As of now, travelers visiting Cusco and Peru’s Sacred Valley typically fly in and out of Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, but that’s all about to change. In late 2026 the new Chinchero International Airport is slated to open and replace the existing Cusco airport (CUZ). Currently, international travelers typically fly into Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport and then connect to CUZ, but once Chinchero opens, it will offer more direct flights to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. The new airport, not yet assigned an IATA code, will be eight times larger than the existing airport, with the intent to increase flight capacity and provide an easier way to visit the popular destination.
Beginning construction in 2018, this airport will be the first in Peru to be built with eco-friendly infrastructure. Chinchero International Airport is expected to create direct and indirect jobs throughout the process and during operations once it opens. The Peruvian government reported the project already has a positive impact on the country’s economy by creating more than 5,000 direct jobs during the construction process; it will eventually foster more than 1 million jobs in areas such as tourism, transportation, hospitality and gastronomy.
Located in Chinchero, just outside of Cusco, the new airport will feature a runway, a passenger terminal with three floors, a control tower, taxiways, an aircraft parking apron, a general aviation apron and maintenance hangars. With these structures it will have the capacity to handle more than 6 million passengers per year and become the second-largest airport in the country, behind Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport. The airport’s runway will be longer and wider than the one at Alejandro Velasco Astete International, allowing larger aircraft to fly in from North America and Europe.
Chinchero International Airport is being constructed by the Natividad de Chinchero Consortium with assistance from Korea’s Project Management Office under a government-to-government agreement.
Although some locals and environmentalists have been wary of the upgrade, it is much-needed for the destination. Not only will the airport serve domestic and international travelers looking to explore Cusco and the surrounding Sacred Valley of the Incas, it will also provide travelers easier access to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jan 20, 2026The Diplomat Beach Resort in Florida Announces Reimagined Restaurant Concepts
The Diplomat Beach Resort announced a completely reimagined food and beverage lineup ahead of its transition to Signia by Hilton in May. The five updated restaurant concepts embody Signia’s sophisticated luxury and personalized service:
Sponsored Content
TAP FORBIZ: Empowering Business Travel for Every Enterprise
In today's global business landscape, travel isn’t just movement — it’s momentum. TAP FORBIZ, TAP Air Portugal’s premium corporate travel solution, is engineered to maximize that momentum across all types of businesses — from agile SMEs to global enterprises and orchestrated events.
Daily
Jan 19, 2026Loews Regency New York Hotel Announces Exclusive Experiences at The Met
Loews Regency New York Hotel recently announced experiences at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, part of the hotel’s enhanced Local by Loews Hotels offerings. Guests have the rare opportunity to experience intimate, thematic tours of The Met’s renowned collection.
Daily
Jan 19, 2026Sheraton Boston Celebrates 60th Anniversary with Retro-Inspired Suites, Multimillion-Dollar Renovations
Sheraton Boston, a Back Bay landmark for six decades, marks its 60th anniversary in style with the unveiling of its new 60s Suite. Introduced as part of the property’s dramatic $100 million renovation, the suite was created in collaboration with The Greater Boston Vintage Society and pays homage to the golden era of travel and design.
Sponsored Content
Gorilla Forest Lodge, An A&K Sanctuary, Reopens After Stunning Transformation
Gorilla Forest Lodge offers an unrivaled base for encountering mountain gorillas. The lodge's location inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s gates means guests are never far from these magnificent creatures, with gorillas occasionally wandering onto the property itself.
Daily
Jan 19, 2026Step into the World of “The Odyssey” on These 2026 Trips in Costa Navarino, Greece
In coordination with the release of the highly anticipated release of The Odyssey, Costa Navarino, the sustainably driven destination in Messinia, the southwest Peloponnese, introduces a series of curated immersive experiences into the world of Homer’s epic. Participating properties include The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort; W Costa Navarino; and Villa Rental Collection.
Daily
Jan 15, 2026New Techo International Airport Opens in Phnom Phenh
Opened only a few months ago, the airport terminal in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is already drawing raves from business and leisure travelers who have experienced the terminal’s unique interior and exterior design features, which will fit into the airport’s general master plan.
Sponsored Content
TAP Air Portugal: A Milestone Year
From small airline to global success, TAP Air Portugal turns 80 and better than ever.
Daily
Jan 15, 2026A New Hotel Comes to London’s Mayfair Neighborhood
The Shepherd Mayfair will open its doors this year in one of London’s most characterful enclaves, bringing boutique hospitality to the neighborhood. Part of Elegant Hotel Collection, the new hotel will feature 82 guestrooms and suites across six floors, spanning 33,600 square feet. Led by Timothy Shepherd, the hotel will serve as the gateway to historic Shepherd Market.
ShareThis