What Are the International Airports in Peru?
Peru has 14 airports designated for international operations, but that doesn't mean all of them offer regular international passenger flights.
If you’re planning a trip to Peru and hoping to avoid landing in Lima, your options depend on where you’re flying from.
Many of Peru’s regional airports carry the international designation but primarily serve domestic routes. Lima remains the country’s main international gateway, while the international connections available at other airports vary.
Avoiding Lima May Be Possible - But Not Likely
There’s a good chance you won’t be able to avoid the City of Kings.
While Cusco is classified as an international airport, its international connections are primarily regional rather than intercontinental. If you’re flying from the United States, Canada, or Europe, you’ll generally need to connect through Lima before continuing to Cusco.
If you’re already traveling in South America, things can be different. Direct international flights connect Cusco with cities such as Santiago, Bogotá, and La Paz, allowing some travelers to bypass Lima altogether. Routes and schedules vary, so check availability for your travel dates.
Which Airports in Peru Are Designated for International Operations?
Based on the latest information available to us, 14 airports in Peru are designated for international operations. The following is our latest known list of Peru’s internationally designated airports. We recommend checking current airline schedules before planning your trip around a direct international connection.
Peru's international-designated airports include:
Lima: Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
Arequipa: Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP)
Cusco: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)
Iquitos: Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport (IQT)
Trujillo: Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport (TRU)
Chiclayo: Capitán FAP José A. Quiñones Gonzales International Airport (CIX)
Pisco: Capitán FAP Renán Elías Olivera Airport (PIO)
- Pucallpa: Capitán FAP David Abensur Rengifo International Airport (PCL)
Juliaca: Inca Manco Cápac International Airport (JUL)
Tacna: Coronel FAP Carlos Ciriani Santa Rosa International Airport (TCQ)
Piura: Capitán FAP Guillermo Concha Iberico International Airport (PIU)
Tumbes: Capitán FAP Pedro Canga Rodríguez Airport (TBP)
Tarapoto: Cadete FAP Guillermo del Castillo Paredes Airport (TPP)
Cajamarca: Mayor General FAP Armando Revoredo Iglesias Airport (CJA)
Which Airport Should You Fly Into for Machu Picchu or The Sacred Valley?
If you’re searching for flights to Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley, the first thing to know is that neither destination has its own airport. Most travelers fly to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco and continue their journey from there.
Depending on your itinerary, you may travel through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo before taking a train to Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu. If you’re staying in Pisac, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, or elsewhere in the Sacred Valley, you’ll need to arrange ground transportation from Cusco Airport to your destination. Gringo Taxis provides private transfers for travelers who want to arrange that journey in advance.
If you’re already traveling in South America, you may be able to fly directly to Cusco without passing through Lima. Direct international routes connect Cusco with Santiago, Chile; Bogotá, Colombia; and La Paz, Bolivia. These connections can allow travelers from those cities to bypass Lima, although routes and schedules vary by travel date.
What Happens After You Arrive in Peru?
After figuring out which airport you’re flying into, the next question is what you’re doing after you land.
For most of you, you’ll fall into one of three situations:
Staying in Lima
If Lima is your first stop and you’re staying overnight, you’ll need to get from Jorge Chávez International Airport to your hotel or accommodation.
Just Connecting
If Lima is simply a connection on your way to Cusco and you’re staying inside the airport, you probably don’t need a Lima airport transfer.
If your connection is long enough that you need somewhere to rest, Lima Airport has Sleep Pods where you can close your eyes without leaving the terminal.
Arriving Directly in Cusco
If you’re already traveling in South America and can fly directly to Cusco, you’ll need transportation once you arrive.
