Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)

Cusco, PE 🇵🇪 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

SPZO

IATA

CUZ

Elevation

10860 ft

Region

PE-CUS

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: SPZO

Local Code: Not available

Location: -13.5357° N, -71.938797° E

Continent: SA

Type: Large International Airport

Arrivals
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Departures
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External Links

Official Website Wikipedia Live Flights
Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (SPZO/CUZ) in Cusco generally receives mixed to negative reviews from recent travelers. While serving as a crucial gateway to Machu Picchu and other regional attractions, the airport is frequently described as too small and outdated for the volume of tourists it handles, leading to overall low satisfaction regarding its facilities and amenities. However, some aspects like security can be surprisingly efficient.

What Travelers Love
  • Efficient Security and Check-in: Many travelers report quick processing times for security and check-in, making it possible to arrive closer to departure time than at larger airports.
  • Proximity to City Center: The airport is conveniently located, typically a short 10-25 minute drive from Cusco's main square, allowing for quick transfers to accommodation.
  • Private Transfer Options: Numerous highly-rated private transfer services offer comfortable, safe, and reliable transportation to hotels in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
  • Scenic Views: The approach and departure offer stunning views of the surrounding Andes Mountains.
Common Complaints
  • Small and Overcrowded Terminal: The airport is widely criticized for being too small for its high passenger traffic, leading to crowded waiting areas and insufficient seating.
  • Limited Facilities and Amenities: There are few dining options, limited shopping, and often expensive or poor quality Wi-Fi that is sometimes only available for a short free period or is chargeable. Lounges are also available but sometimes deemed complicated to access or lacking in services.
  • Restroom Conditions: Multiple older reviews mention issues with restrooms, including lack of toilet paper and even water cut-offs, although newer reviews don't highlight this as prominently.
  • Unregulated Taxis and Pricing: While official taxis are available, many informal drivers operate outside, often requiring negotiation and potentially overcharging. Travelers are advised to arrange transfers in advance or negotiate firmly.
  • Operational Limitations: Due to its high elevation and surrounding terrain, the airport has operational restrictions, including specific landing and takeoff directions and susceptibility to weather delays.

Overall, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport serves its purpose as the primary air gateway to Cusco, but travelers should set expectations for a basic and often crowded experience. Its limitations are acknowledged, with a new, larger airport in Chinchero expected to replace it in the coming years, potentially by 2025.

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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

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Airport Routes

Top Routes (by observations)
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Popular Flight Routes
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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
LATAM Peru
LPE / LP
4 473 4 Dec 10, 2025
Sky Airline
SKX / H8
3 131 3 Dec 10, 2025
1 105 1 Dec 10, 2025
Avianca
AVA / AV
2 15 2 Dec 7, 2025
Showing top 4 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
10/28 11146 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP CUSCO APP 120.6 MHz
ATIS ATIS 127.0 MHz
GND GND 121.9 MHz
TWR CUSCO TWR 118.1 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
URC Urcos VOR-DME 115600 kHz
ZCO Cusco VOR-DME 114900 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Official, licensed airport taxis are the safest option, with pre-paid, fixed rates available at counters inside the arrivals hall. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify also operate, though you may need to meet your driver just outside the main airport area. For unofficial taxis hailed outside, always agree on the fare before starting your trip.

Rental Cars

Several international and local car rental agencies, including Hertz, Avis, and Budget, have desks within the arrivals terminal. While a rental car is ideal for exploring the Sacred Valley and surrounding regions, it is not recommended for navigating the narrow, congested, and one-way streets of Cusco's historic center.

Public Transportation

The most economical option is to use local public buses, known as 'combis'. These do not stop directly at the terminal; you must walk a short distance to the main road (Avenida Velasco Astete) to catch one. This option can be challenging for visitors with luggage due to crowding and unclear routes.

Nearby Airports

Huanacopampa Airport
SPPP
Huanacopampa, PE
Small Airport
~80 km away
Patria Airport
SPIR
Pillcopata, PE
Small Airport
~84 km away
Tamburco Airport
PE-0019
Tamburco, PE
Small Airport
~96 km away
Quincemil Air Base
UMI • SPIL
Quince Mil, PE
Small Airport
~133 km away
Yauri Airport
SPIY
Yauri, PE
Small Airport
~150 km away
Diospi Suyana Hospital Heliport
PE-0020
Curahuasi, PE
Heliport
~83 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.