When potential travelers set about to plan their trip through Peru, the question of how to travel from Lima to Cusco is practically a given. After all, Lima is the coastal and metropolitan capital of Peru, lying at sea level on the Pacific Ocean, while Cusco is the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, nestled high in the Andes at 3,400 meters (11,155 ft). This journey is, of course, about logistics, but it is also about deciding what kind of pace and feel you want for the rest of your trip.
A short flight on a domestic airline (2 hours) will be very different from a long but enjoyable (21-22 hour) bus ride or a car journey (which is even longer if you don’t follow the paved route, which we don’t recommend). The type of travel you choose dictates the type of experience you will have in Peru.
This guide will not only explain in detail how to get from Lima to Cusco travel options, it will also have dedicated pages for each of the major bus companies, comparisons of flights to Cuzco, and travel to Machu Picchu (which is not included if traveling option 1 flying).
We have also factored practical advice for international travelers, including what to carry with you, how to handle money while traveling, and what to expect and do for preparation and handling altitude. By the end of the guide, you will not only know how to do this but also how to ensure you are connected to the most well known archaeological marvel in the country.
