The 3 Closest Airports to aguas calientes

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The 3 Closest Airports to Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the town closest to the famed Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Due to its unique location nestled in the mountains, reaching Aguas Calientes usually involves a train journey from a nearby town. This also means flying directly into Aguas Calientes is not possible. Instead, travelers fly into an airport in the region and then transfer to Aguas Calientes. Here are the three closest airports that travelers use to access Aguas Calientes:

1. Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco is the closest major airport to Aguas Calientes and serves as the primary gateway for most visitors. It is the most common choice due to its volume of flights and connectivity to other major cities.

  • Distance to Aguas Calientes: Approximately 75 km (47 miles) to Ollantaytambo, then a train to Aguas Calientes.

  • Address: Av. Velasco Astete, Cusco, Peru

  • Pros: Closest major airport, variety of flights, closer to the Sacred Valley.

  • Cons: Altitude sickness risk (Cusco is at 11,200 feet), can be crowded, further from Aguas Calientes compared to some smaller options.

  • Airlines: LATAM, Avianca, SKY Airline, JetSMART.

  • Car Rental: Available (Hertz, Avis, Europcar)

  • Official Website: https://www.corpac.gob.pe/Main.asp?T=5174

  • Phone: +51 84 222611

  • Rating: Generally good, but can be affected by weather conditions.

2. Andahuaylas Airport (ANS)

Andahuaylas Airport is a smaller regional airport located further from Cusco. It is an increasingly popular alternative for travelers seeking to avoid Cusco’s altitude sickness or wanting to explore the Andahuaylas region. Reaching Aguas Calientes from Andahuaylas requires a combination of ground transportation to Ollantaytambo or Cusco and then a train to Aguas Calientes.

  • Distance to Aguas Calientes: Approximately 200 km (124 miles) to Ollantaytambo, plus train to Aguas Calientes.

  • Address: Andahuaylas, Apurímac, Peru

  • Pros: Less crowded than Cusco, avoids high altitude of Cusco, access to Andahuaylas region.

  • Cons: Limited flight options, longer transfer time to Ollantaytambo/Cusco for train to Aguas Calientes

  • Airlines: LATAM

  • Car Rental: Limited availability, best to arrange in advance.

  • Official Website: N/A

  • Phone: N/A

  • Rating: N/A

3. Nazca Airport (NZC)

Nazca Airport is a very minor airport serving Nazca. It’s primary use is for flights over the Nazca Lines. It is significantly further from Aguas Calientes than Cusco or Andahuaylas, it is the least common access point. Travel from Nazca to Aguas Calientes involves a long bus or car ride to either Cusco or Ollantaytambo, followed by the train journey to Aguas Calientes.

  • Distance to Aguas Calientes: Approximately 488km (303 miles) to Ollantaytambo, plus train to Aguas Calientes.

  • Address: Nazca, Peru

  • Pros: Access to the Nazca Lines, generally quieter airport.

  • Cons: Very long travel time to Aguas Calientes, limited flight options, least convenient option.

  • Airlines: LC Peru

  • Car Rental: Very limited, best to arrange in advance or rely on local transportation.

  • Official Website: N/A

  • Phone: N/A

  • Rating:N/A

Conclusion:

The closest airport to Aguas Calientes is technically Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco, after considering the necessary train journey from Ollantaytambo or Cusco.

The closest major airport to Aguas Calientes is, again, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco, offering the most flight options and connections.

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