.
Nazca – Arequipa
It takes about 10 hours to get to Arequipa from Nazca. The White City, known for its white stone called Sillar, is the second-largest city in Peru. Its historic center features a blend of old and new architectural styles.
If you have time during the tour from Lima to Cusco, spending a few days here is advisable. The city has great weather and beautiful sights, including Misti Volcano, Colca Canyon, and the Santa Catalina Monastery.
Arequipa- Cusco
The journey from Arequipa to Cusco is very scenic. Along the way, you will see the beautiful Andes mountains, charming towns, majestic rivers, and ancient Inca sites.
You can arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon, around 2:00 PM. This gives you time to enjoy the city’s lively nightlife. And the next day, you can enjoy a Cusco city tour early in the morning.
2. Via Nazca – Abancay – Cusco (18 hours)
The other way to travel by bus from Lima to Cusco is through the Nazca and Abancay routes. This trip will take you about eighteen hours. Many bus companies offer this route, and the level of service may vary. There are luxury buses with movies, meals, and drinks included onboard. But for the not-so-fancy options, you must bring your food and beverages.
These services are cheaper and less comfortable, but they are a great way to travel if you like buses. Buy online and see the range of prices and services they offer.
The route has three parts. The first part goes from Lima city to Nazca, which we already described. The second part is from Nazca to Abancay, the least exciting city. The last part goes from Abancay to Cusco.
This route can be pretty curvy, especially around Abancay, with steep ascents and descents. So, if you experience dizziness in the car, bring your recommended medications. Upon arrival in Cusco, remember to take it easy for the first few days, as the city is at a high altitude.
By plane
Expensive – Short duration – Aerial shots of the Andes
Before leaving for Cusco, you have to arrive in Lima. Most tourists generally arrive in Peru by plane (compared to those who come by bus or cruise). The Peruvian capital has the only international airport in Peru. So Lima will be one of your starting points. The truth is that there is no best time to visit Lima, but you can take advantage of the season in which you travel.
Flying is by far the fastest and most efficient option to get from Lima to Cusco. Several airlines offer daily flights from Lima to Cusco, with a flight time of a little over an hour. Jorge Chávez Airport is located about 10 kilometers northwest of the Lima center. From there, you can board your flight to Cusco.
Flight schedules
The best-known airlines for this type of service are LATAM Peru, Sky Peru, and Jet Smart Peru. Please note that flights tend to depart from 5 AM until 20:30 PM. With these flight schedules, travelers will be able to plan their entire day with different adventures and activities.
Once you arrive in Cusco, you will find yourself at the Alejandro Velasco Astete airport. This is located about 4 kilometers south of the center of the Cusco tourist map. You can take a bus or a taxi from the airport to your accommodation. We recommend using taxi apps like Uber, InDriver, or Cabify.
Are you asking if you can travel from Peru’s capital to Cusco in one day? This is possible by taking a flight that arrives no later than 08:00 a.m. in Cusco city.
Prices of flights
The price varies greatly depending on the time and schedule you choose to travel. If you take advantage of the available offers, the prices may not differ much from the bus trips. But in general, you can expect roundtrip prices between $90 and up.
Remember that the price does not usually exceed $120 for round-trip tickets. Also, if you use the discounts available and travel during off-peak times, you can find round-trip tickets for $35 to $50. However, these sale seasons are rare and few.
Flight connection from Lima
Many travelers from abroad wish to travel directly from Lima to Cusco. However, this is impossible because there is no direct transport between these two places. The passengers have to choose a connecting flight from Lima to Cusco.
This is usually true for travelers with a packed schedule and only a few days in the country. If this is true, remember to go through customs before your connecting flight. You can do this through a travel agency, online, or on the airline’s website.
To pass the immigration control
Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport is a key hub in Latin America. Many international flights from North America, Europe, and Asia connect through Lima. Therefore, It’s not surprising that the migration zone of Lima airport will be one of the strictest in the world. However, If you meet these two standards, you don’t have to worry about transitioning from Lima to Cusco.
- Custom Declaration: This is a form where you must state the value of everything in your luggage or backpack. You must pay taxes if the security officer finds undeclared cash over $1,000 during a routine check. This is required to enter Peru.
- Andean Card (Tarjeta Andina) TAM: This is a registration card. It helps you enter extra information about your trip. You can include your destination, reason for travel, and destination address. The security personnel will unbundle part of the card for government use and give the other part to you. Saving and not losing this part of the TAM Card is important because you will need it to leave Peru.
Helpful tips when flying
Among our Cusco travel tips, we recommend the following to make your plane trip much more enjoyable. These tips also apply if you are looking to enjoy another Peruvian destination.
- If you are looking for a cheap flight, it is advisable to book at least 6 months in advance. This way you will get a flight with a price below the average.
- If you fly during the high season (September, October, and November) you may get flights at a higher price. By the way, the cheapest month to fly is May.
- Flights during the dawning and night are much cheaper than those that depart during the day.
- If you are looking to save money, booking with Jet Smart Peru or Sky Airline may be a good idea. Both airlines are low-cost and offer nonstop flights from Lima to Cusco airport.
By private car
Most expensive – Large duration – Views of amazing landscapes – You have the control
Although the bus and the plane are the main ways to get there, it does not mean that they are the only ones. You can also travel in a private car along the Central Highlands route. This option is not usually that popular and is only chosen by those adventurers looking to enjoy impressive landscapes.
Also, the private transfer is quite a popular option among groups looking to enjoy a more exclusive journey from Lima to Cusco. This route usually crosses the heart of the Peruvian Andes and will give you an idea of the life and traditions that mark Peru.
- Lima – Huancayo: The first section of the trip directs you to Huancayo and can last between six and eight hours. Huancayo is the most developed city in the central region of Peru, with quaint squares, buildings, and commercial centers.
- Huancayo – Ayacucho: This second section heads towards Ayacucho and lasts between six and eight hours. Ayacucho is popular for its handicrafts production and the famous “Retablo Ayacuchano” (a kind of two-tiered atrium; on the first level, little human sculptures represent the Andean daily life). The second level represents the figures and images of the Catholic religion).
- Ayacucho – Andahuaylillas: The third section goes to Andahuaylas and lasts about five hours. It is there where it usually changes for the section to Cusco. Andahuaylillas is just a passing city where you can stop for lunch or rest for a few hours.
- Andahuaylillas—Cusco: This track takes seven to nine hours. The main objective is to visit popular destinations in the Peruvian highlands, such as Raqchi, an ancient Wiracocha Inca deity temple, or Tipón, an Inca ceremonial center dedicated to water.
“YOU CAN’T UNDERSTAND A CITY WITHOUT USING ITS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM”
We hope that working with the travel experts of Machu Travel Peru has been helpful. As you can see, there are three main ways to travel from Lima to Cusco. There are many ways to travel. No matter how you choose to travel, you will be amazed by Lima and Cusco.
These two destinations are some of the most important when traveling in Peru. You will learn a lot about our history and enjoy the Peru tours.
If you want to know more about our different routes, you can consult with our qualified team of advisers. They will be happy to help you fulfill the trip of your dreams!
