How to Get to Machu Picchu from Atlanta: Flights, Fares, Airports, and Entry Requirements

Atlanta has two daily nonstops to Lima. Delta and LATAM, partners in a joint venture, each fly once a day from Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL). Delta leaves in the afternoon and lands around 9:20–9:55 p.m., and LATAM's overnight flight leaves around 11:15 p.m. and lands at 5:00 a.m., early enough to connect to Cusco the same morning. Both take about 6 hours 45 minutes, and each airline sells seats on the other's flight. One-stop options exist (Copa via Panama City, American via Miami, Delta via Bogotá, United via Houston), but from Atlanta they're rarely cheaper or faster. A round trip from ATL to Lima typically costs about $705 to $1,105 (KAYAK), and the nonstops usually run $890 to $1,220. February is the cheapest month, and July and December are the priciest. From Lima, a flight of about 80 minutes takes you to Cusco for $80 to $160 round trip, and from Cusco you continue overland to the train to Aguas Calientes. With a US passport you don't need a visa, but your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you enter Peru. Our top tip: book your flights early, especially for June through August, Christmas, or Holy Week (Semana Santa).

Approximate fares checked on October 2, 2026, on Google Flights and KAYAK, plus Delta and LATAM schedule data. Fares change daily, so treat them as a guide, not a guaranteed price.

The Trip at a Glance

1. Peru Entry Requirements for US Citizens

Here's what official sources say. Check them again before you travel, since rules can change.

Passport and Visa

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. The US State Department warns that travelers arriving with less than 6 months of validity are denied entry. It also asks for 1 blank page.
• No visa is required for tourism. US citizens can enter visa-free for tourist stays of 90 days or less.
• The immigration officer decides how many days you get when you arrive. The US Embassy in Lima says it's usually 90 days and that stays can't be extended. If you overstay, you pay a fine before leaving: according to Migraciones (Peru's immigration agency), 0.1% of the UIT (Peru's tax reference unit) for each extra day.
• Travelers on an official or diplomatic passport do need a visa, even for tourism.

Return or Onward Ticket

The US Embassy in Peru says tourists must be able to show a return or onward ticket. Keep your itinerary handy: the airline may ask for it at check-in, or the immigration officer when you land.

Virtual TAM (Andean Migration Card)

There's no paper form anymore, and according to Migraciones, Peru has stopped stamping passports on international flights. When you clear immigration, your Virtual TAM is generated automatically, showing your entry date and authorized stay. You can download it for free at cel.migraciones.gob.pe/ConsultaTAMVirtual/VerificarTAM or with the "Consulta TAM Virtual" app. Save it on your phone: it's your proof that you entered legally.

Traveling with Minors

Minors with a US passport traveling alone or with one parent usually don't need additional documents if they enter as tourists and stay less than 183 days. The exception: a dual US–Peruvian citizen who enters on a Peruvian passport, or stays more than 183 days, needs a "Travel Authorization for Minors" (Autorización de Viaje para Menores de Edad) to leave Peru. It's issued by a notary or judge in Peru, or at a Peruvian consulate abroad.

Customs (SUNAT)

• If you're carrying more than $10,000 in cash or negotiable instruments, you must declare it. You can do this with SUNAT's "Bienvenido al Perú" app.
• You can't bring in more than $30,000 in cash. Larger amounts must go through a financial institution.
• The CDC recommends checking with the Peruvian embassy that your prescription medications are legal in Peru. Carry them in their original packaging.

Health and Vaccines (CDC)

• Peru doesn't require any vaccines for entry, including yellow fever.
• Yellow fever: the CDC does not recommend it if your trip is limited to Lima, the city of Cusco, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu. It does recommend it (for travelers 9 months and older) if you're visiting Amazon areas below 7,546 feet (2,300 m).
• Malaria: the CDC says there's no transmission in Lima, Cusco, or Machu Picchu.
• Get up to date on routine vaccines and see a travel medicine provider at least a month before your trip. The CDC recommends hepatitis A and B for unvaccinated travelers.

What's New for 2025–2026

• New terminal in Lima: the new terminal at Jorge Chávez Airport has handled domestic and international flights since June 1, 2025.
• E-gates on departure: adult tourists who entered through Jorge Chávez with an e-passport can use the electronic gates when leaving Peru if they pre-register on Migracheck within 48 hours before their flight.
• US travel advisory: as of September 2026, Peru was at Level 2 ("Exercise Increased Caution"), with specific areas at Level 4, such as the Colombian border in Loreto and the VRAEM region. Check the current advisory and consider enrolling in STEP.

We found no new requirements (e-visa, pre-arrival form, or mandatory insurance) for US citizens in 2026.

2. International Flights: Atlanta to Lima

The Two Nonstops: Delta and LATAM

Atlanta is one of the best-connected US cities for Peru. KAYAK counts 14 nonstop flights a week between ATL and Lima: 7 on Delta and 7 on LATAM, one each a day. The two airlines run a joint venture on flights between the US and South America, approved by the US Department of Transportation in 2022, so they coordinate schedules and sell seats on each other's flights. Here's the current schedule:

Schedules come from airline filings shown on FlightMapper. Times are local, and Atlanta is 1 hour ahead of Lima while the US is on daylight saving time (the same time in winter). The route covers 3,189 miles (5,133 km).

• Which one to pick? LATAM's red-eye is the better choice if you want to reach Cusco the same day: land at 5:00 a.m. and catch a morning flight to Cusco. Delta's afternoon flight suits travelers who'd rather sleep in Lima and fly to Cusco the next morning.
• Punctuality (KAYAK, last 3 months): only 17% of ATL–Lima flights were delayed, and LATAM was on time 93% of the time, the best on the route.
• Miles: thanks to the joint venture, you can book either flight on delta.com or latamairlines.com and earn Delta SkyMiles or LATAM Pass miles on both.

What Changed in 2025–2026

• New Lima terminal, first flight to Atlanta: when the new Jorge Chávez terminal took over all operations on June 1, 2025, its first commercial departure was LATAM's flight to Atlanta, according to Peru's Ministry of Transportation.
• LATAM's route grew to daily: LATAM launched Lima–Atlanta in October 2023 with three flights a week. It now flies daily, and in March 2026 it moved its Atlanta departure from 10:15 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. (still landing at 5:00 a.m.).
• Delta's aircraft: Delta flew the route with an Airbus A350-900 after the joint venture began, and it uses an A330-300 today. Its winter 2026–27 schedule switches to an A330-900neo from October 24, 2026, and from late October the departure moves about 40 minutes earlier.
• No new competitors: no other airline flies ATL–Lima nonstop, and none has announced plans to.

Which Airports Can You Use from Atlanta?

Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) is the only commercial airport in metro Atlanta. DeKalb-Peachtree (PDK) is a busy general aviation airport for private and corporate planes, with no airline service. Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport dropped its plan for airline flights, and a 2021 settlement blocks commercial service there for 25 years. The nearest other commercial airports (Chattanooga, Birmingham, Greenville-Spartanburg) are 100 to 150 miles away and have no flights to Peru, so we don't cover them here. Distances below are from downtown Atlanta.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)

• Distance: about 8 to 10 miles (13–16 km) south of downtown Atlanta, roughly 15–25 minutes by car without traffic, and much longer at rush hour on I-75/I-85.
• Terminals: ATL has a Domestic Terminal (North and South) and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal (Concourse F), with its own entrance and parking. The airport asks international passengers to check in at the International Terminal unless their airline allows check-in at the Domestic Terminal. LATAM checks in at the International Terminal and boards from Concourse F. Delta also lets its customers check in at Domestic Terminal South and ride the Plane Train to the international gates; check your boarding pass for the concourse. LATAM recommends arriving 4 hours before international departures from Atlanta.
• MARTA train: the Airport station is attached to the Domestic Terminal, at the west end between North and South baggage claim. The Red and Gold lines reach Five Points downtown in about 15–20 minutes for $2.50 one way (up to four free transfers within 3 hours). Trains run about every 10–20 minutes depending on the time of day. Since spring 2026, MARTA's Better Breeze system lets you tap a credit or debit card or phone wallet at the gate; the old silver Breeze cards no longer work. If you're flying from the International Terminal, take the free terminal-to-terminal shuttle from the Domestic Terminal (it runs around the clock, about every 15 minutes), or check in for Delta at the Domestic Terminal and ride the Plane Train.
• Taxi: the City of Atlanta sets flat fares from the airport: $37.50 to Downtown, $39.50 to Midtown, and $49.50 to Buckhead for one person, including the $1.50 airport fee, plus $2 per extra passenger. A fuel surcharge of $2 to $3 can apply when gas prices are high. Other destinations are metered. Taxis load in Aisle A of the Ground Transportation Center (Domestic Terminal) or outside door A-1 at the International Terminal.
• Rideshare: Uber and Lyft pick up at the North Economy lot at the Domestic Terminal (go down from North baggage claim and follow the orange signs) and at the arrivals curb of the International Terminal (doors A1–A3). Fares change with demand and time of day.
• Shared-ride shuttles: vans run to Downtown hotels for about $16.50 per person, and to other parts of the metro area.

Ground transportation times and fares are approximate and depend on traffic, time of day, and schedules.

One-Stop Options from Atlanta, by Airline

Travel times come from Google Flights, KAYAK, and airline schedules. Deals are the lowest fares users found in the days before October 2, 2026, and may be gone by the time you search.

A few things worth knowing:

• The nonstops are often the cheapest option. In KAYAK's recent data, LATAM's nonstop ($953) beat Copa ($1,038) and American ($1,145), and Google Flights showed the same pattern.
• Copa via Panama City has the fastest connections (about 9 to 10 hours door to door, per KAYAK), but some Copa itineraries we saw had layovers of a day or more. Google Flights shows Copa flying from Atlanta only five days a week.
• Watch out for "too cheap" fares. KAYAK's lowest fares ($461 round trip, or about $177 one way) combined several airlines with two or three stops and long layovers. KAYAK also lists Fort Lauderdale as the most-used and cheapest layover (about $465), which likely reflects Spirit; it shut down on May 2, 2026, so don't count on finding those fares now.

How Much Does It Cost by Season?

KAYAK found that the gap between the cheapest and priciest months is huge on this route, about 146% on average. Tuesday departures are the cheapest (about $837 on average), and Sundays the priciest (about $1,007).

Nonstop vs. One-Stop: Which Should You Choose?

Our recommendation: fly nonstop. From Atlanta, the Delta and LATAM nonstops usually cost about the same as, or less than, a one-stop, and they save 3 to 8 hours each way. Choose LATAM's overnight flight if you want to be in Cusco the next morning, or Delta's afternoon flight if you'd rather arrive in the evening and sleep in Lima. Consider a one-stop only if it saves you $150 or more per person and the layover is reasonable.

Book in Advance

Always book ahead. KAYAK found that fares on ATL–Lima are lowest about 3 weeks before departure, around 33% less than last-minute fares, and that bookings within 2 weeks of departure run about 16% above the route average. With only two nonstops a day, the cheapest seats on popular dates go first.

Our recommendation: book 2 to 3 months ahead in low season and 3 to 6 months ahead for June through August, Christmas or New Year's, or Holy Week. In 2027, Holy Week runs March 21–28. Set fare alerts on Google Flights or KAYAK.

If you can, book a single ticket all the way to Cusco. That way, if a delay makes you miss your connection, the airline has to rebook you.

Route Changes to Watch

• Delta's new aircraft: the A330-900neo is scheduled from October 24, 2026. Aircraft swaps can change seat maps, so check yours after booking.
• Nonstop to Cusco from the US? It doesn't exist, and none has been announced. Cusco receives international flights only from Santiago, Bogotá, and La Paz (LATAM has announced São Paulo–Cusco starting March 29, 2027). The new Chinchero airport is still under construction and could be delayed until 2028.

Tips for Arriving in Lima

• On LATAM's red-eye, you land at 5:00 a.m., in time for a morning flight to Cusco. Leave at least 3 hours for the connection.
• On Delta's afternoon flight, you land at night, so plan to sleep in Lima and fly to Cusco the next morning. A hotel connected to the new terminal is handy for this.
• Arriving from abroad, you clear immigration and customs in Lima. You'll usually need to collect your bag and re-check it for your domestic flight, even on a single ticket. Confirm with your airline.

3. Domestic Flights: Lima to Cusco

Airlines, Frequencies, and Approximate Fares

Frequencies per Google Flights; fares rechecked on October 2, 2026. The flight takes about 1 hour 15–25 minutes, with departures from around 4:40 a.m. until close to midnight.

• Overall range (KAYAK): $50 to $88 one way and $85 to $123 round trip, averaging about $100 round trip over the past 12 months. Google Flights' cheapest current fares were $63 one way and $120 round trip (JetSMART).
• Seasonality: according to KAYAK, July (about $114 round trip) and February ($110) are the priciest months, and November ($86) is the cheapest. Google Flights puts the low point in March ($75–$120) and the high in February ($95–$160).
• Baggage: on Sky and JetSMART, the cheapest fares usually charge extra for a checked bag, and sometimes for a full-size carry-on. Compare the final price with bags included.
• On-time performance (KAYAK, last 3 months): about 92% (Sky 93%, LATAM 92%, JetSMART 91%).

One Ticket from Atlanta to Cusco

• On Delta/LATAM: LATAM sells Atlanta–Lima–Cusco on one ticket, and Delta sells the same itineraries through the joint venture. On the overnight nonstop, the fastest connections reach Cusco around 8:00 to 10:30 a.m., about 9 hours 45 minutes to 12 hours after leaving Atlanta. Google Flights counts 163 weekly LATAM connections on this route.
• Fares: KAYAK's typical ATL–Cusco round trip runs $1,088–$1,328 (average about $1,194), and LATAM's recent one-stop deals via Lima were $1,216–$1,273. Google Flights' typical LATAM range is $1,150–$1,600 (from $1,325). Google puts the low in February ($970–$1,350) and the high in July ($1,250–$1,600).
• Other options: Avianca (with Air Canada) sells ATL–Cusco via Bogotá with two stops, from about $1,097 round trip on Google Flights. Very cheap multi-airline fares on KAYAK ($768 and up) involve three stops and 22+ hours.

Booking the two legs separately (ATL–Lima, then Lima–Cusco) can be cheaper. If you do, leave a big buffer, or take the LATAM red-eye and a late-morning Cusco flight.

Book Your Domestic Flight Early, Too

Flights to Cusco fill up in peak season. KAYAK calculates that booking about 22 weeks ahead saves around 32%, and that last-minute bookings cost 28% more than average. Book the Lima–Cusco leg at the same time as your international flight, or 2 to 3 months ahead at the latest. Book even earlier for June through August (Inti Raymi on June 24 and Fiestas Patrias on July 28–29), Christmas, or Holy Week.

Morning or Afternoon Flight?

Many travelers prefer morning flights to Cusco, because afternoon weather causes more delays. Either way, don't schedule Machu Picchu for the same day you arrive in Cusco.

The Altitude

Cusco sits at about 11,152 feet (3,399 m). According to the CDC, people who go quickly above about 8,200 feet (2,500 m) without acclimatizing can develop acute mountain sickness. Atlanta sits about 1,000 feet above sea level, so many travelers spend their first nights in the lower Sacred Valley (about 9,200 feet / 2,800 m). Talk to your doctor before your trip. This is general information, not medical advice.

4. Cusco to Machu Picchu in a Nutshell

From Cusco, you travel by road (taxi, private transfer, or shared van called a colectivo) to Ollantaytambo station, about 45 miles (72 km) and 1.5 to 2 hours away. From there, the train to Aguas Calientes departs (PeruRail or Inca Rail). PeruRail also runs trains from Poroy and San Pedro stations in Cusco, but only seasonally (May through December in 2026). From Aguas Calientes, a bus takes you up to the citadel. Buy your Machu Picchu entrance ticket first: it's sold only at tuboleto.cultura.pe, it carries your name and passport number, and daily capacity is limited. Then book your train.

Heads up: Machu Picchu Pueblo and Aguas Calientes are the same town; the bus goes from there up to the citadel entrance.

5. Suggested Itinerary

From Atlanta, plan on 6 days for Machu Picchu.

Practical Tips

• Time difference: Peru is on UTC-5 year-round (no daylight saving time). When Atlanta is on daylight saving time (EDT, March to November), it's 1 hour ahead of Lima. In winter (EST), they're on the same time.
• Getting to ATL: MARTA is usually faster than driving at rush hour. If you're driving and parking for a week, the International Terminal has its own parking and entrance, and ATL's economy lots and off-airport lots are cheaper.
• Documents: always carry your original passport. You'll need it for flights, the train, and the Machu Picchu entrance. Save your Virtual TAM and a digital copy of your passport.
• Insurance: Peru doesn't require it for entry, but the CDC recommends travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Buffer day: leave at least one free day between arriving in Cusco and visiting Machu Picchu, in case of delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a nonstop flight from Atlanta to Lima?

Yes, two a day. Delta flies in the afternoon (landing around 9:20–9:55 p.m.), and LATAM flies overnight (11:15 p.m., landing at 5:00 a.m.). Both take about 6 hours 45 minutes.

Which is better, Delta or LATAM?

They're partners, so fares are often similar. LATAM's red-eye lets you reach Cusco the next morning and has had the better on-time record recently. Delta's afternoon flight is easier if you'd rather not fly overnight.

How much does it cost to fly from Atlanta to Lima?

KAYAK's typical round-trip range is about $705 to $1,105, and the nonstops usually run $890 to $1,220. February is the cheapest month, and July and December are the most expensive.

How do I get to Atlanta's airport by public transit?

Take MARTA's Red or Gold line to Airport station (about 15–20 minutes from Five Points, $2.50). It's attached to the Domestic Terminal; for LATAM, take the free shuttle to the International Terminal.

How much is a taxi from Atlanta's airport to downtown?

A flat $37.50 for one person (including the airport fee), plus $2 for each extra passenger. Midtown is $39.50 and Buckhead $49.50.

How much is the flight from Lima to Cusco?

About $80 to $160 round trip, depending on the airline and date. One-way fares start around $50–$65 if you book early.

Can I fly from Atlanta to Cusco on one ticket?

Yes. LATAM and Delta sell ATL–Lima–Cusco together, reaching Cusco in about 10 to 12 hours on the overnight flight. Typical round trips run about $1,088 to $1,328 on KAYAK. There's no nonstop from anywhere in the US to Cusco.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend 2 to 3 months ahead in low season and 3 to 6 months ahead for June through August, Christmas, or Holy Week. Book the Lima–Cusco flight at the same time.

Do I need a visa to visit Peru with a US passport?

Not for tourism. Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you enter, and the immigration officer decides how long you can stay (usually 90 days).

The Bottom Line

From Atlanta, the easy answer is a nonstop: Delta in the afternoon or LATAM overnight, about 6 hours 45 minutes either way. They usually cost no more than a one-stop, so there's little reason to connect. Take LATAM's red-eye to reach Cusco the next morning, ideally on one ticket all the way. Get to the airport on MARTA for $2.50 or by flat-rate taxi. Then take a flight to Cusco and continue by road, train, and bus. Make sure your passport is valid for 6 months, save your Virtual TAM when you land, and book early: 2 to 3 months ahead in low season, and 3 to 6 months ahead for June through August, Christmas, or Holy Week. That goes for both your international flight and the Lima–Cusco leg.

Sources

Entry requirements, customs, and health

1. US Department of State, Peru country information
2. US Department of State, Peru travel advisory
3. US Embassy in Peru, travel information
4. Migraciones, Virtual TAM
5. Migraciones, Virtual TAM lookup
6. Migraciones, length of stay and overstay fines
7. TVPerú, e-gates and Migracheck
8. SUNAT, declaring money
9. SUNAT, bringing cash into and out of Peru
10. CDC, Travelers' Health: Peru
11. CDC Yellow Book, high-altitude travel

Flights and fares (checked October 2, 2026)

1. Google Flights, Atlanta–Lima
2. Google Flights, Atlanta–Cusco
3. Google Flights, Lima–Cusco
4. KAYAK, Atlanta–Lima
5. KAYAK, Atlanta–Cusco
6. KAYAK, Lima–Cusco
7. FlightMapper, all nonstops Atlanta–Lima
8. FlightMapper, all nonstops Lima–Atlanta
9. AeroRoutes, Delta winter 2026–27 intercontinental changes
10. Simple Flying, Delta–LATAM joint venture approval and Atlanta–Lima
11. Simple Flying, LATAM's first Lima–Atlanta flight (Oct. 2023)
12. LATAM, arriving early for international flights
13. Peru Ministry of Transportation (MTC), new Jorge Chávez terminal's first flight to Atlanta
14. CORPAC, international flights at Cusco airport
15. La República, Chinchero airport delays

Atlanta airports and ground transportation

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, ground transportation
2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, FAQ
3. MARTA, fares and transfers
4. MARTA, Airport station
5. MARTA, Ride Guide
6. MARTA, Better Breeze fare system
7. MARTA, getting to the airport
8. DeKalb County, DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK)
9. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Paulding airport commercialization blocked for 25 years

Cusco to Machu Picchu

1. PeruRail, May–December 2026 timetable
2. Inca Rail
3. Peru Ministry of Culture, Ministerial Resolution No. 334-2026-MC (ticket sales)
4. Tu Boleto, official ticket sales