What the New Gateway Near Machu Picchu Means for Your Trip

A major infrastructure project has been making headlines across the travel world: Chinchero International Airport, a brand-new international airport currently under construction just 18 miles (30 km) from the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Once open, it promises to dramatically shorten travel times to one of the world’s most iconic destinations — but for now, the airport remains under construction, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the last great opportunities to experience Machu Picchu before a significant tourism surge begins. Here is everything you need to know as a traveler.

What Is the Chinchero International Airport?

Chinchero International Airport is a new international airport being built in the town of Chinchero, located in the Urubamba Province of the Cusco Region, Peru. It will replace the existing Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco, which has long been considered too small and too constrained for modern aircraft and growing passenger demand.

Key facts about the new airport:

• Location: Chinchero district, Cusco Region — approximately 18 miles (30 km) from Machu Picchu and about 19 miles (30 km) from Cusco city.
• Altitude: 3,720 m (12,200 ft) above sea level — even higher than Cusco (3,399 m).
• Size: Eight times larger than the current Cusco airport.
• Initial capacity: 5 million passengers per year, with expansion plans to reach 8 million.
• Investment: Approximately USD $665 million.
• Construction partners: Hyundai Engineering & Construction (South Korea), Sinohydro Corporation (China), ICA Construction (Mexico), and HV Contractors, under a government-to-government agreement with South Korea.
• Eco-credentials: It will be the first airport in Peru to be built with eco-friendly infrastructure.
• Expected opening: Late 2027 (officially confirmed by the Peruvian government — previous estimates of 2026 were not met).

A Long and Complicated History

The idea of an airport in Chinchero is not new. The Peruvian government first identified the area as a potential airport site back in 1978, but plans were repeatedly shelved due to the country’s internal conflict in the following decades. The project was formally revived in 2011, and in 2017 President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski officially announced the start of construction. Ground was broken in 2018–2019.

Since then, the project has been plagued by delays: a corruption scandal that caused a contract cancellation in 2017, the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, bureaucratic disagreements over design approvals, and challenges with land expropriation. The anticipated opening date has been revised multiple times — from 2021, to 2024, to 2026, and now officially to late 2027.

In October 2024, President Dina Boluarte signed an addendum to the construction contract, narrowing the scope of the Natividad de Chinchero Consortium to terminal construction only, while a separate bidding process for the runway and control tower was launched for 2025, with runway construction projected for early 2026.

How the Airport Will Change Travel to Machu Picchu

Currently, getting to Machu Picchu from abroad is a multi-stage journey that can take the better part of a day:

1. International flight into Lima (Jorge Chávez International Airport).
2. Domestic connection flight to Cusco (CUZ) — roughly 1 hour 15 minutes of flying time, though layovers and transfers can add many hours.
3. Transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station (about 1.5–2 hours by road).
4. Train journey to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) — approximately 1.5 hours.
5. Bus ride or hike up to the Machu Picchu citadel — 25 minutes by bus, or 90 minutes on foot.

Once Chinchero opens, travelers will be able to fly directly into an airport that sits much closer to both the Sacred Valley and the train network leading to Aguas Calientes. The village of Chinchero is directly on the road to Ollantaytambo — where the main train station to Machu Picchu is located — meaning the train leg of the journey becomes quickly accessible from the new airport without first having to travel through Cusco city.

This makes our Machu Picchu By Train From Cusco – Poroy route particularly interesting for future travelers, as Poroy station is only about 15 minutes from Chinchero — though train service at that station is seasonal and limited during the rainy months (January–April).

The Tourism Surge: What Experts Are Predicting

The most talked-about consequence of Chinchero Airport opening is a projected surge in visitor numbers. Industry analysts and tourism planners have suggested that arrivals to the Cusco region and Machu Picchu could increase by as much as 200% once the airport is fully operational and direct international routes are established.

Currently, the existing Cusco airport handles approximately 3.5 million passengers per year (pre-pandemic baseline). Chinchero is designed to accommodate 5 to 8 million passengers annually. That is a dramatic increase for an archaeological site that already operates at the limit of its daily visitor capacity.

“UNESCO has been monitoring the situation and has warned that if visitor numbers rise without adequate management, Machu Picchu could risk losing its World Heritage status.”
— TravelPulse, February 2026

Peru’s Ministry of Culture currently caps daily visitors at Machu Picchu at between 4,500 and 5,600 people, depending on the season. Whether those limits will be revised — upward or downward — in response to greater demand remains one of the central debates surrounding the project.

Why 2026 Is the Best Year to Visit Machu Picchu

Here is the clearest travel advice we can give you: if Machu Picchu is on your list, visit before Chinchero opens. The airport is not expected to be operational until late 2027 at the earliest, and direct international routes may not be available until 2028. That makes 2026 — and most of 2027 — the last window of relative calm before the anticipated surge in visitor numbers transforms the experience at the site.

Machu Picchu already broke tourism records in 2025 despite travel disruptions, a clear sign that global demand is only growing. Once Chinchero lowers the barrier to entry by removing the need for a multi-stage journey through Lima and Cusco, the site will almost certainly become even more crowded than it is today.

Our Machu Picchu Full Day Trip from Cusco (our most popular package) lets you experience the citadel this year with pre-secured tickets, expert guidance, and none of the logistical uncertainty that independent travel entails during peak season.

Concerns: Environment, Heritage, and Local Communities

The Chinchero airport project is not without serious controversy. Archaeologists, conservationists, and local communities have raised significant objections since the project was first announced:

• Archaeological damage: Chinchero is itself a historic Inca city with terraces, trails, and structures designed by the Inca civilization. Art historian Natalia Majluf of Cambridge University stated in 2019 that building an airport there would destroy a built Inca landscape that includes terraces and routes of cultural significance.
• UNESCO warning: In 2019, UNESCO formally called on Peru to cease construction plans until a comprehensive heritage impact study could be conducted regarding Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Qhapaq Ñan (the Inca road network).
• Water supply risk: Construction and increased traffic around Chinchero threatens the watershed of Lake Piuray, which supplies nearly half of Cusco city’s drinking water.
• Agricultural heritage: Since the airport was announced, corn-growing Quechua farming families around Chinchero have been selling off their farmland, disrupting an agricultural tradition that has existed for centuries.
• Waste management: The region’s waste infrastructure is already strained. A significant increase in visitors would put additional pressure on recycling and sanitation systems that are not yet equipped to handle it.
• Cultural character of Chinchero: Currently a quiet village of Quechua weavers and farmers, Chinchero’s identity is expected to change dramatically once hotel development, road expansion, and tourist infrastructure follow the airport.

These concerns do not stop the project — but they are important context for any traveler who wants to understand what is at stake, and why visiting thoughtfully and using responsible, licensed operators matters now more than ever. Our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour includes a visit to the Chinchero village itself — a chance to experience its traditional textile markets and Inca ruins before the landscape changes forever.

Current Travel Route: How to Get to Machu Picchu Right Now (2026)

Do not search for direct flights to Chinchero — they do not exist yet, and will not for at least another 18–24 months. The standard route to Machu Picchu for 2026 travelers remains:

1. Fly into Lima (Jorge Chávez International Airport, LIM) — the main international hub for Peru. Most travelers from North America, Europe, and beyond arrive here.
2. Connect to Cusco (CUZ) via domestic flight — approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Airlines serving this route include LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART.
3. Acclimatize in Cusco — spend at least one full day resting and adjusting to the altitude (3,399 m / 11,152 ft) before continuing to Machu Picchu.
4. Travel to Ollantaytambo or Poroy by road — your gateway to the train network.
5. Board the train to Aguas Calientes (PeruRail or Inca Rail) — approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of spectacular Andean scenery.
6. Take the bus or hike up to the Machu Picchu entrance gate.

We handle every step of this journey for you. Our Machu Picchu Tour by Train 2 Days and Tour Machu Picchu 2 Days from Poroy cover transportation, tickets, accommodation in Aguas Calientes, and guided entry to the citadel — so you can simply enjoy the journey.

Lima: The Underrated Stopover

Since Lima is an unavoidable part of the journey for most international travelers, it is worth treating it as a destination rather than just a transit hub. Lima’s Miraflores and Barranco districts offer world-class ceviche, a vibrant culinary scene that has produced multiple of Latin America’s top-rated restaurants, dramatic Pacific cliffside views, and a rich pre-Columbian museum culture. Allow yourself at least one night in Lima on your way in or out — you will not regret it.

What This Means for Ticket Availability at Machu Picchu

Even before Chinchero opens, Machu Picchu tickets are already selling out rapidly — especially during Peruvian national holidays, Holy Week, and the dry-season peak from May to September. The Ministry of Culture enforces a strict daily cap of 4,500 to 5,600 visitors and has made clear that this cannot be expanded even during periods of exceptional demand, as seen with the April 4, 2026 sell-out during Holy Week.

Once Chinchero becomes operational and visitor numbers climb toward the projected surge, securing tickets will only become harder and more competitive. The best strategy is to book a complete tour package now — your tickets, trains, and accommodations are reserved as a bundle, eliminating the need to navigate multiple booking systems across different providers.

Browse our full range of packages, all with guaranteed entry tickets included:

• Machu Picchu Full Day Trip from Cusco — Our best-selling one-day experience.
• Machu Picchu By Train From Cusco – Poroy — Scenic train departure from Poroy station.
• Super Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Days — Best seller for a full cultural immersion including Chinchero village.
• Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu 2 Days — Classic two-day journey through the heart of the Inca world.
• Tour Machu Picchu 2 Days from Poroy — Overnight in Aguas Calientes for a dawn visit to the citadel.
• Machu Picchu Tour by Train 2 Days — A complete two-day train journey experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chinchero Airport

When will Chinchero Airport open?
The Peruvian government has officially confirmed late 2027 as the target date. Given the project’s history of delays, travelers should not plan any trip in 2026 or 2027 around the assumption that the airport will be operational.

Will there be direct flights from the US or Europe to Chinchero?
Not at opening. Initially, the airport is expected to handle domestic routes and regional connections. Direct long-haul international routes will take additional time to establish as airlines schedule new services.

Will Machu Picchu entry tickets become harder to get after the airport opens?
Almost certainly yes. The Ministry of Culture’s daily visitor cap is fixed by heritage regulations. More travelers arriving via a faster route means more competition for the same limited number of spots. Booking in advance through a licensed operator is the most reliable safeguard.

Should I visit in 2026 or wait until Chinchero opens?
Visit now. The journey to Machu Picchu via Lima, Cusco, and the train is itself part of the experience — and you will do it alongside far fewer tourists than will arrive once Chinchero is open. 2026 is the last calm year before a projected 200% surge in visitors transforms the region.

Is Peru safe to travel to in 2026?
The U.S. State Department classifies Peru as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution — the same rating as many of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Tourism to Machu Picchu broke records in 2025 despite occasional travel disruptions. Practical precautions, a licensed operator, and up-to-date official advisories are all that is needed for a safe and rewarding trip.

Travel with Experts Who Know This Region

The route to Machu Picchu is changing — but the wonder of arriving there never will. At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, we have guided travelers through every stage of this journey for years, and we will continue to do so as the region evolves. Whether you board a train from Ollantaytambo today or one day land at Chinchero tomorrow, our certified guides, pre-secured tickets, and meticulously planned itineraries ensure that your visit to Machu Picchu is everything it should be.

Visit before the surge. The citadel has waited 600 years — your window to see it quietly will not last much longer.
— Machu Picchu Peru Travel

Machu Picchu Peru Travel | Licensed Tour Operator, Cusco – Peru