What Are the International Airports in Peru?
Looking for international airports in Peru? If you’re planning a trip and hoping to avoid the need to land in Lima, you may be wondering which Peruvian international airports you can actually fly into.
Peru has several airports classified as international, but they don’t all offer the same international routes. If you’re wondering whether you can fly into Peru somewhere besides Lima, the answer is yes — but your options depend heavily on where you’re flying from.
How do we know? We’ve handled airport transfers in both Lima and Cusco for 11 years, so we’ve seen firsthand how international travelers arrive in Peru and where they go next.
Are you hoping to avoid Lima?
If you’re hoping to avoid Lima, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to.
Yes, Cusco is classified as an international airport, but its international flights are regional rather than intercontinental. If you’re flying from the United States, Canada, or Europe, Lima will generally be your point of entry into Peru.
If you’re already traveling in South America, things are different. Depending on where you’re coming from, you may be able to fly directly to Cusco and skip Lima altogether.
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.
That’s where a pre-booked private airport transfer comes in. Your driver is arranged before you arrive, and you can go directly from the airport to your destination.
Connecting Through Lima to Cusco
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.
If you have an overnight layover and need to leave the airport, that’s different. You’ll need transportation to your hotel and back to the airport.
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.
Gringo Taxis provides airport transportation from Cusco Airport to hotels, the Sacred Valley, and other destinations in the area.
If you’re staying inside the airport while waiting for your connection to Cusco, our Lima Airport guide with maps and photos can help you find your way around the new terminal.
