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

New York has nonstop flights to Lima from two airports. LATAM flies from JFK about 10 times a week: an overnight flight every day that leaves around 11:55 p.m. and lands at 6:55 a.m., plus a daytime flight on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. United flies from Newark (EWR) in the afternoon and lands around 9:30–10:30 p.m., but it drops to four flights a week from October 26, 2026, and its last flight is March 26, 2027. After that, LATAM's JFK flights will be New York's only nonstops to Peru. Either way, the trip takes about 8 hours. Delta doesn't fly the route itself, but it sells seats on LATAM's JFK flights. LaGuardia (LGA) has no flights to South America. One-stop options include Avianca via Bogotá, Copa via Panama City, American via Miami, and Delta via Atlanta. A round trip from New York to Lima typically costs about $585 to $900 (KAYAK), and nonstops often cost about the same as one-stops. January 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, KAYAK, and aa.com, plus airline schedule data for LATAM and United. 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: New York to Lima

The Nonstops: Schedule and Frequency

Two airlines fly New York–Lima nonstop: LATAM from JFK and United from Newark. KAYAK counts about 10 LATAM nonstops a week from JFK and 4 United nonstops a week from Newark, and Google Flights shows similar numbers. Both routes cover about 3,640 miles (5,860 km) in roughly 8 hours. Times below are local. New York is 1 hour ahead of Lima until clocks fall back on November 1, 2026, and then on the same time as Lima until March 14, 2027, so departure times shift by about an hour with the seasons.

Schedules from FlightMapper and fares listed on KAYAK, checked October 2, 2026. Airlines adjust times often, so confirm when you book.

LATAM from JFK

• The overnight flight (LA 2469) is the one most New Yorkers take. It runs every day and lands at 6:55 a.m., early enough to connect to a morning flight to Cusco. Between October 8 and 20, 2026, LATAM's schedule shows a temporary change: LA 2469 runs four days a week, and a Boeing 787-8 (LA 539, 12:10 a.m. → 6:45 a.m.) flies on three days. Check your flight number if you're traveling those dates.
• The daytime flight (LA 2691) leaves JFK in the early afternoon on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays and lands around 9:00 p.m., so plan to sleep in Lima.
• Returns: LA 2468 leaves Lima daily around 12:05 a.m. and lands at JFK around 8:05 a.m. in winter (about 9:10 a.m. when New York is on daylight saving time). LA 2690 leaves Lima around noon on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays and lands around 8:10–9:10 p.m.
• Codeshares: Delta sells seats on these flights under its own flight numbers (the two airlines have a joint venture), and Virgin Atlantic and JAL codeshare on some flights. A "Delta nonstop" from JFK to Lima on a booking site is the LATAM plane. Neither Delta, American, nor JetBlue flies its own JFK–Lima nonstop.
• Punctuality (KAYAK, last 3 months): LATAM was 90% on time on JFK–Lima. About 10% of flights ran late, by almost 3 hours on average.

United from Newark

• UA 886 flies daily through October 23, 2026, leaving around 2:30 p.m. and landing around 9:25 p.m. From October 26, it drops to four flights a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday). Departures are listed at about 3:25 p.m. in late October and about 2:05 p.m. once New York changes to standard time, landing around 10:15–10:25 p.m.
• Return (UA 887): a red-eye that leaves Lima around 11:05–11:55 p.m. and reaches Newark around 8:00–8:55 a.m.
• Aircraft: a Boeing 757-200, a single-aisle jet. Lufthansa, Avianca, Azul, and Copa sell seats on this same United flight.
• Punctuality (KAYAK, last 3 months): only about 63% on time. Delays hit 37% of flights and averaged about 3 hours.

United ends Newark–Lima on March 26, 2027. AeroRoutes reported on September 2, 2026, that United had removed the route from its schedule after its last flight on March 26, 2027, and a United spokesperson told The Points Guy the suspension takes effect March 27, 2027. United has flown New York–Lima since 2012, and Continental flew Newark–Lima back in the 1990s. What replaces it: United is doubling Houston (IAH)–Lima to two daily nonstops from March 27, 2027, so United flyers from New York will connect in Houston. From that date, LATAM's JFK flights will be the only New York–Lima nonstops. If you're traveling after March 26, 2027, book JFK for a nonstop.

What Changed in 2025–2026

• United cut Newark–Lima back. It flew four times a week from January to March 2026, went back to daily for the summer, drops to four a week from October 26, 2026, and ends the route on March 26, 2027. An earlier United filing had shown a daily flight for summer 2027.
• Spirit is gone. Spirit's Fort Lauderdale connections to Lima ended when the airline shut down on May 2, 2026, though KAYAK's data still lists Fort Lauderdale as a cheap layover from Newark.
• Getting to the airport costs a bit more. The AirTrain at JFK and Newark now costs $8.75, the subway fare is $3, and MetroCards can no longer be bought or refilled (tap a contactless card or phone, or use an OMNY card). Taxis entering Manhattan below 60th Street pay a 75-cent congestion toll, in effect since January 5, 2025.
• Lima's new terminal: Jorge Chávez Airport's new terminal has handled all flights since June 1, 2025 (see "What's New" above).

Which Airports Can You Use from New York?

New York has three major airports. JFK and Newark Liberty (EWR) are international airports, and both have nonstops to Lima. LaGuardia (LGA) is mostly domestic: it has a 1,500-mile perimeter rule and only limited international service, mainly to Canada, and nothing to South America, so from LGA you'll connect. Distances are from Midtown Manhattan.

John F. Kennedy International (JFK): LATAM's Nonstop Airport

• Distance: about 15 miles (24 km) southeast of Midtown, in Queens. Google Flights estimates about 40 minutes by car without traffic; at rush hour, allow 60 to 90 minutes.
• Flights to Lima: LATAM's nonstops from Terminal 4 (sold by Delta, too), plus one-stops on Avianca, Copa, American, Delta, and others. The Port Authority warns that construction at JFK is slowing pickups and drop-offs, and it recommends public transit.
• AirTrain + subway: take the AirTrain to Jamaica (E, J, and Z trains) or Howard Beach (A train). The Port Authority puts the trip at about 50 minutes to Penn Station, 55 minutes to Grand Central, and 60 minutes to Lower Manhattan on the A, for $11.75 (the $8.75 AirTrain fare plus the $3 subway fare). It's the cheapest option, but expect stairs and crowds with luggage at rush hour.
• AirTrain + LIRR: at Jamaica, the Long Island Rail Road reaches Penn Station or Grand Central Madison in about 20 minutes. The Port Authority puts the whole trip at about 30 minutes for $14 off-peak to $16 peak, AirTrain included. Buy the LIRR ticket in the TrainTime app or at the station. A CityTicket ($5.25 off-peak, $7.25 peak) covers LIRR trips within the city.
• AirTrain tips: pay by tapping a contactless card or phone. A group fare (first rider $8.75, up to four more at $4.50 each, tapping the same card within 5 minutes) saves money for families. Heads-up: the AirTrain is closing overnight (10 p.m.–6 a.m.) from October 5 to 15, 2026, with free replacement shuttle buses. That's exactly when the LATAM red-eye boards, so allow extra time.
• Taxi: yellow cabs charge a $70 flat fare between JFK and anywhere in Manhattan. The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) adds a $0.50 MTA surcharge, a $1 improvement surcharge, a $2.50 congestion surcharge (trips south of 96th Street), a $0.75 congestion-pricing toll (south of 60th Street), a $5 rush-hour surcharge (4–8 p.m. on weekdays), and a $2 airport access fee on pickups at JFK, plus tolls and tip. That's about $75 to $82 before tolls and tip, and roughly $90 to $110 all in. (The Port Authority's taxi page lists slightly different add-ons, so we use the TLC's numbers.)
• Rideshare: Uber and Lyft pick up at marked areas outside each terminal, but pickups for Terminals 5 and 7 have temporarily moved to the Howard Beach AirTrain station because of construction. The Port Authority doesn't publish fares: they change with demand and are often similar to or higher than a taxi at busy times. Uber Shuttle, a cheaper shared van booked in the Uber app, runs two routes between JFK and Manhattan (Port Authority/42nd Street and Greenwich Village).

Newark Liberty International (EWR): United's Nonstop, Until March 2027

• Distance: about 16 miles (26 km) southwest of Midtown, in New Jersey. Plan on 30 to 60 minutes by car, depending on tunnel traffic.
• Flights to Lima: United's nonstop from Terminal C (four a week from October 26, 2026, ending March 26, 2027), plus one-stops on United via Houston, American via Miami, Delta via Atlanta, Arajet via Punta Cana or Santo Domingo, and Air Canada via Montreal.
• AirTrain + NJ Transit: take the AirTrain to Newark Airport Station (about 7 minutes from Terminal C), then an NJ Transit Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast train to New York Penn Station. The Port Authority puts it at about 30 minutes and $17.25, including the $8.75 AirTrain fee. Buy one ticket to or from "Newark Airport" in the NJ Transit app and the AirTrain fee is included.
• AirTrain + Amtrak: Amtrak trains also stop at Newark Airport Station. They're handy if you're coming from Philadelphia (about 70 minutes) or farther south, but fares vary and are usually higher than NJ Transit to Manhattan.
• Cheaper rail option: NJ Transit to Newark Penn Station and then PATH to 33rd Street takes about 40 minutes for $11.75, according to the Port Authority.
• Express bus: the Newark Airport Express stops at every terminal and serves Grand Central, Bryant Park, and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, in about 50 minutes for $23.50 one way ($39.50 round trip).
• AirTrain work: the Port Authority is modernizing Newark's AirTrain and warns of temporary disruptions, with shuttle buses when trains aren't running.
• Taxi: Newark taxis charge Port Authority zone fares to Manhattan: $60 (Battery to W. 13th Street), $65 (W. 14th to W. 50th), $70 (W. 51st to W. 96th), $75 (W. 97th to W. 185th), and $80 above that. On top come tolls, tip, the MTA congestion toll, a $2 airport access fee, a $10 rush-hour surcharge for trips into New York (weekdays 6–10 a.m. and 3–8 p.m., weekends noon–9 p.m.), $5 for East Side destinations, and $1 per large bag. Expect roughly $90 to $110 to Midtown all in. From Manhattan to Newark, NYC yellow cabs run the meter plus a $20 Newark surcharge, and you pay the tolls both ways.
• Rideshare: at Terminal C, Uber and Lyft pick up on Floor 3 of the Terminal C Garage. Uber Shuttle runs two routes to Manhattan, with stops including the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Penn Station, Hudson Yards, and Bryant Park.

LaGuardia (LGA): Closest to Midtown, but No Flights to South America

• Distance: about 8 miles (13 km) east of Midtown, in Queens. Google Flights estimates about 25 minutes by car without traffic.
• International service: limited, mostly to Canada. LaGuardia's 1,500-mile perimeter rule keeps out long flights, so there's nothing to South America. To reach Lima, you'll connect, usually on American via Miami or Delta via Atlanta. For October 2026 dates, aa.com showed LGA–Lima round trips from $743 to $971.
• Q70 LaGuardia Link: a free bus from Terminals B and C that runs nonstop to the Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street–Broadway subway station (E, F, M, R, and 7 trains) in about 15 minutes, every 8–10 minutes. It continues one more stop to Woodside for the LIRR. The MTA says you pay only when you enter the subway ($3). Allow about 45 minutes to Midtown in total. From Terminal A, take the airport shuttle to Terminal B, or the M60 SBS bus ($3) toward 125th Street in Harlem.
• Taxi: LaGuardia trips use the meter plus a $5 LaGuardia surcharge and the other TLC surcharges, plus a $2 pickup fee, tolls, and tip. The Port Authority estimates $30–$52 to Times Square and $34–$57 to Tribeca, before tolls, tip, and congestion pricing.
• Rideshare: pickups are in marked "Ride App Pick Up" zones (Terminal B: Level 2 of the parking garage; Terminal C: the arrivals inner lane). Uber Shuttle runs five routes to Manhattan.

Stewart (SWF) and Westchester (HPN) have no flights to Peru. From either, you'd connect through a hub, so JFK or Newark is almost always the better choice.

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

One-Stop Options from New York, 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:

• Bogotá is the favorite connection from JFK. About 66% of KAYAK's one-stop JFK–Lima bookings connect there, and Avianca via Bogotá is the fastest one-stop at about 10 hours 48 minutes on average. From Newark, Miami is the most popular (37%), followed by Atlanta (25%).
• American via Miami puts you on one of American's three daily Miami–Lima nonstops, and it's the easiest option from LaGuardia. aa.com showed New York–Lima round trips from $672 for October 2026 through January 2027 and from $749 for March 2027, with individual dates ranging from $672 to $1,141.
• Arajet (a Dominican low-cost airline) has some of the lowest one-way fares from Newark, about $263, but connections in Punta Cana or Santo Domingo can stretch to a full day, and checked bags usually cost extra.
• Watch out for "too cheap" fares. KAYAK's lowest Newark fares combined several airlines with two or three stops and up to 40+ hours of travel. And its "cheapest layover via Fort Lauderdale" figure ($611 from Newark) most likely reflects Spirit, which no longer flies.

How Much Does It Cost by Season?

KAYAK found that the gap between the cheapest and priciest months averages about 49%. Thursday departures are the cheapest (about $698 on average) and Saturdays the priciest (about $734). From Newark, Tuesdays are cheapest. Holy Week also pushes fares up, even though it doesn't show up in the monthly averages.

By airport (KAYAK, round trip, last 12 months):

KAYAK says fares barely differ between New York's airports overall (about $699 on average), but JFK's nonstop is usually cheaper than Newark's, and recent LATAM deals ($629–$630) undercut United's ($656–$657).

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

Our recommendation: fly nonstop, and for most travelers that means LATAM from JFK. On this route, the nonstop often costs about the same as a one-stop (recent deals were $629–$657 nonstop versus $629–$772 with a stop), and it saves 2 to 6 hours each way. The overnight LATAM flight is the best fit for Machu Picchu: you land at 6:55 a.m. and can be in Cusco by late morning. LATAM was also far more punctual than United on this route in KAYAK's data.

JFK or Newark? Choose Newark if you live in New Jersey or on the West Side, collect United MileagePlus miles, and are traveling before March 26, 2027. Remember that it flies only four days a week from late October, lands late at night, and has been late more often. For everyone else, and for any trip after March 26, 2027, choose JFK. Choose a one-stop when it saves you $150 or more per person, when you're flying from LaGuardia, or when you want one ticket all the way to Cusco (see below).

Book in Advance

Always book ahead. KAYAK's New York–Lima data says booking about 6 weeks ahead saves around 12%, and last-minute fares run about 8% above average. For JFK alone, it says booking 23 weeks ahead saves about 17% compared with booking in the last 2 weeks. For Newark, it says 6 weeks ahead saves about 16%. American's own page suggests booking 1 to 3 months ahead.

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, the same week United's last Newark–Lima flight leaves (March 26), so expect tight seats. 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

• Newark–Lima ends March 26, 2027, and United's Houston–Lima flight goes to twice daily on March 27. Watch whether LATAM or another airline adds New York capacity once United leaves.
• Old Fort Lauderdale connections: KAYAK still lists Fort Lauderdale as a cheap layover from Newark. 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 LATAM overnight flight lands at 6:55 a.m., so you can catch a late-morning flight to Cusco the same day. Allow at least 3 hours for the connection.
• United (and LATAM's daytime flight) land around 9:00–10:30 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.

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 New York to Cusco

• On LATAM via Lima: the simplest option. LATAM sells JFK–Cusco on one ticket, pairing its overnight JFK–Lima flight with a morning flight to Cusco. KAYAK showed itineraries leaving JFK at 10:50 p.m. and landing in Cusco at 10:15–11:25 a.m. (about 11.5 to 12.5 hours) for $732–$748 round trip, and one way from about $521. Google Flights counts 220 weekly LATAM connections from JFK to Cusco, from $775 (typical $800–$1,200). Delta sells the same LATAM itineraries (recently $845–$850).
• On Avianca via Bogotá: Avianca sells JFK–Cusco daily via Bogotá, using its Bogotá–Cusco nonstop, which skips Lima entirely. KAYAK showed $791 round trip, but many itineraries have long layovers (KAYAK's average connection in Bogotá is over 7 hours). Google Flights lists 23 weekly connections, from $993 (typical $790–$1,800).
• American plus JetSMART: American codeshares on JetSMART's Lima–Cusco flights, so you can book New York–Miami–Lima–Cusco on one American ticket. Google Flights' cheapest business-class round trip to Cusco ($2,659) was an American–JetSMART itinerary. You collect your bags after customs in Lima and re-check them with JetSMART.
• From Newark: KAYAK showed two-stop combinations via Punta Cana and Lima from $676–$772 round trip, but they take 19 to 25 hours each way.

Overall (KAYAK): typical New York–Cusco round trips run $769–$1,093 (average about $935), and Newark–Cusco is the cheapest airport pairing (about $888 on average). KAYAK says September is the cheapest month (about $710) and December the priciest ($1,088). Google Flights puts the low in November ($620–$930) and the high in July ($1,000–$1,200). The fastest itinerary takes about 10 hours 45 minutes.

Booking the two legs separately (New York–Lima, then Lima–Cusco) is often cheaper. If you do, leave a big buffer, ideally a night in Lima, or at least 3 to 4 hours after the LATAM red-eye.

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. New York sits close to 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 New York, plan on 6 days for Machu Picchu.

Practical Tips

• Time difference: Peru is on UTC-5 year-round (no daylight saving time). When New York is on daylight saving time (EDT, March to November), it's 1 hour ahead of Lima. In winter (EST), New York is on the same time as Lima.
• Getting to JFK at night: the LIRR and subway run late, and the AirTrain runs around the clock (except for the overnight closures from October 5 to 15, 2026, when shuttle buses replace it). For an 11:55 p.m. flight, aim to reach Terminal 4 by about 8:30–9:00 p.m.
• 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 New York to Lima?

Yes. LATAM flies JFK–Lima nonstop about 10 times a week, including a daily overnight flight that lands at 6:55 a.m. United flies Newark–Lima nonstop four times a week from October 26, 2026, until its last flight on March 26, 2027. Both take about 8 hours.

Does Delta fly nonstop from New York to Lima?

Not with its own planes. Delta sells seats on LATAM's JFK–Lima nonstops under Delta flight numbers, so you can book through Delta and earn SkyMiles, but you fly on LATAM.

Which New York airport should I use for Peru?

JFK for most travelers: it has LATAM's nonstops, the best schedule for reaching Cusco quickly, and it's the only nonstop option after March 26, 2027. Newark works if you prefer United and travel before then. LaGuardia has no flights to South America.

How much does it cost to fly from New York to Lima?

KAYAK's typical round-trip range is about $585 to $900, with an average around $705. LATAM's JFK nonstop typically runs $640 to $895. January is the cheapest month, and July and December the priciest.

How do I get from Manhattan to JFK by public transit?

Take the LIRR from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison to Jamaica (about 20 minutes), then the AirTrain: about 30 minutes and $14–$16 in total. The subway (E to Jamaica or A to Howard Beach) plus AirTrain takes about 50–60 minutes for $11.75.

What happens to the Newark–Lima flight?

United's last Newark–Lima flight is March 26, 2027. United is moving that capacity to Houston, which gets two daily Lima nonstops from March 27, 2027. After that, United flyers from New York connect in Houston, and LATAM from JFK is the only nonstop.

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 New York to Cusco on one ticket?

Yes. LATAM sells JFK–Cusco via Lima (recently $732–$748 round trip on KAYAK), and Avianca sells it via Bogotá. 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 New York, the easy answer is LATAM's overnight nonstop from JFK: about 8 hours, landing in Lima at 6:55 a.m., early enough to reach Cusco the same morning. It usually costs about the same as a one-stop, and it was the most punctual option in KAYAK's data. United from Newark is a good alternative for New Jersey travelers and MileagePlus members, but it flies only four days a week from late October and ends on March 26, 2027. Avianca via Bogotá and American via Miami are the best one-stop options, especially from LaGuardia or when you want one ticket to Cusco. 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, New York–Lima
2. Google Flights, New York–Cusco
3. Google Flights, Lima–Cusco
4. KAYAK, New York (all airports)–Lima
5. KAYAK, New York JFK–Lima
6. KAYAK, Newark–Lima
7. KAYAK, New York–Cusco
8. KAYAK, Lima–Cusco
9. American Airlines, flights from New York to Lima
10. FlightMapper, LATAM JFK–Lima schedule
11. FlightMapper, LATAM Lima–JFK schedule
12. FlightMapper, United Newark–Lima schedule
13. FlightMapper, United Lima–Newark schedule
14. AeroRoutes, United discontinues Newark–Lima in late March 2027
15. The Points Guy, United ends Newark–Lima and doubles Houston–Lima
16. NBC New York, United to end Newark–Lima flights
17. Deep Arrival, United's Newark–Lima route ends in March 2027
18. American Airlines, JetSMART partnership
19. AeroRoutes, American–JetSMART codeshare
20. Peru Ministry of Transportation (MTC), new Jorge Chávez terminal
21. CORPAC, international flights at Cusco airport
22. La República, Chinchero airport delays

New York airports and ground transportation

1. Port Authority, AirTrain JFK
2. Port Authority, JFK public transportation
3. Port Authority, JFK taxis
4. Port Authority, JFK ride-share apps
5. Port Authority, Newark public transportation
6. Port Authority, Newark AirTrain
7. Port Authority, Newark taxis
8. Port Authority, Newark ride-share apps
9. Port Authority, LaGuardia public transportation
10. Port Authority, LaGuardia taxis
11. Port Authority, LaGuardia ride-share apps
12. MTA, getting to Manhattan from LaGuardia (Q70 LaGuardia Link)
13. MTA, subway and bus fares
14. NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission, taxi fares

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