The current airport in Cusco makes getting to Cusco and visiting Machu Picchu very difficult for international tourists with limited time in Peru. Currently it only allows for domestic flights and only during the daytime. Often flights would be delayed so much that travelers were forced to try again the next day.
Now the government of Peru has announced that they will invest $460m in the a new international airport in Cusco. Machu Picchu is Peru’s top tourist attraction but there are concerns over the impact of high visitor numbers. “This new airport will not only mean more tourists will be able to come, but it will generate more jobs… and help surrounding communities,” President Humala said.
At a ceremony on Wednesday, he enacted a law that allows the expropriation of land in the town of Chinchero where the new international airport would be built. The investment would help the government to tackle poverty, he said, “while always respecting ancient culture”. Tourism is the main source of income in the region.
Machu Picchu is a world heritage site and the UN’s cultural agency, Unesco, has previously warned about uncontrolled access and urged the authorities to make conservation a priority. Currently, entrance to Machu Picchu is limited to some 2,500 visitors a day, amid concerns about the impact on the environment and ruins. Cusco is the main starting point for visitors wishing to visit the site, who can make the 112km (70 mile) journey either on foot or via bus and train.
Many people who visit Peru wish to only travel to Cusco and the Lost City of the Incas. Now it will be easier to get in and out of the city. This is very excited for our country and our city. I hope you will all visit or come back once the new airport is built.
WHY TRAVEL WITH ALPACA EXPEDITIONS?
At Alpaca Expeditions, we take pride in being a local company based in Cusco , the tourism capital of Peru. Here, tourism is more than an industry—it’s the lifeblood of the community. Every journey we organize not only connects travelers to the rich history and culture of the Andes but also directly supports local families and fosters sustainable development.
4 ISO Certifications + Green Footprint ISO
The only company with 4 ISO + Green FootPrint ISO, International Organization for Standarization
31,000+ Excellent Tripadvisor Reviews
The only company with more than 31,000 excellent reviews on Tripadvisor
Empowering Women
We empower women with real opportunities in tourism through training, employment, and leadership.
Inca Trail Porter Welfare
We support our porters with fair treatment, safe working conditions, and real care on every trek.
Community Commitment
We support education, local social projects, and create a positive impact beyond tourism.
Top Hiking Logistics
We provide professional equipment and logistics for safe, comfortable, and well-organized treks in the Andes.
ISO (Organización Internacional de Normalización)
In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
In Tripadvisor
We had a wonderful time with Juan visiting the Inca sites in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Juan is very knowledgeable about the history and prehistory of the Inca civilization. He also knew all the best spots for pictures! We really appreciated his expertise.
In general: What an experience! Great guides, chefs, and porters. Alpaca Expeditions is a green company that pays close attention to their carbon footprint, sources their food locally, and has various programs that give back to their community. Bonus: they have a portable toilet that is well maintained and stocked with TP at all times. My personal experience: This is long, but hopefully helpful if you have any reservations about whether you can accomplish this trek! I arrived in Cuzco to acclimate 3 days early…however, I unfortunately succumbed to the altitude on day one of the actual hike and got worse on day 2 and 3. It is not lost on me that I was ONLY able to complete the trek because of the Alpaca team. The chef team, led by Cecilio, were very accommodating to my needs and prepared different teas to try to help me. Our groups guides, Alvin and Yojhan, were beyond encouraging and made sure I was safe the whole time. One of them was always with me even though I took twice as long as the rest of the group. >_< I can’t stress enough how important it is to have the right team supporting you in any situation. Their company’s back bone is stellar, but their actions during the hike showed me their heart is unbeatable.
I recently completed the 4-day Inca Trail with Alpaca Expeditions alongside my teenage daughters, and it exceeded every expectation. The weather was perfect all four days, which made the stunning views even better. Our guides, Yojhan and Alvin, were true experts, sharing deep insights into Incan history, the wildlife, and the flora and fauna of the area. They were incredibly patient and answered every question we had about Peru and more. From the start, they encouraged us to keep smiles on our faces and told us we’d become a "super family" by the end—and that is exactly what happened. The "super porters" worked tirelessly, and our chef Cecilio and his assistant cooked incredible meals for us along the way. Everything went perfectly to plan, and we finished the expedition with celebratory toasts and a shared album for photos with our new friends. I cannot recommend this team highly enough!
Muy buena experiencia con Alvin y Yojhan haciendo el camino Inka clásico. La comida que nos hizo Cecilio y Angelito estaba impresionante. Repetiría seguro!
The 4 day Inca trip was the best trip i have had in my lifetime. Beyond the scenic scenery everything has been well planned through. Alvin and Yohan were there for any possible inquries and shared a lot of nice insights along the inca trail. The food was better than any regular meal you can grab in town and was served three times a day by the amazing chef Cecilo and his crew. If you don’t do this trip you miss out.
Sergio and Jefferson are the best guides!!! Book with Alpaca!!
The whole experience was unforgettable and the guides Sergio and Jefferson took care of us so so well. We felt like a family and they made sure we were always taken care of and comfortable. We ate incredible meals everyday and Sergio and Jeff always were extremely patient when I was slow on the hikes or not feeling well. The two guides made it the best experience possible and it wouldn’t have been as incredible without them. They taught us so much about the nature and ecosystem and Inka traditions and ceremonies. We were so so lucky to have them and I could not recommend them more!!! If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime experience with quality food and so much fun, book with Alpaca.
Best experience
Amazing service by our guides Herlin and Joel! Very caring and informative!
Great visit!
We had a great experience on our tour. Our guides (Herlin and Joel) were amazing in all aspects including making the trip feel festive. Kudos to them for their great work!
Just do it
One of the best vacations ever! It was hard work yes but the experience was breathtaking (up hill and views). The food! We were so taken care of. The porters work so hard but they create this experience that is like no other. The guides are patient, knowledgeable and kind. I learned so much and now I’m addictedvto all things Inca. alpaca is the way to go. The pride I felt arriving at MP! We did it! Go for it - it is once in a lifetime.
Amazing Inca Trail Trek
Incredible experience! Saul G and his colleagues (Roger, Emerson, Abraham and Denise) expertly guided our group of 10 across the challenging and beautiful Inca Trail. The porters, chefs and masseuses were all amazing as well.