The journey to Machu Picchu begins long before the hike - but a new airport could make it far easier, and not everyone is happy about it. The airport, currently under construction in Chinchero, is expected to shave days off the travel time to the ancient site by flying tourists directly into Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is Peru's most famous attraction and receives millions of visitors every year. Most fly into New Jorge Chávez International Airport in Peru's capital, Lima, and then take a domestic flight to Cusco. Travelers then need to get a train or bus to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town), followed by a 25-minute bus ride or hike up to the citadel.

Source: Daily Mail February 11, 2026 13:15 UTC