How to Get to Machu Picchu from Dallas–Fort Worth: Flights, Fares, Airports, and Entry Requirements

There's no nonstop from Dallas–Fort Worth to Lima right now. American Airlines flew DFW–Lima from 2013 until November 2022, then moved all its Lima flights to Miami, and no airline has brought the route back. The only nonstop is a cargo plane. So from North Texas you'll make one stop. The best options leave from DFW International: American via Miami, Avianca via San Salvador, United via Houston, and Delta or LATAM via Atlanta. The fastest take about 9.5 to 11 hours, and the best-timed ones land in Lima around 5:00 a.m., in time for a flight to Cusco that morning. Dallas Love Field (DAL) has no international flights by law. From there, the only real option is Delta via Atlanta. A round trip from DFW to Lima typically costs about $675 to $945 (KAYAK). January and February are the cheapest months, and December is 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, KAYAK, and aa.com, plus airline 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: Dallas–Fort Worth to Lima

Is There a Nonstop from DFW to Lima?

No. As of October 2, 2026, no airline flies passengers nonstop between Dallas–Fort Worth and Lima. Google Flights and KAYAK both show no nonstops on the route, and none appears in schedule filings. Here's what happened:

Changes in 2025–2026: none for DFW–Lima passenger service. The biggest changes nearby: United plans to fly Houston–Lima twice a day from March 27, 2027, which will add connection options through Houston. In Lima, the new Jorge Chávez terminal has handled all flights since June 1, 2025.

Which Airports Can You Use from Dallas–Fort Worth?

North Texas has two commercial airports. DFW International is the international airport and American's biggest hub, and it's where nearly all Lima trips start. Dallas Love Field (DAL) handles domestic flights only. Fort Worth's other airports (Meacham and Perot Field Alliance) have no airline service. Distances below are from downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth.

Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW)

• International? Yes. DFW is American Airlines' largest hub, and Terminal D is its international terminal. American is building a new Terminal F, with the first phase due in 2027.
• Flights to Lima: no nonstop, but the most connections in the area. Google Flights counts 264 weekly connecting flights to Lima on American, 59 on Delta, 48 on United, and 23 on Avianca.
• Distance: about 16 to 20 miles (26–32 km) northwest of downtown Dallas, roughly 25–40 minutes by car. It's also about 20 miles (32 km) northeast of downtown Fort Worth, 25–40 minutes by car, and much longer at rush hour.
• DART Orange Line (from Dallas): trains stop at DFW Airport Terminal A Station, next to Entry A10. Every Orange Line train goes to downtown Dallas, roughly 50 minutes away. A DART 3-Hour Pass is $3 and a Day Pass $6. You can tap a contactless card or phone at the platform reader, or buy a pass in the GoPass app.
• DART Silver Line: since October 25, 2025, this new line has stopped at Terminal B Station (near Entry B43). It doesn't go to downtown Dallas; it serves Plano, Richardson, Addison, Carrollton, and Cypress Waters.
• TEXRail (from Fort Worth): Trinity Metro's train runs from downtown Fort Worth to DFW Airport Terminal B Station in 49 minutes from Fort Worth Central Station (53 from T&P Station). It costs $2 one way or $4 for a day pass, runs every 30 minutes at peak times and hourly otherwise, and keeps the same schedule all year, Sundays included.
• Trinity Railway Express (TRE): this commuter train links downtown Dallas (EBJ Union Station) and downtown Fort Worth with CentrePort/DFW Airport Station. From there, the TRE LINK shuttle bus goes to the lower level of Terminal B; it moved there from Terminal D on August 3, 2026. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes at weekday peak times and hourly off-peak and on Saturdays. The TRE and TRE LINK don't run on Sundays. A DART Local pass covers the Dallas side and a $2 Trinity Metro local ticket covers the Fort Worth side.
• Getting to your terminal: if you're flying American, you can clear security at Terminal A or B and ride the Skylink train to your gate. On other airlines, take the free Terminal Link bus to your terminal if you have bags to check.
• Taxi: cabs wait on the lower level of every terminal. The flat rate is $55 to downtown Dallas, set by the City of Dallas, and $51 to downtown Fort Worth, including the airport exit fee and fuel surcharge, according to Visit Fort Worth. Other trips are metered.
• Rideshare: Uber and Lyft pick up at marked rideshare zones on the arrivals level, and the app shows your zone. Fares change with demand and time of day.

Dallas Love Field (DAL)

• International? No. The Wright Amendment Reform Act of 2006 bans nonstop international passenger flights from Love Field. Its customs office handles only private planes, so there are no flights to Peru or anywhere abroad.
• Airlines: Southwest, Delta, and Alaska, all to US destinations. To reach Lima from DAL, you'd fly Delta via Atlanta (Google Flights shows Delta itineraries to Lima from both DAL and DFW). Southwest doesn't fly to South America.
• Distance: about 6 miles (10 km) northwest of downtown Dallas, roughly 15–20 minutes by car. It's about 35 miles (56 km) from downtown Fort Worth, so DFW is far more convenient from the Fort Worth side.
• DART Love Link: Bus Route 5 (Love Link) leaves from the lower-level drive outside baggage claim. It goes to Inwood/Love Field Station, where Green and Orange line trains continue to downtown Dallas. Buses run every 15 minutes on weekdays at peak and midday times, and every 30 minutes otherwise. One $3 DART 3-Hour Pass covers the bus and train. Allow about 30 minutes to downtown.
• Taxi: the City of Dallas flat rate from Love Field to downtown Dallas is $26, with a $10 minimum fare from the airport. Taxis pick up at Garage C, Level 1.
• Rideshare: Uber and Lyft pick up at the valet pavilion, about a 6-minute walk from the terminal (since January 2025).
• Between DAL and DFW: take the Love Link to Inwood/Love Field Station, then the Orange Line to DFW Terminal A.

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

One-Stop Options from DFW, by Airline

Travel times come from KAYAK and Google Flights. 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:

• Miami is the most popular connection. KAYAK says 39% of one-stop DFW–Lima travelers connect in Miami, followed by Houston (16%), San Salvador (14%), and Bogotá (10%). American flies DFW–Miami many times a day, so it's easy to rebook if something goes wrong.
• Early-morning arrivals are the most useful: American's evening flights via Miami and LATAM's red-eye from Atlanta land in Lima around 5:00 a.m., early enough for a flight to Cusco the same day. United via Houston lands around 11:00 p.m., so you'd sleep in Lima.
• Watch out for "too cheap" fares. KAYAK's lowest fares ($560 round trip, or about $215 one way) combined several airlines with two or three stops and up to 40 hours of travel. KAYAK also lists Fort Lauderdale as the cheapest layover (about $598), which likely reflects Spirit; it shut down on May 2, 2026, so don't count on those fares now.

How Much Does It Cost by Season?

KAYAK found that the gap between the cheapest and priciest months averages about 61% on this route. Monday departures are the cheapest (about $739 on average), and Saturdays the priciest (about $859).

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

Since DFW has no nonstop, the real choice is between a one-stop from DFW and getting to Houston for United's nonstop to Lima.

Our recommendation: book a one-stop from DFW on a single ticket. Driving to Houston rarely saves time or money. Choose by arrival time and price:

• American via Miami has the most flights.
• LATAM via Atlanta is often the cheapest, and its red-eye lands at 5:00 a.m.
• Avianca via San Salvador has the shortest connections.
• United via Houston arrives late at night, so you'd sleep in Lima.

Skip itineraries with two or three stops unless they save you $150 or more per person and you don't mind a long trip.

Book in Advance

Always book ahead. KAYAK found that DFW–Lima fares are lowest about 25 weeks before departure, around 12% less than last-minute fares. American suggests booking 1 to 3 months ahead. The cheapest seats on good connections go first, especially in December and June through August.

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

• A DFW–Lima nonstop: none has been announced. If American or LATAM brings one back, it would cut 3 to 4 hours off the trip.
• Houston–Lima twice daily from March 27, 2027: more United connections via Houston.
• At DFW: the TRE LINK shuttle moved to Terminal B on August 3, 2026, and American's new Terminal F is due to start opening in 2027.
• 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 a 5:00 a.m. arrival (American via Miami or LATAM via Atlanta), you can catch a morning flight to Cusco. Leave at least 3 hours for the connection.
• On a late-night arrival (United via Houston), 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 Dallas–Fort Worth to Cusco

LATAM is no longer American's partner. It left the oneworld alliance in 2020 and ended its codeshares with American, and it now partners with Delta. That leaves three ways to book DFW–Cusco on one ticket:

• American + JetSMART: American puts its own flight numbers on JetSMART's Lima–Cusco flights (since August 2023), so aa.com can sell DFW–Miami–Lima–Cusco on one ticket, and you earn AAdvantage miles on the JetSMART leg. In Lima, you collect your bags after customs and take them to the JetSMART counter for the Cusco flight. Recent KAYAK round trips on American ran $1,714–$1,765 for Christmas dates, so compare prices with booking the legs separately.
• LATAM or Delta via Atlanta: DFW–Atlanta–Lima–Cusco, with the first leg on Delta. KAYAK showed LATAM one-way fares of about $709, reaching Cusco around 11:00 a.m. the next morning.
• Avianca via San Salvador and Bogotá: Avianca flies Bogotá–Cusco nonstop, so this route skips Lima completely. It's the most popular DFW–Cusco option on Google Flights (26 flights a week). Round trips recently ran $1,132–$1,166 on KAYAK and from $1,220 on Google (typical $900–$1,500), leaving DFW around 5:30 p.m. and landing in Cusco about 11:25 a.m.

Overall fares: KAYAK's typical DFW–Cusco round trip runs $853–$1,182 (average about $1,028). Google Flights puts the low in February ($800–$940) and the high in June ($1,000–$1,250). The fastest connection takes about 12.5 hours.

Booking the two legs separately (DFW–Lima, then a cheap LATAM, Sky, or JetSMART flight to Cusco) is often cheaper. If you do, leave a big buffer, or arrive at 5:00 a.m. and book 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. Dallas and Fort Worth sit only about 400 to 650 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 Dallas–Fort Worth, plan on 6 days for Machu Picchu.

Practical Tips

• Time difference: Peru is on UTC-5 year-round (no daylight saving time). When Dallas is on daylight saving time (CDT, March to November), it's on the same time as Lima. In winter (CST), Lima is 1 hour ahead.
• Getting to DFW: from downtown Fort Worth, TEXRail is cheap and runs every day. From downtown Dallas, the Orange Line takes about 50 minutes. Remember that the TRE doesn't run on Sundays.
• 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 Dallas to Lima?

No. American ended its DFW–Lima nonstop in November 2022, and no airline flies the route now. The fastest options connect in Miami, San Salvador, Houston, or Atlanta and take about 9.5 to 11 hours.

What's the best connection from DFW to Lima?

American via Miami has the most flights, LATAM via Atlanta is often cheapest, and Avianca via San Salvador has the shortest connections. American's evening flights via Miami and LATAM's red-eye via Atlanta land around 5:00 a.m., which lets you fly on to Cusco the same morning.

Can I fly to Lima from Dallas Love Field?

Not nonstop: federal law bans international flights from Love Field. You can fly Delta from DAL to Atlanta and connect to Lima there.

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

KAYAK's typical round-trip range is about $675 to $945. American's own site showed fares from $988. January and February are the cheapest months, and December is the most expensive.

How do I get to DFW Airport by train?

From downtown Dallas, take DART's Orange Line to Terminal A (about 50 minutes, $3). From downtown Fort Worth, take TEXRail to Terminal B (about 49 minutes, $2). The TRE plus the TRE LINK bus works too, except on Sundays.

How much is a taxi from DFW to downtown?

A flat $55 to downtown Dallas and $51 to downtown Fort Worth. From Love Field, it's a flat $26 to downtown Dallas.

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 Dallas to Cusco on one ticket?

Yes. American sells DFW–Miami–Lima–Cusco using its JetSMART codeshare, LATAM and Delta sell DFW–Atlanta–Lima–Cusco, and Avianca flies to Cusco via San Salvador and Bogotá without stopping in Lima. Typical round trips run about $853 to $1,182 on KAYAK.

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 Dallas–Fort Worth there's no nonstop to Lima, so book a one-stop from DFW on a single ticket: American via Miami, LATAM or Delta via Atlanta, Avianca via San Salvador, or United via Houston. The flights that land in Lima around 5:00 a.m. let you reach Cusco the same morning. Skip Love Field for this trip unless you're flying Delta. Get to DFW by DART from Dallas or TEXRail from Fort Worth, or take a 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, Dallas–Lima
2. Google Flights, Dallas–Cusco
3. Google Flights, Lima–Cusco
4. KAYAK, Dallas/Fort Worth–Lima
5. KAYAK, Dallas/Fort Worth–Cusco
6. KAYAK, Lima–Cusco
7. American Airlines, Dallas–Lima fares
8. FlightMapper, all nonstops Dallas/Fort Worth–Lima
9. American Airlines, DFW–Lima launch (April 2013)
10. Aviacionline, American ends Dallas–Lima (Aug. 2022)
11. AeroRoutes, American winter 2026–27 intercontinental changes
12. American Airlines, JetSMART partnership
13. AeroRoutes, American adds JetSMART Peru codeshare (Aug. 2023)
14. oneworld, LATAM leaves oneworld (2020)
15. CORPAC, international flights at Cusco airport
16. La República, Chinchero airport delays

Dallas–Fort Worth airports and ground transportation

1. DFW Airport, ground transportation
2. American Airlines Newsroom, DFW Terminal F
3. DART, traveling to and from DFW Airport
4. DART, getting to the airports and paying your fare
5. DART, fares
6. DART, Silver Line launch (Oct. 2025)
7. Trinity Metro, about TEXRail
8. Trinity Railway Express, tickets and TRE LINK
9. DART, traveling to and from Dallas Love Field
10. DART, Bus Route 5 Love Link
11. City of Dallas, Love Field FAQs
12. Dallas Love Field, rideshare and taxi pickup locations
13. City of Dallas, taxi flat-rate update (2023)
14. Advocate Magazine, Dallas council approves new airport taxi fares
15. Visit Fort Worth, taxi service
16. Dallas Morning News, why Love Field has no international flights
17. Congress.gov, Wright Amendment Reform Act of 2006

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