Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport serves Cusco, Peru, the historic capital of the Inca Empire and primary jumping-off point for Machu Picchu. Situated at approximately 3,310 meters (10,860 feet) above sea level, it is one of the highest commercial airports in the Americas, presenting unique operational challenges related to altitude, thin air, and aircraft performance. The airport handles significant tourist traffic, as Cusco is one of South America's most visited destinations. It connects the city to Lima and other Peruvian cities, as well as select international routes. The airport is named after Alejandro Velasco Astete, a pioneering Peruvian aviator. Due to its short runway and surrounding mountainous terrain, the airport imposes strict weight and payload restrictions on aircraft. Operations are generally limited to daytime hours, as instrument landing approaches in the Andean valley are particularly demanding.