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Photo: Draceane · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
The Inca citadel perched on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley is occasionally visible from flights approaching Cusco. The surrounding Andean peaks and cloud forest are consistently spectacular from the air.
42Flight Routes
3 kmClosest Pass
🏛️ MonumentType
Routes that pass it42
DEN → EZE
Both Sides
EZE → DEN
Both Sides
CUZ → LPB
Right
LPB → CUZ
Left
BOG → SCL
Left
SCL → BOG
Right
CUZ → LIM
Right
LIM → CUZ
Left
BSB → CUZ
Right
CUZ → BSB
Left
AUS → EZE
Left
EZE → AUS
Right
EZE → HOU
Left
HOU → EZE
Right
EZE → IAH
Left
IAH → EZE
Right
SCL → YKZ
Right
YKZ → SCL
Left
SCL → YTZ
Right
YTZ → SCL
Left
EZE → UIO
Left
UIO → EZE
Right
CUZ → IQT
Left
IQT → CUZ
Right
BOG → CUZ
Right
CUZ → BOG
Left
DFW → EZE
Right
EZE → DFW
Left
SCL → YYZ
Right
YYZ → SCL
Left
CUZ → SCL
Right
SCL → CUZ
Left
CUZ → JFK
Left
JFK → CUZ
Right
AEP → IAH
Left
AEP → UIO
Left
IAH → AEP
Right
UIO → AEP
Right
GIG → LIM
Right
LIM → GIG
Left
EZE → SAT
Right
SAT → EZE
Left
Tip: Visibility depends on cloud cover, time of day, and how close the flight path comes. Sit on the listed side for the best chance of a view. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see Machu Picchu from a plane?
Yes — 42 flight routes pass within 80 km of Machu Picchu. The closest routes include Denver to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Denver, Cuzco to La Paz. The landmark is visible from both sides, with the landmark passing about 3 km away.
Which side of the plane is best for viewing Machu Picchu?
The best side varies by route. For the most common routes near Machu Picchu: on a Denver to Buenos Aires flight, visible from both sides; on a Buenos Aires to Denver flight, visible from both sides; on a Cuzco to La Paz flight, sit on the Right side.