The 3 Closest Airports to aguas calientes peru
The 3 Closest Airports to Aguas Calientes, Peru
Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the town located at the base of Machu Picchu. Given its unique location nestled in the mountains and accessible primarily by train, flying directly into Aguas Calientes is not possible. Travelers typically fly into a nearby airport and then take ground transportation (train and/or bus) to reach Aguas Calientes. Here are the three closest airports to Aguas Calientes:
1. Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)**
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco is the closest major gateway for visitors to Machu Picchu and handles the most air traffic. It serves as the primary airport for accessing the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by providing connections to ground transportation options leading to Aguas Calientes.
- Distance to Aguas Calientes, Peru: ~75 km (46 miles) to Ollantaytambo, then train to Aguas Calientes.
- Address: Av. Velasco Astete, Cusco, Peru
- Pros: Closest major airport to Machu Picchu, numerous daily flights, facilities for international arrivals (though most connections are domestic), connections to train services to Aguas Calientes.
- Cons: High altitude can cause discomfort, airport can be crowded, delays possible due to weather conditions.
- Airlines: LATAM Perú, Avianca, Sky Airline, JetSMART.
- Car Rental: Avis, Budget, Hertz.
- Official Website: https://www.corpac.gob.pe/
- Phone: +51 84 222611
- Rating: Generally rated positively for its convenience as the main access point to Machu Picchu, but scores vary.
2. Andahuaylas Airport (ANS)**
- Distance to Aguas Calientes, Peru: ~175 km (109 miles)
- Address: Andahuaylas, Peru
- Pros: Smaller airport, potentially fewer crowds.
- Cons: Limited flight options, greater transfer time and distance to Aguas Calientes.
- Airlines: LATAM Perú
- Car Rental: Limited options
- Official Website: N/A
- Phone: N/A
- Rating: Not widely rated due to limited traffic.
3. Tingo Maria Airport (TGI)**
- Distance to Aguas Calientes, Peru: ~340 km (211 miles)
- Address: Tingo Maria, Peru
- Pros: Serves a region with natural beauty.
- Cons: Very distant, few flight options, long and potentially difficult ground transfer to Aguas Calientes.
- Airlines: Star Peru
- Car Rental: Limited options
- Official Website: N/A
- Phone: N/A
- Rating: Not widely rated due to limited traffic
Conclusion:
While none of these airports allow direct flights into Aguas Calientes, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco is the closest and most practical major airport for accessing Machu Picchu. Although it requires a connecting train from Ollantaytambo, its proximity and connectivity make it the preferred choice for most travelers.