How to Get to Machu Picchu from Miami: Nonstop Flights, Fares, and Entry Requirements

Miami is the easiest place in the US to start a trip to Machu Picchu. Miami International (MIA) has 6 to 8 nonstop flights a day to Lima on American, LATAM, and Sky Airline, and the flight takes only about 5 hours 40 minutes to 6 hours. South Florida has three international airports (MIA, Fort Lauderdale, and the Palm Beach airport, now called DJT), but only MIA has nonstops to Lima. Fort Lauderdale lost its Lima nonstop when Spirit shut down in May 2026. A round-trip economy ticket from Miami to Lima typically runs about $420 to $650. April is usually the cheapest month, while July and December are the priciest, when fares often reach $600 to $675 or more. From Lima, it's a flight of about 80 minutes to Cusco, usually $80 to $160 round trip, and you can book Miami–Lima–Cusco on a single ticket. 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 on the day you enter Peru. Our top tip: book your flights early, especially if you're traveling June through August, at Christmas, or during Holy Week (Semana Santa).

Approximate fares checked on October 2, 2026, on Google Flights, KAYAK, and the American Airlines and Sky Airline websites. 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. According to the State Department, 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 the country: 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. Peru has eliminated printed forms at Jorge Chávez Airport and, according to Migraciones, has also stopped stamping passports on international flights. When you clear immigration, your Virtual TAM is generated automatically, showing your entry date and the number of days you're authorized to 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 the country legally.

Traveling with Minors

According to the State Department, minors with a US passport traveling alone or with only one parent usually don't need additional documents, as long as they enter as tourists and stay less than 183 days. There's one exception: if the child is a dual US–Peruvian citizen and enters on a Peruvian passport, or stays more than 183 days, they need 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 been operating since June 1, 2025, for both domestic and international flights.
• E-gates on departure: adult tourists who entered through Jorge Chávez with an e-passport can use the electronic gates when leaving Peru. To do so, they must 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: Miami to Lima

Is There a Nonstop Flight?

Yes, every day. Three airlines fly nonstop from Miami International (MIA) to Lima: American Airlines (about 21 flights a week, or 3 a day), LATAM (16 to 21 a week, depending on the source and season), and Sky Airline (1 a day). KAYAK counts 6 to 8 nonstops a day, about 49 a week. The fastest scheduled nonstop takes 5 hours 37 minutes (Google Flights), and the average is about 5 hours 47 minutes (KAYAK) for the roughly 2,620-mile (4,200 km) trip. Delta also sells seats on LATAM's Miami–Lima nonstops through their partnership.

There are departures around the clock: LATAM has overnight flights leaving MIA around midnight and landing in Lima around 5:00 a.m., Sky leaves in the late morning and lands mid-afternoon, and American's flights leave in the afternoon and evening. KAYAK reports that morning flights have the fewest delays and that LATAM was the most punctual airline on the route (91% on time over the last 3 months). Overall, 15% of Miami–Lima flights were delayed.

Which Airports Serve Miami?

South Florida has three major commercial airports, all international: Miami International (MIA), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL), and President Donald J. Trump International (DJT) in West Palm Beach, formerly Palm Beach International (PBI). Only MIA has nonstop flights to Lima.

Miami International (MIA)

• Location: unincorporated Miami-Dade County, about 6 miles (10 km) west of downtown Miami, roughly 20–25 minutes by car without traffic.
• International? Yes. It's American Airlines' Latin America gateway and was the second-busiest US airport for international passengers in 2025 (24.85 million). It's the only South Florida airport with nonstops to Lima.
• Getting there from downtown Miami: take Metrorail (Orange Line) to the Miami International Airport station at the Miami Intermodal Center, then the free MIA Mover to the terminals. The fare is $2.25 one way. On weekends and holidays the Orange Line runs only as an airport shuttle, so you'll transfer at Earlington Heights. Tri-Rail also stops at the same station. A taxi is metered from MIA, with a $15 minimum for trips that start at the airport and a $2 airport fee, so expect roughly $30–$40 to downtown or Brickell depending on traffic. Rideshare pickups are on the arrivals and departures levels.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL)

• Location: Broward County, between Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach, about 21 miles (34 km) north of downtown Miami, roughly 35–60 minutes by car depending on traffic.
• International? Yes, with many flights to the Caribbean and Latin America. JetBlue added Barranquilla (Colombia) on October 1, 2026. There's no nonstop to Lima right now (see "Fort Lauderdale and Route Changes" below).
• Getting there from downtown Miami: take Tri-Rail to the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport Station at Dania Beach (about 40 minutes from the Miami Airport station), then the free Tri-Rail airport shuttle, which runs every 15–20 minutes during train hours. The ride costs about $4 one way under the fares that took effect in October 2026, or a $5 flat fare on weekends. Another option is Brightline from MiamiCentral to Fort Lauderdale (about 30–35 minutes), then Brightline's airport connector shuttle, which costs $12 per person plus a $3 fuel surcharge with a same-day train ticket and runs daily 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Brightline fares vary by date.

President Donald J. Trump International (DJT), formerly Palm Beach International (PBI)

• Location: West Palm Beach, about 3 miles from downtown West Palm Beach and about 63 miles (101 km) north of downtown Miami, roughly 1 hour 10 minutes by car without traffic. The airport was renamed on July 9, 2026, and its booking code changed from PBI to DJT on August 18, 2026. Search for "DJT" or "West Palm Beach."
• International? Yes, but international service is limited to Canada (Air Canada, Porter) and the Bahamas (Bahamasair). There are no flights to South America, so you'd have to connect elsewhere to reach Lima.
• Getting there from downtown Miami: take Tri-Rail to West Palm Beach station (roughly 1.5–2 hours; about $10 one way under the new fares, or $5 on weekends), then Palm Tran Route 2 to the airport, which has been free with a Tri-Rail ticket since May 2026. It really only makes sense if you live in Palm Beach County.

Our recommendation: fly out of MIA. It's the only airport with nonstops to Lima, and it's a $2.25 Metrorail ride from downtown. If you live in Broward or Palm Beach County, compare a nonstop from MIA with a one-stop from FLL. Often the nonstop from MIA wins on both time and price once you add up the connection. Ground transportation times and fares are approximate and depend on traffic and time of day.

Routes, Travel Times, and Approximate Fares by Airline

Flight times are based on FlightRoutes, Google Flights, and KAYAK schedules. The "typical fare" reflects one-week round trips tracked by Google Flights over the past year (it had no typical range for Sky). KAYAK deals are the lowest fares its users found in the days before October 2, 2026. According to KAYAK, one-stop flights via Santo Domingo are the cheapest on average (about $413 round trip), versus about $526 for a nonstop, and Panama City is the most popular and fastest connection.

How Much Does It Cost by Season?

Benchmarks straight from the airlines (round trip, seen on October 2, 2026): American was showing MIA–LIM from $797 for October 2026 through February 2027 and from $1,132 for March 2027. Sky Airline was advertising from $394 for November 2026, March 2027, and May 2027 and from $481–$506 for December 2026 through February 2027. Sky's lowest fares are a basic fare that includes only a small personal item. These are sample fares that may no longer be available. Basic fares may not include a checked bag or seat selection.

Book in Advance

KAYAK estimates that booking at least 5 weeks out saves about 13% compared with booking at the last minute on Miami–Lima. Last-minute fares (booked within 2 weeks of departure) run above the route average. American suggests booking 1 to 3 months ahead, and Sky suggests 2 to 3 months.

Prices on this route swing a lot: in the 5 days before we checked, KAYAK users saw round trips from about $380 to over $2,100.

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

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

Fort Lauderdale and Route Changes

• Fort Lauderdale (FLL): Spirit had flown FLL–Lima nonstop daily since December 2024, but it ceased operations on May 2, 2026. KAYAK currently shows no nonstop flights between Fort Lauderdale and Lima, and we found no announced replacement. JetBlue's 11 new destinations from FLL don't include Lima. From FLL, you'll connect, most often via Panama City on Copa (the fastest, about 8.5 hours) or Bogotá on Avianca, or via Atlanta on Delta. KAYAK puts typical FLL–LIM round trips at $352–$586, with February the cheapest month (median $305) and December ($626) and August ($579) the priciest. KAYAK also says booking about 20 weeks ahead has saved around 36% on this route. Google Flights groups FLL with Miami and shows the MIA nonstops in its FLL results.
• Palm Beach (DJT): same airport, new name and code. No Lima service.
• Nonstop to Cusco from Miami or anywhere in the US? It doesn't exist, and we found none announced. Google Flights, KAYAK, and Sky all say Miami–Cusco requires a connection, usually in Lima. Cusco only receives international flights 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

• With a nonstop from Miami, you can reach Cusco the same day. The overnight LATAM flight lands in Lima around 5:00 a.m., in time for a morning flight to Cusco. Sky's late-morning departure lands around 3:40 p.m., in time for an evening flight. Flights from Lima to Cusco run from about 4:40 a.m. to 11:40 p.m.
• Arriving from abroad, you clear immigration and customs in Lima. You'll usually need to collect your bag and re-check it at the domestic counter. Confirm with your airline. Allow at least 3 hours for the connection to your domestic flight.
• If you land in the evening (most American flights arrive between about 8:30 and 11:30 p.m.), it usually makes sense to spend the night in Lima and fly to Cusco the next morning.

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. Departures run from the early morning (around 4:40 a.m.) until close to midnight, with nearly half leaving in the morning.

• Overall range (KAYAK): $50 to $88 one way and $85 to $123 round trip, with an average of 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 most expensive months, and November ($86) is the cheapest. Google Flights puts the low point in March ($75–$120) and the high point 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 too. Compare the final price with bags included.
• On-time performance (KAYAK, last 3 months): about 92% of flights arrived on time (Sky 93%, LATAM 92%, JetSMART 91%).

One Ticket from Miami to Cusco

You can book Miami–Lima–Cusco on a single ticket with LATAM (more than 350 weekly connecting options), Sky, or Avianca (via Bogotá). Google Flights shows the fastest itinerary at about 8 hours 45 minutes. Typical round trips run $570–$790 in January (the cheapest month) and $780–$960 in July (the most expensive). Sky was advertising Miami–Cusco from $529 round trip for November 2026. Booking the two legs separately can sometimes be cheaper, but if your first flight is late, the second airline doesn't have to rebook you.

Book Your Domestic Flight Early, Too

Flights to Cusco fill up in peak season. KAYAK calculates that booking well in advance (about 22 weeks) saves around 32%, and that last-minute bookings cost 28% more than average. Our recommendation: 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 if you're traveling June through August (with Inti Raymi on June 24 and Peru's national holidays, Fiestas Patrias, on July 28–29), at Christmas, or during 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 ascend quickly above about 8,200 feet (2,500 m) without acclimatizing can develop acute mountain sickness. Going straight from sea-level Miami to Cusco in one day makes this more likely, so many travelers spend their first nights in the Sacred Valley, which is lower (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

Thanks to the short nonstop from Miami, you can do Machu Picchu in 5 days.

Prefer a gentler start? Take a daytime nonstop, spend the first night in Lima, and fly to Cusco the next morning. This adds a day, and it's the safer choice if you're arriving on an evening flight.

Practical Tips

• Time difference: Peru is on UTC-5 year-round (no daylight saving time). When Miami 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.
• 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

Are there nonstop flights from Miami to Lima?

Yes. American, LATAM, and Sky Airline fly nonstop every day from Miami International (MIA), with 6 to 8 flights a day. The flight takes about 5 hours 40 minutes to 6 hours.

Can I fly nonstop from Fort Lauderdale to Lima?

Not right now. Spirit's FLL–Lima nonstop ended when the airline shut down on May 2, 2026, and no replacement has been announced. From FLL you'll connect, usually via Panama City or Bogotá, or you can drive to MIA for a nonstop.

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

A round-trip economy ticket usually costs about $420 to $650. April is the cheapest month (about $270–$420), while July (about $500–$670) and December (KAYAK median $674) are the most expensive, according to Google Flights and KAYAK data checked in October 2026.

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 at around $50–$65 if you book early.

Is there a direct flight from Miami to Cusco?

No. There's no nonstop from Miami or anywhere in the US to Cusco, and none has been announced. You can book Miami–Lima–Cusco on one ticket, with a total travel time from about 8 hours 45 minutes.

How far in advance should I book?

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

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 many days you're authorized to stay (usually 90).

Do I need a yellow fever vaccine?

Peru doesn't require it for entry, and the CDC doesn't recommend it if you're only visiting Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu. It does recommend it if you continue on to the lowland Amazon.

The Bottom Line

From Miami, getting to Machu Picchu is about as easy as it gets from the US: a nonstop of under 6 hours to Lima on American, LATAM, or Sky from MIA (skip FLL, which has no Lima nonstop now), then a flight to Cusco, ideally on the same ticket, and from there road, train, and bus. Before anything else, make sure your passport is valid for 6 months and save your Virtual TAM when you arrive. And book early: 2 to 3 months ahead in low season, and 3 to 6 months ahead if you're traveling June through August, at Christmas, or during Holy Week. That goes for both your international flight and the Lima–Cusco leg. Fares climb sharply at the last minute.

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. gob.pe, Andean Migration Card (TAM)
7. Migraciones, length of stay and overstay fines
8. TVPerú, e-gates and Migracheck
9. SUNAT, declaring money
10. SUNAT, bringing cash into and out of Peru
11. CDC, Travelers' Health: Peru
12. CDC Yellow Book, high-altitude travel

Flights and fares (checked October 2, 2026)

1. Google Flights, Miami–Lima
2. Google Flights, Fort Lauderdale–Lima
3. Google Flights, Miami–Cusco
4. Google Flights, Lima–Cusco
5. KAYAK, Miami–Lima
6. KAYAK, Fort Lauderdale–Lima
7. KAYAK, Lima–Cusco
8. American Airlines, Miami–Lima
9. Sky Airline, Miami–Lima
10. Sky Airline, Miami–Cusco
11. FlightRoutes, MIA–LIM
12. Airport Overview, FLL–LIM schedule history
13. Ladevi, Spirit resumes Lima–Fort Lauderdale flights
14. Florida Today, Spirit shutdown
15. JetBlue, Fort Lauderdale expansion
16. Yahoo Finance, JetBlue launches Fort Lauderdale–Barranquilla
17. Peru Ministry of Transportation (MTC), new Jorge Chávez terminal
18. CORPAC, international flights at Cusco airport
19. La República, Chinchero airport delays

South Florida airports and ground transportation

1. Miami International Airport, Facts at a Glance 2026
2. Miami International Airport, taxis and ride apps
3. Miami-Dade County, Metrorail service and fares
4. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, ground transportation
5. Tri-Rail, Fort Lauderdale Airport station and shuttle
6. Tri-Rail, 2026 fare change notice
7. WPBF, Tri-Rail fares rise 10% in October 2026
8. WPBF, free Palm Tran airport rides for Tri-Rail riders
9. Brightline, airport connector shuttles
10. Brightline, Fort Lauderdale station
11. DJT airport, name change takes effect
12. DJT airport, IATA code changes from PBI to DJT
13. DJT airport, fact sheet
14. DJT airport, nonstop destinations

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