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

There's no nonstop from Orlando to Lima right now. LATAM flew a daily Orlando (MCO)–Lima nonstop for a few months, but cancelled it as of March 29, 2026, and no airline has announced a replacement. From Orlando International (MCO), you'll take a one-stop flight, most often Copa via Panama City (from about 7 hours 40 minutes), or LATAM or Avianca via Bogotá, American via Miami, Delta, United, or Volaris. Orlando Sanford (SFB) also has a one-stop option on Arajet via Punta Cana. A third choice is to take Brightline from MCO to Miami (about 3.5 hours) and catch one of MIA's daily nonstops to Lima, but for most Orlando travelers that's slower and not cheaper. A round trip from MCO to Lima typically costs about $490 to $660 (KAYAK), with recent fares starting around $535 to $555. February to April is usually the cheapest time to fly, 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 the Copa, Brightline, American, 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. 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: Orlando to Lima

Is There a Nonstop Flight?

Not right now. Google Flights and KAYAK both show no nonstop flights between Orlando and Lima. Here's the short history:

• LATAM planned to bring back Lima–Orlando on October 26, 2025, with one daily Airbus A320 flight. Days before launch, it postponed the start, blaming a new airport fee that Lima's airport began charging connecting passengers (the transfer TUUA).
• The route finally launched on December 1, 2025, flying daily: Orlando 4:06 p.m. → Lima 10:10 p.m., and Lima 8:00 a.m. → Orlando 2:23 p.m., about 6 hours each way.
• On December 17, 2025, LATAM announced it would cancel the route from March 29, 2026, along with three other Lima routes, again citing the transfer fee. Passengers were rebooked via Bogotá, São Paulo, or Miami, or onto Delta.
• No new Orlando–Lima nonstop has been announced as of October 2, 2026. If that changes, we'll update this guide.

Some flight sites still show leftover data from the LATAM nonstop (for example, a "nonstop average fare" or LATAM listed as the only airline on the route). Ignore it: every Orlando–Lima itinerary today includes at least one stop.

Which Airports Can You Use from Orlando?

Central Florida has two commercial airports: Orlando International (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International (SFB). Neither has a Lima nonstop. Miami International (MIA) is the closest airport that does, and Brightline's train from MCO makes it reachable without driving. Tampa (TPA), about 80 miles away, has no Lima nonstop and no real advantage for Peru, so we don't cover it here. Distances below are from downtown Orlando.

Orlando International (MCO): Your Main Airport

• Distance: about 8 miles (13 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, roughly 20–25 minutes by car without traffic.
• Flights to Lima: one-stop only. Google Flights counts about 191 weekly connections on Copa (via Panama City), 141 on American (via Miami), 60 on Avianca (via Bogotá), 59 on Delta, 56 on United, and 17 on Aeroméxico. LATAM (via Bogotá) and Volaris (via Mexico City) also show up on KAYAK.
• LYNX bus: Links 11 and 51 run between LYNX Central Station downtown and the airport for $2 one way (exact fare; $4.50 for an all-day pass). Buses stop on Level 1, A-side, at commercial lanes A38–A41.
• SunRail: the commuter train doesn't reach the airport. Ride from downtown (Church Street station) south to Sand Lake Road, then transfer for free to LYNX 311, 11, or 42, which take about 12–17 minutes to the airport. The SunRail fare starts at $2 within one county. This "Train to Plane" connection runs about every 15 minutes, Monday through Friday only.
• Taxi: the airport puts a taxi to downtown Orlando at about $38–$45. Shared shuttle vans run about $20 one way.
• Rideshare: Uber and Lyft pick up at designated airport zones. Expect a fare in the same range as a taxi, depending on demand.
• Brightline: the Brightline Orlando station is part of MCO, next to Terminal C. That's what makes the Miami option below possible.

Orlando Sanford International (SFB)

• Distance: about 18 miles (29 km) northeast of downtown Orlando, or roughly 22 miles and 30–40 minutes by road.
• International service: limited. Arajet flies to Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) three times a week (Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays). BermudAir is adding Bermuda from October 2026 and seasonal Belize City from December 2026. Almost everything else is domestic Allegiant flying.
• Flights to Lima: no nonstop and no South America flights, but Arajet sells SFB–Lima via Punta Cana as one ticket. On KAYAK, typical round trips run $440–$627 (average $511), recent deals were $556–$592, and the fastest connections take about 9 hours (11.5 hours on other days). March is the cheapest month (median $409), and December ($660) and October ($629) are the priciest. Arajet's cheapest fares are bare-bones, so add the cost of bags and seats before comparing.
• Getting there: there's no rail link to the terminal. SunRail's Sanford station is several miles away, so the practical options are driving, taxi, or rideshare. Check LYNX for current bus options.

Miami International (MIA): The Nonstop Option, by Train

• Distance: about 230 miles (370 km) south of downtown Orlando, roughly 3.5–4 hours by car via Florida's Turnpike.
• Flights to Lima: 6 to 8 nonstops a day on American, LATAM, and Sky Airline, taking about 5 hours 40 minutes. See our Miami guide for details.
• Brightline from MCO: 10 trains a day leave the MCO station for downtown Miami's MiamiCentral station. The first leaves around 5:40 a.m. and the last around 8:55 p.m., and the ride takes about 3 hours 30–35 minutes, with stops in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura. Fares change with demand. Brightline advertises SMART Saver fares from $39 one way with advance purchase, but busy trains often cost $80 to $150 or more in SMART, and more in PREMIUM.
• MiamiCentral to MIA: Brightline's airport connector shuttle costs $12 plus a $3 fuel surcharge with a same-day train ticket and runs 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. At other times, take Metrorail from the connected Government Center station to the airport ($2.25; on weekends, transfer at Earlington Heights), or a taxi.
• Brightline's finances: Brightline's parent companies filed for Chapter 11 on September 24, 2026, to restructure debt. The operating company didn't file, and Brightline says trains, tickets, and schedules are unaffected. We'd still check for schedule changes close to your trip.

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

One-Stop Options from Orlando, by Airline

Travel times come from Google Flights, KAYAK, and Copa 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:

• Copa is the go-to airline. About 61% of KAYAK's one-stop bookings on MCO–Lima connect in Panama City, and it's the fastest connection (8 hours 50 minutes on average, per KAYAK). Copa's afternoon departures land in Lima between about 10:45 p.m. and 1:20 a.m. Copa's own site showed MCO–Lima from $553 round trip every month from October 2026 through March 2027, with October fares ranging from $553 to $786 depending on the day.
• American via Miami gets you onto the MIA–Lima nonstop with your connection protected on one ticket, which is the main advantage over taking Brightline yourself. About 13% of KAYAK's one-stop bookings go this way.
• LATAM and Delta via Bogotá were often among the cheapest, but many itineraries include an overnight layover and land in Lima around 8:00 a.m. the next day.
• Volaris via Mexico City can be cheap, but check the return: some itineraries we saw had layovers of more than a day.
• Avoid "3-stop" bargains. The cheapest one-way fares on KAYAK (around $246) involved three stops and 22 to 45 hours of travel.

How Much Does It Cost by Season?

KAYAK also found Wednesday departures cheapest (about $529 on average) and Saturdays the priciest (about $588). From Sanford, KAYAK puts the low point in March ($409) and the high in December ($660).

MCO One-Stop vs. Brightline to the MIA Nonstop: Which Should You Choose?

Our recommendation: for most Orlando travelers, fly one-stop from MCO. Copa via Panama City is usually the fastest and among the cheapest, and the whole trip is on one ticket. The Brightline-to-Miami option adds 2 to 4 hours and $50 to $300 per person in train costs, and MIA fares aren't usually low enough to make that up. If you want the MIA nonstop, American's MCO–MIA–Lima itinerary puts you on it with a protected connection.

Brightline plus the MIA nonstop makes sense when:

• You're already spending time in South Florida before or after Peru.
• A MIA fare (often LATAM or Sky) is $150 or more per person cheaper than anything from MCO for your dates, even after the train.
• You want LATAM's overnight nonstop, which lands around 5:00 a.m. so you can fly on to Cusco the same morning. Brightline trains arriving in Miami in the early evening leave plenty of time for a midnight departure.

If you go this way, leave at least 4 to 5 hours between your scheduled train arrival and your flight, and book a SMART Saver fare early.

Consider Sanford (SFB) when you live in Seminole or Volusia County, the Arajet fare is clearly lower, and the 3-day-a-week schedule works for you.

Book in Advance

Always book ahead. KAYAK estimates that booking about 10 weeks ahead has saved around 6% on MCO–Lima, and that last-minute fares (within 2 weeks) run about 3% above the route average. On popular dates, the cheapest fares on each airline sell out first, so the real savings from booking early are often bigger than the average suggests.

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.

Taking Brightline? Book the train as soon as your flight is set. SMART Saver fares can't be changed, so buy them only once your plans are firm.

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

• Orlando–Lima nonstop: LATAM ended it on March 29, 2026, after only a few months, and no replacement has been announced as of October 2, 2026. The cause, Lima's fee on connecting passengers, still applies.
• Arajet at Sanford: service to Punta Cana started in October 2025, and its Lima connections are one of the few new options for Central Florida.
• 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

• Copa from Orlando lands late at night (around 10:45 p.m. to 1:20 a.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.
• Via Bogotá or on the MIA red-eye, you'll land early in the morning, in time for a flight to Cusco. 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 for your domestic flight. Confirm with your airline, and allow at least 3 hours for the connection.

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 Orlando to Cusco

• From MCO: KAYAK's typical MCO–Cusco round trip runs $684–$945 (average $833). Recent deals combining Copa or Avianca with a Lima–Cusco flight were $719–$814, and LATAM's cheapest was $859 via Bogotá and Lima. Avianca also sells MCO–Bogotá–Cusco with just one stop, since it flies Bogotá–Cusco nonstop. KAYAK says April is the cheapest month for MCO–Cusco (about $565) and July the priciest.
• From MIA: LATAM, Sky, and Avianca sell Miami–Lima–Cusco on one ticket, with the fastest itinerary taking about 8 hours 45 minutes and typical round trips of $570–$790 in January and $780–$960 in July. That's an option if you take Brightline to Miami.

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 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. Orlando sits barely 100 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 Orlando, plan on 6 days for Machu Picchu.

Going via Miami instead? Take an afternoon Brightline train to Miami and LATAM's overnight nonstop, and you'll be in Cusco by mid-morning on Day 2, the same as above.

Practical Tips

• Time difference: Peru is on UTC-5 year-round (no daylight saving time). When Orlando 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.
• Parking: if you're driving to MCO for a week or more, compare the airport's economy lots with off-airport lots. If you're taking Brightline, the closest parking is MCO's Parking Garage C.
• 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 Orlando to Lima?

No. LATAM flew a daily MCO–Lima nonstop from December 1, 2025, but cancelled it as of March 29, 2026, and no replacement has been announced. From Orlando, you'll connect, usually via Panama City on Copa.

What's the fastest way to get from Orlando to Lima?

Usually Copa via Panama City from MCO, starting at about 7 hours 40 minutes. Taking Brightline to Miami for a nonstop adds about 3.5 hours on the train, so it's rarely faster overall.

Can I take the train from Orlando to Miami airport?

Yes. Brightline runs about 10 trains a day from its station at MCO to MiamiCentral in about 3.5 hours. From there, Brightline's shuttle ($12 plus a $3 fuel surcharge, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.) or Metrorail takes you to MIA. Fares start at $39 one way when booked ahead.

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

KAYAK's typical round-trip range is about $490 to $660. February through April are the cheapest months, and July and December are the most expensive (KAYAK's December median is $765).

Does Orlando Sanford have flights to Peru?

Not nonstop, but Arajet sells Sanford–Lima via Punta Cana, with flights from SFB three days a week. Typical round trips run about $440 to $630.

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 Orlando to Cusco on one ticket?

Yes. Copa, Avianca, LATAM, and others sell MCO–Cusco with connections in Panama City, Bogotá, or Lima. Typical round trips run about $684 to $945 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 Orlando, there's no nonstop to Lima since LATAM dropped the route in March 2026, so the simplest plan is a one-stop from MCO, usually Copa via Panama City, on one ticket all the way to Cusco if you can. Brightline to Miami for a nonstop is a real option, but it's usually slower and costs more once you add the train, so save it for when MIA fares are much lower or you're already in South Florida. Sanford's Arajet via Punta Cana is worth a look if you live on the north side of town. 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, Orlando–Lima
2. Google Flights, Miami–Lima
3. Google Flights, Miami–Cusco
4. Google Flights, Lima–Cusco
5. KAYAK, Orlando–Lima
6. KAYAK, Orlando Sanford–Lima
7. KAYAK, Orlando–Cusco
8. KAYAK, Miami–Lima
9. KAYAK, Lima–Cusco
10. Copa Airlines, Orlando–Lima
11. American Airlines, Miami–Lima
12. Sky Airline, Miami–Lima
13. Sky Airline, Miami–Cusco
14. LATAM Trade, Lima–Orlando suspension notice (Oct. 22, 2025)
15. LATAM Trade, Lima route cancellations from March 29, 2026
16. Aviacionline, LATAM resumes Lima–Orlando (Dec. 2025)
17. AeroRoutes, LATAM Peru discontinues 4 routes
18. El Comercio, LATAM Peru cancels international routes
19. Upgraded Points, Arajet launches Orlando Sanford route
20. Peru Ministry of Transportation (MTC), new Jorge Chávez terminal
21. CORPAC, international flights at Cusco airport
22. La República, Chinchero airport delays

Orlando and Miami airports and ground transportation

1. Orlando International Airport, ground transportation
2. Orlando International Airport, local bus
3. LYNX, Orlando International Airport brochure (January 2026)
4. LYNX, fares and passes
5. SunRail, Train to Plane
6. SunRail, fares
7. Orlando Sanford International Airport, airlines
8. Brightline, Orlando station
9. Brightline, train schedules
10. Brightline, fare types
11. Brightline, round-trip fare offer (SMART Saver from $39)
12. Brightline, airport connector shuttles
13. Sebastian Daily, Brightline trains running after Chapter 11 filing
14. Miami-Dade County, Metrorail service and 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