LATAM will introduce the first nonstop flights between Brazil and Cusco on 29 March 2027, giving travellers from São Paulo direct access to Peru’s historic gateway to Machu Picchu. The new service will connect São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport with Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, removing the need for a connection through Lima.
The route is designed to make journeys from Brazil to Cusco more straightforward, particularly for visitors planning trips to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. It will also strengthen Cusco’s position as an international destination rather than solely a domestic extension reached through Peru’s capital.
What the new Brazil–Cusco route means for travellers
Until now, most passengers travelling from Brazil to Cusco have had to transfer in Lima. That itinerary can add transit time and create additional points where delays, baggage problems or missed connections may occur.
LATAM’s nonstop service is expected to simplify the journey by offering a direct connection between Brazil’s largest aviation hub and Cusco. The route may be particularly useful for travellers combining São Paulo with Peru’s major archaeological and cultural attractions.
The service is expected to support growing demand from Brazil. According to the announcement, the route could attract approximately 48,000 passengers annually and contribute to as many as 70,000 additional Brazilian visitors to the Cusco region each year. Those projections are estimates rather than guaranteed passenger totals.
LATAM flight schedule and operating days
The new service is scheduled to begin on 29 March 2027, with four weekly flights in each direction. Travellers should check the precise timetable and availability before booking accommodation, tours or onward ground transport.
- Route: São Paulo-Guarulhos to Cusco
- Destination airport: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
- Start date: 29 March 2027
- Frequency: Four flights per week in each direction
- Aircraft: Airbus A320
- Cabins: Economy and Premium Economy
According to the published operating pattern, flights departing from Cusco are scheduled for Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Services from São Paulo are listed for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Schedules can change, so passengers should rely on their booking confirmation and LATAM’s official flight information when planning their trip.
Baggage and fare considerations
Fare conditions will differ by ticket type. Economy Light fares do not include checked baggage, while Economy Standard and Economy Full fares include one standard checked bag weighing up to 23 kilograms, according to the route information released with the announcement.
Passengers should review the fare rules before paying, especially if they are carrying hiking equipment, larger luggage or items needed for a longer Peru itinerary. Baggage allowances can also vary according to the booking, connection, loyalty status and any additional services purchased.
Why direct flights matter for Cusco tourism
Brazil was already a significant source of international visitors to Cusco despite the absence of a direct Brazil–Cusco flight. The announcement states that Brazilian travellers represented almost 7% of international arrivals to Cusco in 2025, making Brazil the destination’s third-largest international market.
The new route could therefore convert existing interest into more convenient point-to-point travel. Direct air links can also help distribute visitor spending across accommodation providers, restaurants, guides, transport operators and attractions in Cusco and the wider Sacred Valley.
For travellers, the practical benefit is not limited to a shorter itinerary. Removing a connection may reduce the number of airport transfers within Peru and make it easier to coordinate arrival times with hotel check-in, guided tours and transfers to the Sacred Valley.
What passengers should check before booking
The launch is scheduled for 2027, meaning travellers have time to compare fares and plan their itineraries. Before making non-refundable arrangements, passengers should:
- Confirm that the selected flight operates on their intended travel date.
- Check whether the fare includes checked baggage.
- Allow sufficient time for airport procedures in São Paulo and Cusco.
- Review the airline’s rules for changes, cancellations and missed connections.
- Confirm any separate entry, health or documentation requirements for Peru.
- Check onward transport arrangements, particularly if travelling to Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley.
Travellers connecting onward from other Brazilian cities may still need a domestic connection to São Paulo. The new service is a nonstop Brazil–Cusco link, not a direct flight from every Brazilian departure point.
What happens next
LATAM’s planned route represents a significant expansion of international connectivity for Cusco and a new option for visitors from Brazil. It is scheduled to begin on 29 March 2027 with four weekly frequencies, subject to the airline’s final operating schedule.
Passengers should wait for the service to appear in the airline’s official booking system before committing to related reservations. The key takeaway is clear: from March 2027, travellers flying from São Paulo to Cusco may be able to avoid Lima altogether, making access to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley more direct.
