Finding the best flight deals to Peru doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right strategies, you can save a good amount of money. Whether you are flying to Lima or Cusco, planning ahead and using the right tools can help you book a cheaper flight.
When is the Best Time to Book Your Flight?
The timing of your booking plays a big role in getting the best price. Generally, booking 2-3 months in advance gets you the best deals. Try not to book too early, as airlines might not have released their cheaper fare options yet. The same goes for last-minute bookings, where prices tend to be higher.
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Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to book. Most airlines release discounted fares early in the week. Avoid booking on weekends, as prices can be higher due to increased demand.
Low Season vs. High Season
Timing your trip during the low season can also save you money. Peru’s high season is typically between June and August when the weather is ideal for visiting popular spots like Machu Picchu. If you don’t mind some rain, consider traveling between November and March. Flights are often cheaper during these months due to lower demand.
The Best Tools for Finding Flight Deals
Flight comparison websites are your best friend when it comes to finding cheap flights to Peru. These sites browse multiple airlines and flight routes to give you the best prices available.
Google Flights
Google Flights is probably the most well-known tool. It’s easy to use, and you can filter several options like airline, price, and layover time. One of the best features is its price graph, which shows how ticket prices vary on different days. This helps you pick the cheapest day to fly.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is another popular tool. It scans airlines and third-party sites to find the best fares. You can even choose the “Cheapest Month” option to see the most affordable time to fly. This site is especially useful if your dates are flexible.
Momondo
Momondo is lesser-known but equally powerful. It doesn’t just search traditional airlines; it also includes lesser-known budget carriers. You’ll also get a mix of online travel agencies, giving you more choices for ticket providers.
Set Price Alerts
Most flight comparison sites allow you to set up price alerts. Enter your route and email, and they’ll notify you when fares drop. Be sure to check your email often, as deals don’t last long.
Best Airlines for Flying to Peru
Several major airlines fly directly to Peru, mostly landing in Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport. You can also find flights to Cusco, often with a layover in Lima.
LATAM Airlines
LATAM is one of the most popular airlines flying to Peru. As the largest airline in Latin America, it offers multiple routes from Europe, the US, and other Latin American countries. It’s a solid choice for comfort and reliability.
Avianca
Avianca is Colombia’s national airline, but it offers many connections to Peru. While it’s not a budget airline, it typically has reasonable fares. If you’re flying from cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Miami, you’ll likely find Avianca flights.
American Airlines
If you’re based in the US, American Airlines offers a wide range of flights to Lima. The airline frequently has direct flights from Miami but often includes layovers from other US cities.
Budget Airlines
Budget carriers like JetSmart and Sky Airline are growing in popularity. They offer flights from other South American countries into Peru. These no-frills airlines generally provide lower prices, but keep in mind that checked baggage and in-flight meals usually cost extra.
Consider Layover Options
Direct flights are convenient, but they can be expensive. Consider a layover if you want to save some money. Many layover options include cities like Bogotá, Panama City, or Mexico City, which often reduces the cost of your ticket.
Layover Length
A layover might sound like a hassle, but it can provide a benefit. If you have a long layover, take the opportunity to briefly explore another city. Some airlines even offer extended layover programs, allowing you to spend a day or two in their hub city for little to no extra cost.
Overnight Flights
Red-eye flights can also save you money. Many travelers avoid these overnight flights because they disrupt sleep schedules, but they’re worth considering if you want the lowest fare.
Regional and Domestic Flights in Peru
If you are visiting multiple cities in Peru, like Lima, Cusco, or Arequipa, booking domestic flights can save time compared to bus travel. Peru has a few low-cost carriers that offer affordable fares for traveling between regions.
Viva Air
Viva Air is known for its super cheap domestic flights. While the service is basic, the price is tough to beat. This no-frills airline is perfect for short flights within Peru.
Aerolíneas Star Perú
If you are traveling to smaller cities like Ayacucho or Pucallpa, consider booking with Aerolíneas Star Perú. It offers several domestic routes at competitive prices and connects remote areas to Lima.
Booking Tricks to Save More Money
Even if you’re using a flight comparison tool, there are still some extra tricks to consider when booking your flight.
Use Rewards Points
If you have credit card points or frequent flyer miles, redeeming them can reduce the cost of your flight or even make it free. Be sure to keep an eye out for special point promotions that offer bonus miles.
Clear Your Browser Cookies
Some booking sites use your browsing history to adjust prices. To avoid this, clear your cookies and search in “Incognito Mode” each time you check flights. This stops websites from inflating prices based on your past searches.
Book One-Way Tickets
Sometimes booking two separate one-way tickets is cheaper than a round-trip. Check it out before confirming your booking. This trick doesn’t always work, but it’s worth looking into.
Check for Local Deals
If you’re already traveling within South America, specific regional travel agencies often offer exclusive fares that are not available online. It’s worth checking when you arrive in larger cities like Santiago or Quito.
Be Flexible with Your Dates
The more flexible you are with your travel dates, the better your chances of finding cheap flights. Mid-week flights are usually less expensive than weekend flights, and flying on a holiday might also save you money.
If your schedule is open, try using the “flexible dates” search feature on booking sites. It will show the cheapest times to fly around your selected dates.
Conclusion
Finding the best flight deals to Peru requires planning and a bit of patience, but it’s not difficult if you know what to do. Use the right tools, book at the right time, and be flexible with your travel dates to save money. Keep an eye on fare sales, consider budget carriers, and be open to layovers to get the most out of your travel budget. Happy travels!
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