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

Houston has a daily nonstop to Lima. United flies from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to Lima every day, leaving around 4:20 p.m. and landing around 11:00 p.m., in about 6 hours 35 minutes. United plans to double that to two daily nonstops from March 27, 2027, the same day it ends its Newark–Lima route. No other airline flies the route nonstop, though Copa, Avianca, and Lufthansa sell seats on United's flight. One-stop options from IAH include Avianca via San Salvador, Copa via Panama City, American via Miami, and Delta/LATAM via Atlanta. Hobby (HOU) has no flights to South America, so from there you'll connect, usually on Delta via Atlanta. A round trip from IAH to Lima typically costs about $740 to $1,050 (KAYAK), and the nonstop usually runs $860 to $1,120. January and February are the cheapest months, and June through September 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 airline schedule data for United, Copa, and Avianca. 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: Houston to Lima

The United Nonstop: Schedule and Frequency

United is the only airline flying Houston–Lima nonstop. Google Flights and KAYAK both count 7 nonstop flights a week, one a day, all from IAH. Here's the current schedule:

• Outbound (UA 854): IAH around 4:20–4:25 p.m. → Lima around 10:55–11:00 p.m., daily. Scheduled flight time is about 6 hours 35 minutes for the 3,144 miles (5,060 km).
• Return (UA 855): Lima around 12:55–1:30 a.m. → IAH around 7:35–8:05 a.m., daily. It's a red-eye of about 6 hours 40 minutes.
• Aircraft: usually a Boeing 767-300 with business class (Polaris), premium economy, and economy. United has also swapped in a smaller 757-200 for a few weeks at a time.
• Codeshares: Copa, Avianca, and Lufthansa sell seats on this same United flight under their own flight numbers, so a "Copa nonstop" or "Lufthansa nonstop" on a booking site is the United plane.
• Punctuality (KAYAK, last 3 months): about 68% on time. Delays hit 32% of flights, averaging almost 3 hours, so don't plan a tight onward connection in Lima.

Two daily flights from March 27, 2027. United told The Points Guy and NBC New York that it will end Newark–Lima on March 27, 2027 (the last Newark departure is March 26) and increase Houston–Lima from one to two daily nonstops the same day. AeroRoutes confirmed the Newark cancellation in United's schedule filings. As of October 2, 2026, we couldn't find published times for the second Houston flight. A second daily departure should give you a choice of times, and it means more seats from Houston once Newark travelers start connecting here.

No other carrier flies IAH–Lima nonstop. LATAM doesn't serve Houston, and no other airline has announced the route. KAYAK and Google Flights both list United as the only operator.

Which Airports Can You Use from Houston?

Houston has two commercial airports. George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is the international airport and United's hub, with the Lima nonstop and dozens of other Latin American routes. William P. Hobby (HOU) is a Southwest base that also has a small international program, but nothing to South America. Austin and San Antonio don't have Lima nonstops either, so travelers from Central Texas usually connect at IAH or Dallas/Fort Worth. We don't cover them here. Distances below are from downtown Houston.

George Bush Intercontinental (IAH): The Nonstop Airport

• Distance: about 20 miles (32 km) north of downtown Houston, roughly 30–45 minutes by car without traffic, and longer at rush hour.
• Flights to Lima: the daily United nonstop, which departs from Terminal E, plus one-stop options on Avianca, Copa (via a United-operated flight to Panama City), American, Delta, Aeroméxico, and others.
• METRO 500 Downtown Direct: a nonstop express bus between downtown and IAH Terminal E (Level 2, Door E-201) for $4.50 one way. It runs every 15–30 minutes. Visit Houston lists service from about 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., which works for the afternoon Lima departure and the early-morning return. It has luggage space and free Wi-Fi. Downtown, it stops near the George R. Brown Convention Center and connects to METRORail.
• METRO 102 Bush IAH: a local bus from the Downtown Transit Center to Terminal C (outside Door C-105) for $1.25, every 15–30 minutes. It makes many stops, so plan on 50 to 90 minutes.
• Taxi: Houston taxis charge the lower of a city-set zone flat rate or the meter. Visit Houston lists about $58 from IAH to downtown, but the city raised taxi rates by about 28% at the end of 2025, and its 2026 IAH zone rates run $46 to $142 depending on the zone. Expect roughly $60 to $75 to downtown, plus a $2.75 airport departure fee, $1 extra between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., and tip. Taxis pick up outside baggage claim at Terminals A, C, and E.
• Rideshare: Uber and Lyft pick up at marked "Ride App" zones (Terminal E: Level 2, Zone 5). Fares change with demand, often in the same range as a taxi.

William P. Hobby (HOU): Closer to Downtown, but No South America Flights

• Distance: about 9 to 11 miles (15–18 km) southeast of downtown Houston, roughly 20–30 minutes by car.
• International service: yes, but limited to Southwest flights to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean: Cancún, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, San José and Liberia (Costa Rica), Belize City, Montego Bay, and Punta Cana. There's no South America service from Hobby.
• Flights to Lima: no nonstop. KAYAK shows Delta via Atlanta as the only regular one-stop (about 10.5 to 18 hours), and American usually needs two stops (Dallas/Fort Worth and Miami). KAYAK's typical round trip is $779–$1,196, and recent deals were $970–$990 on LATAM, American, and Delta. Southwest doesn't sell connections to Peru.
• METRO buses: the 500 Downtown Direct also serves the Hobby Transit Center (just north of the baggage claim exits) for $4.50, every 15–30 minutes. Four local routes stop there for $1.25: 40 Telephone/Heights (every 30 minutes), 50 Broadway, 73 Bellfort, and 88 Sagemont. There's no longer a route called "Airport Direct": the 500 Downtown Direct is the express link for both airports.
• Taxi: the airport lists about $29 to downtown and $76 to IAH, plus a $1.25 departure fee and $1 extra between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Those figures may predate the 2026 rate increase, so the downtown fare could run into the mid-$30s.
• Rideshare: Uber and Lyft pick up at Curb Zone 5 outside baggage claim (exit near Carousel 4).
• Should you fly from Hobby? Only if it's clearly cheaper. IAH is about 30 miles from Hobby, and the nonstop from IAH usually costs about the same as a two-stop from Hobby while saving several hours.

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

One-Stop Options from Houston, 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:

• Avianca via San Salvador is the most-booked connection. About 39% of KAYAK's one-stop IAH–Lima bookings connect in San Salvador, and Avianca was the cheapest airline in KAYAK's recent data ($874 round trip). Many Avianca itineraries land in Lima around 3:30 a.m., though.
• Copa via Panama City is the fastest connection (about 9 hours 20 minutes, per KAYAK), with the shortest layovers. The first leg to Panama is a United flight sold by Copa.
• American via Miami puts you on one of MIA's daily Lima nonstops. Some itineraries route via Dallas/Fort Worth and Miami with two stops, so check before you buy.
• Watch out for "too cheap" fares. KAYAK's lowest fares ($489 round trip, or about $234 one way) combined several airlines with two stops and up to 40 hours of travel, often via Mexico. Google Flights also turned up an Air Canada one-stop from $858, a reminder to compare routings you wouldn't expect.

How Much Does It Cost by Season?

KAYAK found that the gap between the cheapest and priciest months averages about 40%. Tuesday departures are the cheapest (about $831 on average), and Thursdays the priciest (about $930). Holy Week and Christmas also push fares up, even though they don't show up as the priciest months in the yearly averages.

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

Our recommendation: book the United nonstop if it's within about $150 of the best one-stop. It saves 3 to 8 hours each way and lands at a reasonable hour for an overnight in Lima. Recently, the gap between the cheapest nonstop and a good one-stop has been only about $100 to $150 round trip. Choose a one-stop when it saves you $150 or more per person, when a one-stop fare includes a checked bag you'd otherwise pay for, or when you want one ticket all the way to Cusco (see below). From March 27, 2027, the second daily United flight should make the nonstop even easier to fit into your plans.

If you live near Hobby, it's still usually worth the drive to IAH: Hobby has no nonstop to Lima, and its connections aren't cheaper.

Book in Advance

Always book ahead. On this route, KAYAK's averages barely move with timing. It says fares in the last 2 weeks have run about 2% below the route average, but in another estimate it puts last-minute fares about 1% above it. Don't read that as a reason to wait: the nonstop has only one flight a day until March 2027, and the cheapest fare classes sell out first on popular dates.

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, right as the second daily flight starts. 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

• Houston–Lima goes to twice daily on March 27, 2027, when United drops Newark–Lima. Watch for the second flight's times as United loads them for sale.
• Old Fort Lauderdale connections: KAYAK still lists Fort Lauderdale as the cheapest layover for Houston–Lima (about $552 round trip). That most likely reflects Spirit, which ended its Fort Lauderdale–Lima nonstop when it shut down on May 2, 2026, so don't count on finding it.
• 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

• The United nonstop lands around 11:00 p.m., 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. Confirm with your airline, and allow at least 3 hours for the connection.
• Flights from Lima to Cusco run from about 4:40 a.m. to 11:40 p.m., so a red-eye arrival via San Salvador or Panama can connect the same morning if you leave enough time.

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 Houston to Cusco

• On United and its partners: United doesn't sell its own Houston–Cusco itineraries on Google Flights. The Star Alliance option is Avianca, which sells IAH–Cusco daily via San Salvador and Bogotá (about 18 hours, two stops), using its Bogotá–Cusco nonstop. Google Flights' cheapest current round trip is $1,145 (typical Avianca range $1,000–$1,950). Some booking sites also combine United's IAH–Bogotá flight with Avianca's Bogotá–Cusco nonstop: KAYAK says 86% of its one-stop IAH–Cusco bookings connect in Bogotá. Avianca flights can earn United MileagePlus miles.
• Via Lima: you can pair the United nonstop with a LATAM, Sky, or JetSMART flight to Cusco. KAYAK shows these as "multiple airline" itineraries, and with the 11:00 p.m. arrival they usually mean an overnight in Lima. Unless the itinerary is on a single ticket, the second airline doesn't have to rebook you if United is late.
• Overall (KAYAK): typical IAH–Cusco round trips run $887–$1,311 (average about $1,096), with the shortest one-stop trip at about 12 hours via Lima. KAYAK says January is the cheapest month (about $493) and December the priciest. Google Flights puts the low in February ($800–$1,100) and the high in June ($1,000–$1,250).

Booking the two legs separately (IAH–Lima, then Lima–Cusco) is often cheaper. If you do, leave a big buffer, ideally a night in Lima.

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. Houston sits barely 50 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 Houston, plan on 6 days for Machu Picchu.

Practical Tips

• Time difference: Peru is on UTC-5 year-round (no daylight saving time). When Houston is on daylight saving time (CDT, March to November), it's on the same time as Lima. In winter (CST), Houston is 1 hour behind Lima.
• Getting to IAH: for the afternoon nonstop, the 500 Downtown Direct bus drops you at Terminal E, the same terminal United uses for the Lima flight. If you're driving and parking for a week, compare IAH's economy lots with off-airport lots.
• 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 Houston to Lima?

Yes. United flies IAH–Lima nonstop every day in about 6 hours 35 minutes, departing around 4:20 p.m. From March 27, 2027, United plans to fly the route twice a day.

Which Houston airport should I use for Peru?

IAH. It has the only nonstop to Lima and most of the one-stop options. Hobby (HOU) has Southwest flights to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, but nothing to South America.

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

KAYAK's typical round-trip range from IAH is about $740 to $1,050, and the United nonstop usually runs $860 to $1,120. January and February are the cheapest months, and June through September the priciest.

How do I get from downtown Houston to IAH by public transit?

Take METRO's 500 Downtown Direct ($4.50, every 15–30 minutes) to Terminal E, or the slower local 102 Bush IAH ($1.25, 50–90 minutes) to Terminal C.

Is the nonstop worth paying more for?

Usually, yes, if it's within about $150 of the best one-stop. It saves 3 to 8 hours each way and avoids a missed connection. A one-stop makes sense if it's clearly cheaper or if you want one ticket to Cusco.

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 Houston to Cusco on one ticket?

Yes. Avianca sells IAH–Cusco via San Salvador and Bogotá, and some sites combine United to Bogotá with Avianca's Bogotá–Cusco nonstop. Typical round trips run about $887 to $1,311 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 Houston, the easy answer is United's daily nonstop from IAH: about 6.5 hours, landing in Lima around 11:00 p.m., with a second daily flight from March 27, 2027. It usually costs only $100 to $150 more than a good one-stop, so it's our pick for most travelers. Avianca via San Salvador and Copa via Panama City are the best one-stop alternatives, especially when they're clearly cheaper or you want one ticket to Cusco. Hobby works only for Delta or American connections and rarely saves money. 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, Houston–Lima
2. Google Flights, Houston–Cusco
3. Google Flights, Lima–Cusco
4. KAYAK, Houston IAH–Lima
5. KAYAK, Houston Hobby–Lima
6. KAYAK, Houston IAH–Cusco
7. KAYAK, Lima–Cusco
8. FlightMapper, United IAH–Lima schedule
9. FlightMapper, United Lima–IAH schedule
10. FlightMapper, Copa Houston–Panama City (operated by United)
11. The Points Guy, United ends Newark–Lima and doubles Houston–Lima
12. NBC New York, United to end Newark–Lima flights
13. AeroRoutes, United discontinues Newark–Lima in late March 2027
14. Passrider, Houston international nonstop flights (IAH and HOU)
15. Simple Flying, Southwest international routes for 2026–2027
16. AwardWallet, United MileagePlus partner awards
17. Peru Ministry of Transportation (MTC), new Jorge Chávez terminal
18. CORPAC, international flights at Cusco airport
19. La República, Chinchero airport delays

Houston airports and ground transportation

1. METRO, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
2. METRO, William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
3. METRO, Route 102 Bush IAH
4. Visit Houston, how to get from IAH to downtown
5. Houston Airports, IAH taxi and ride apps
6. Houston Airports, HOU taxi and ride apps
7. City of Houston, 2026 taxicab and airport zone rates
8. Community Impact, Houston taxi fares raised 28% (Dec. 2025)

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