Cheap flights to Peru

Flights from the UK to Peru take approximately 14–18 hours including at least one stopover. There are no non-stop flights from the UK. Common routes include connections via Madrid, Lisbon, Miami, Bogotá, or Panama City. Routing via Spain (Madrid) is among the most popular for UK passengers, with a relatively efficient connection time.

The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to September — particularly for trekking, visiting Machu Picchu, and exploring highland regions like Cusco and the Sacred Valley. June–August is peak season with clear skies and optimal conditions for the Inca Trail. For the Amazon rainforest, the wet season (October–April) actually brings lush green scenery and good wildlife spotting, though boat travel is easier. Lima's coast is mild year-round, though often overcast from May to November.

The main international airport is Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), located in Callao, approximately 15km from Lima city centre. It is the busiest airport in Peru and handles all major international arrivals. Lima serves as a hub for domestic connections to Cusco (for Machu Picchu), Arequipa, Iquitos (Amazon gateway), and other destinations across the country. Taxis, Uber, and bus services connect the airport to Lima.

The cheapest time to fly to Peru from the UK is during the wet season months of October through April. While this coincides with higher rainfall in highland areas — making trekking more challenging — Lima's coast and the Amazon are still very accessible, and fares can be noticeably lower. November and March–April often offer a good balance of lower prices and manageable weather.

Peru is 5 hours behind the UK during Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and 6 hours behind when the UK observes British Summer Time (BST). Peru does not observe Daylight Saving Time and remains on UTC-5 throughout the year. This makes it straightforward to calculate time differences — midday in London corresponds to 7am (GMT) or 6am (BST) in Lima.

Spanish is the official language of Peru and is used throughout the country. Quechua (the ancient language of the Inca empire) is co-official and widely spoken in highland and rural Andean communities. Aymara is spoken near Lake Titicaca. English is commonly understood in major tourist areas, upscale hotels, and restaurants in Lima and Cusco, but limited outside these centres. Learning a few phrases of Spanish is greatly appreciated.

UK driving licence holders can drive in Peru with a valid UK licence for short stays, though an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended and often required by car rental companies. Peru drives on the right. Driving in Lima can be challenging due to heavy traffic and local driving habits. Outside cities, roads vary enormously — the Pan-American Highway is paved, but many highland and jungle roads are rough and require 4WD. Most travellers opt for guided tours or local transport for remote areas.

There are no non-stop direct flights from the UK to Peru. All routes involve at least one connecting stop. The most popular connections for UK passengers are via Madrid (Iberia or Air Europa), Lisbon (TAP Air Portugal), Miami (American Airlines), Panama City (Copa Airlines), and Bogotá (Avianca or LATAM). Madrid is often considered the most convenient European connection point, with good flight frequency and manageable layover times.

Airlines serving the UK–Peru route include LATAM (often with a connection in Bogotá, Lima hub, or via Madrid), Iberia (via Madrid), Air Europa (via Madrid), TAP Air Portugal (via Lisbon), American Airlines (via Miami or Dallas), KLM (via Amsterdam), and Copa Airlines (via Panama City). Most UK passengers fly through Spain or the US for their connection.

British passport holders do not need a visa to visit Peru for stays of up to 183 days for tourism. You will need a valid UK passport, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation and sufficient funds. On arrival, you will receive a tourist card (Tarjeta Andina de Migración) that you must keep and return on departure. Always check the latest requirements with the Peruvian Embassy before travelling.

Return flights from the UK to Peru typically cost between £550 and £1,300, depending on the airline, routing, travel dates, and how far in advance you book. Fares via Madrid (Iberia or Air Europa) are often competitive. Booking 3–5 months ahead and travelling outside the peak dry season (June–August) or Christmas/New Year period can yield the best value.

Peru offers some of the most extraordinary experiences in South America. Must-see highlights include Machu Picchu (one of the world's greatest archaeological sites), the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the mysterious Nazca Lines, the dramatic Colca Canyon (one of the world's deepest), Lima's world-class food scene and Miraflores district, the Amazon rainforest around Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado, the Huacachina sand dune oasis, and the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) near Cusco.

The currency in Peru is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). US Dollars are also widely accepted in major tourist areas, hotels, and larger restaurants. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at most established businesses in Lima and tourist areas, but cash is essential in smaller towns, local markets, rural communities, and for tipping. ATMs are widely available in cities but can be scarce outside major centres.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Peru, especially if you plan to visit high-altitude destinations like Cusco (3,400m) or trek the Inca Trail. Your policy should cover medical expenses including altitude sickness treatment, emergency evacuation from remote areas (which can be expensive), trip cancellation, and adventure activities such as hiking and white-water rafting. Medical facilities are good in Lima but limited in rural areas.

Standard economy baggage allowances for flights to Peru from the UK typically include one checked bag of 23kg and 7–10kg carry-on luggage. LATAM and Iberia policies may vary by fare class, with some cheaper fares including carry-on only. When booking domestic connections within Peru (e.g., Lima to Cusco), be aware that domestic baggage limits are often lower — typically 15–23kg. Always confirm allowances for each leg of your journey.

Peru has one of the most varied climates in the world due to its three distinct geographic regions: the coast, the Andes highlands, and the Amazon jungle. Lima and the coast are mild year-round (16–24°C) but often overcast from May to November. The Andean highlands (including Cusco) have a dry season (May–September) with clear days but cold nights (can drop below freezing at altitude), and a wet season (October–April) with regular afternoon rain. The Amazon jungle is hot and humid year-round (25–35°C), with the wettest months from December to May. Always pack layers for highland travel and sunscreen for high-altitude UV exposure.