list of airports in Peru
Exploring the Skies: A Guide to Airports in Peru
Peru, a land of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture, welcomes millions of travelers each year. Whether you’re trekking to Machu Picchu, exploring the Amazon rainforest, or enjoying the coastal cities, understanding your airport options is crucial for a smooth journey. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the airports in Peru, covering major hubs, regional access points, and what you can expect when flying in or out of this fascinating country.
#ff6900 Major International Airports
Peru boasts two primary international airports that serve as gateways for most visitors. These airports offer the most extensive flight networks and modern facilities.
- Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) – Lima: Located in Callao, near Lima, this is Peru’s busiest airport, handling the vast majority of international and domestic flights. It’s currently undergoing a significant expansion project to increase capacity and improve passenger experience. Expect a range of airlines, shops, restaurants, and transportation options. It’s the main hub for LATAM Perú, Sky Airline Perú, and JetSMART Perú.
- Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) – Cusco: This airport is uniquely situated high in the Andes Mountains, serving as the primary access point for tourists visiting Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Due to its altitude (over 11,000 feet), it’s essential to acclimatize before and after your flight. Flights here are often operated by smaller aircraft.
#ff6900 Regional Airports & Domestic Connections
Beyond the two major international hubs, Peru has a network of regional airports that connect travelers to various parts of the country, particularly the Amazon rainforest, coastal areas, and other popular tourist destinations.
- Francisco Sedemayo Airport (TCP) – Trujillo: Serving the La Libertad region, this airport is important for accessing the northern beaches and archaeological sites.
- Capitán FAP Guillermo Concha Torre Airport (PIU) – Piura: A key airport for the northern coastal region, providing access to beaches and agricultural areas.
- Coronel FAP Francisco Carbajal Airport (BJX) – Cajamarca: This airport serves the Cajamarca region, known for its dairy farms, waterfalls, and historical sites.
- Padre Aldamiz International Airport (PEM) – Pucallpa: A vital airport for exploring the Peruvian Amazon, offering connections to Lima and other regional destinations.
- Mayor PNP Pedro Canga Rodríguez Airport (IQS) – Iquitos: Another crucial airport for Amazon travel, Iquitos is a major hub for river transport and jungle lodges. It’s often the starting point for deep Amazon explorations.
- Inca Manco Capac International Airport (JUL) – Juliaca: Located near Lake Titicaca, this airport provides access to the southern highlands and the floating islands of Uros.
- Talara Airport (TYA) – Talara: Serving the oil-rich region of Talara and providing access to beaches in the north.
- Chachapoyas Airport (CHH) – Chachapoyas: The gateway to the cloud forests of northern Peru and the Kuelap fortress.
- Tumbes Airport (TUM) – Tumbes: Located near the border with Ecuador, this airport serves the Tumbes region, known for its beaches and mangrove forests.
#ff6900 A Table of Airports in Peru
| Airport Code | Airport Name | City | Region | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIM | Jorge Chávez International Airport | Lima | Lima | International & Domestic |
| CUZ | Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport | Cusco | Cusco | International & Domestic |
| TCP | Francisco Sedemayo Airport | Trujillo | La Libertad | Domestic |
| PIU | Capitán FAP Guillermo Concha Torre Airport | Piura | Piura | Domestic |
| BJX | Coronel FAP Francisco Carbajal Airport | Cajamarca | Cajamarca | Domestic |
| PEM | Padre Aldamiz International Airport | Pucallpa | Ucayali | Domestic |
| IQS | Mayor PNP Pedro Canga Rodríguez Airport | Iquitos | Loreto | Domestic |
| JUL | Inca Manco Capac International Airport | Juliaca | Puno | Domestic |
| TYA | Talara Airport | Talara | Piura | Domestic |
| CHH | Chachapoyas Airport | Chachapoyas | Amazonas | Domestic |
| TUM | Tumbes Airport | Tumbes | Tumbes | Domestic |
| AYC | Ayacucho Airport | Ayacucho | Ayacucho | Domestic |
| HCU | Huancavelica Airport | Huancavelica | Huancavelica | Domestic |
| NCQ | Nasca Airport | Nasca | Ica | Domestic |
| UCU | Pisco Airport | Pisco | Ica | Domestic |
| ZCO | Zongo Airport | Puerto Maldonado | Madre de Dios | Domestic |
#ff6900 Navigating Peruvian Airports: What to Expect
Traveling through Peruvian airports can be a unique experience. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Security: Security checks are standard, and it’s advisable to arrive at the airport with ample time, especially for international departures.
- Baggage Handling: Baggage handling can sometimes be slow, particularly at smaller regional airports.
- Altitude: As mentioned, Cusco Airport is at a very high altitude. Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity upon arrival.
- Transportation: Taxis and airport shuttle services are readily available at most airports. Consider pre-booking transportation for peace of mind.
- Language: While English is spoken at the larger international airports, knowing some basic Spanish phrases will be helpful, especially when traveling to regional destinations.
#ff6900 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which airport is closest to Machu Picchu?
CUZ (Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport) in Cusco is the closest airport. From Cusco, you’ll need to take a train or a combination of train and bus to reach Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
2. Is it safe to fly domestically in Peru?
Yes, domestic flights in Peru are generally safe. However, it’s always a good idea to check the airline’s safety record and be aware of potential delays due to weather conditions, especially in the Andes and Amazon regions.
3. What is the best way to get from Lima airport to the city center?
Options include official airport taxis, authorized ride-sharing services (like Uber or Cabify), and the Airport Express Lima bus service. The Airport Express is often the most cost-effective and reliable.
4. Do I need to pay an airport departure tax?
Departure taxes are generally included in the price of your airline ticket for international flights. For domestic flights, the tax is usually paid at the airport, but this is becoming less common as it’s increasingly incorporated into ticket prices. Check with your airline to confirm.
5. What should I do about the altitude when flying into Cusco?
Acclimatize gradually. Spend at least a day or two in a lower altitude city like Arequipa before flying to Cusco. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and take it easy upon arrival.
Resources:
- Corporación Peruana de Aeropuertos y Aviación Comercial (CORPAC): https://www.corpac.gob.pe/ (Official Peruvian airport authority)
- PeruRail: https://www.perurail.com/ (Train services to Machu Picchu)
- Inca Trail Permits: https://www.machupicchuperu.com/inca-trail-permits/ (Information on Inca Trail permits)
- Official Tourism Website of Peru: https://www.peru.travel/en
- Airline Websites: LATAM Perú (https://www.latam.com/), Sky Airline Perú (https://www.skyairline.com/en-pe), JetSMART Perú (https://www.jetsmart.com/en-pe/)
