Mileage Run Discussion - (Gone) TA: LAX-LIM $239 seeing in Sep/Oct

Seeing LAX-LIM $239 rountrip on TACA around Sept/Oct.

Haven't researched further yet.

The good: 2.8 cpm with single connection through SAL. Wide open in September at least. Routings available on Taca, LACSA, and Avianca. Some routings can go down to 2.6 cpm.

The bad: Hard to find quick turn availability on weekends. Books into S, which earns 50% crediting to UA.

http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/Marketing/CustComm/Promotions/Pages/AirlinePartnerDetails.aspx?ItemId=441

Excellent fare....:-:

VALID FOR TRAVEL COMMENCING ON/AFTER 01SEP 12 AND ON/BEFORE 30NOV 12. ALL TRAVEL MUST BE COMPLETED BY MIDNIGHT ON 10DEC 12.

EXCELLENT find! I see available in November. Do any of you know how is the weather like in Nov?

Great fare ^ While googling to see if they have a 24 hour refund policy (do they?), I found they have pretty poor reviews.... :eek:

http://www.viewpoints.com/TACA-reviews

Great fare ^ While googling to see if they have a 24 hour refund policy (do they?), I found they have pretty poor reviews.... :eek:

http://www.viewpoints.com/TACA-reviews

According to this page, they do:
http://www.taca.com/eng/syi/ter/terserpla.asp?id=64

4. Guaranteed fares
At the Carrier, we offer a range of fares, providing customers a choice according to their particular needs and requirements. When inquiring about fares on www.taca.com, our U.S. telephone reservation system or U.S. ticketing locations, customers will be offered the lowest available fare based on their desired travel dates, flights, and class of service. When you book and ticket a reservation through Taca’s U.S. ticketing locations, Taca’s U.S. telephone reservations line or Taca’s U.S. web site, www.taca.com, we will allow you to cancel the ticketed reservation without penalty and receive a full refund provided that you cancel the reservation within 24 hours of purchase and the reservation is made one week or more prior to the scheduled flight departure date.

Good to know -- thanks. Hope fare is still around in a few hours.....I have to leave to drive DH to the airport right now :rolleyes: HOW inconvenient - lol

thanks! bookable on vayama for $233 ai !

On Travelocity, I found Sat Oct 6 1:35am departure and returning Sun Oct 7 at 2:15pm - which should give you about 22 hours in Lima if one wants to do it in a weekend.

Fare is low enough that adding flights to other South American destinations stays somewhat low. EZE should be available for $583 AI according to ITA but only seems to have long stays available.

Any luck getting this to work ex-SFO? I know fare isn't offered from there, but possible to add positioning flight to and from there for a few $ more?

lax-scl on vayama for $436ai in nov

Any luck getting this to work ex-SFO? I know fare isn't offered from there, but possible to add positioning flight to and from there for a few $ more?

I'm seeing about 400 from SFO/SJC

this is def a huge fare mistake on TACA , hurry and grab all the cheap fares before they are gone!

Any luck getting this to work ex-SFO? I know fare isn't offered from there, but possible to add positioning flight to and from there for a few $ more?

I'm sure you could do a positioning flight (Hello Avios as well), but the fare itself doesn't work from any other TACA US origin.

build in stopovers in BOG or SAL for $20 each

lax-scl on vayama for $436ai in nov

Under $400 for some dates in September on TACA.com

Booked! Thanks OP! What a great fare.

FYI, stopover in SAL is allowed (but it adds the El Salvador taxes of like ~$35).

just booked a lax-sal(stop)-lim(stop)-bog(stop)-sal(stop)-lax for $239ai <24 hr layovers in NOV on orbitz

Just booked a LAX-SJO-LIM & LIM-SAL-LAX for $242 USD, leaving 11/16 returning the 25th.

TACA and Avianca are "partners," but does Avianca earn any miles on UA?

From what I could gather, both look to join Star Alliance... but no info on UA.com...

TACA and Avianca are "partners," but does Avianca earn any miles on UA?

From what I could gather, both look to join Star Alliance... but no info on UA.com...

From the best I can tell, this is an S fare, which earns 50% base and PQMs.

TACA and Avianca are "partners," but does Avianca earn any miles on UA?

From what I could gather, both look to join Star Alliance... but no info on UA.com...

They're joining star soon and on my flt out of mvd last month they were using star priority tags for J customers. I found ta a to be fine with the exception of the airport in sal which has no air on and it's 90 degrees F everyday there!

TACA and Avianca are "partners," but does Avianca earn any miles on UA?

From what I could gather, both look to join Star Alliance... but no info on UA.com...

Nothing yet for AV, maybe once TA and AV are fully accepted into *A. Most *A mileage earning is by the operating carrier. There are also some TA coded flights operated by LACSA (LR) which likely won't earn anything either yet. If you think *A will have TA and AV accepted and a mileage earning arrangement worked out with UA by travel time then go for it. Otherwise, don't expect to earn miles. The fare is good enough that if you wanted to go to LIM or other destinations that it would be worth not earning miles. Normal prices on this fare are $700+ on good days.

TACA and Avianca are "partners," but does Avianca earn any miles on UA?

From what I could gather, both look to join Star Alliance... but no info on UA.com...

Looks the first travel date you can earn UA miles on Avianca should be 6/21/12.

The codeshare agreement is effective for ticket purchase starting on May 22, 2012 for travel starting June 21. The frequent flyer agreement will be effective starting June 21. These agreements form part of the integration process that Avianca and TACA Airlines are undergoing to become member of Star Alliance.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/united-airlines-and-avianca-bring-north-and-south-america-closer-together-through-their-codeshare-agreement-2012-05-23

The fare is good enough that if you wanted to go to LIM or other destinations that it would be worth not earning miles.

Exactly. And yet it still does. At 50%, it's almost as if you are earning EQMs on United for a Transcon of $240. Still not bad.

This fare is equivalent to taxes+fuel on award for non-US carriers... so not a bad deal to South America, if you don't mind coach!

I flew a TACA flight in April (LIM-CUS) and had no issues. Certainly not the greatest airline out there but planes were clean, fairly new, and service was just fine. I wouldn't hesitate to book with them again based on this (very limited) experience.

I'm seeing about 400 from SFO/SJC

hamburglar : where are you seeing these fares? ITA is not pricing it neither is Taca.com

Wow what a great fare! I hope my friend gets off work soon and is able to go. Have yet to go to SA.. A great deal LIM, SAL for less than $300. I will drive to LAX :)

Wow what a great fare! I hope my friend gets off work soon and is able to go. Have yet to go to SA.. A great deal LIM, SAL for less than $300. I will drive to LAX :)

u drivin to LAX from Boise, ID?

Seeing SCL for $423 on taca.com for 10/10-10/21. Nasty triple connection on the way down and a double connection on the way back.
Cheers
Howie

TravelZOO just put out an alert out on this fare.. its going to die within the next hour

u drivin to LAX from Boise, ID?

Thats what we would probably do yes! I have wanted to go somewhere in SA for a long time. Everything out of BOI is around $1000. I don't mind the drive to LA. Especially to take advantage of this at $233.

hamburglar : where are you seeing these fares? ITA is not pricing it neither is Taca.com


Depart Wed, Sep 12 SJC to LIM – 2 stops 15h 22m

This flight leaves on Wednesday and arrives on Thursday.
Alaska Airlines – Flight 2183 1h 22m
Take-off Wed 7:40a SJC San Jose, CA
Landing Wed 9:02a LAX Los Angeles, CA
Coach | Fare code: K14JN5 | De Havilland Canada DHC-8-400 Dash 8Q (Turbo-prop Plane) | 1h 22m | 7 seats remain
Connection LAX Los Angeles, CA
3h 08m
Taca Intl Air – Flight 523
Operated by Taca Intl Air 4h 55m
Take-off Wed 12:10p LAX Los Angeles, CA
Landing Wed 6:05p SAL San Salvador, El Salvador
Coach | Fare code: SZA28TG9 | Airbus A320-100/200 (Narrow-body Jet) | 4h 55m | 9+ seats remain
Connection SAL San Salvador, El Salvador
1h 37m
Taca Intl Air – Flight 51
Operated by American Airlines 4h 20m
Take-off Wed 7:42p SAL San Salvador, El Salvador
Landing Thu 1:02a LIM Lima, Peru
Coach | Fare code: SZA28TG9 | Embraer 190 (Narrow-body Jet) | 4h 20m | 9+ seats remain
Return Wed, Sep 19 LIM to SJC – 2 stops 14h 39m
Taca Intl Air – Flight 416
Operated by Taca International Airlines - Taca 4h 30m
Take-off Wed 10:30a LIM Lima, Peru
Landing Wed 2:00p SAL San Salvador, El Salvador
Coach | Fare code: SZA28TG9 | Airbus A320-100/200 (Narrow-body Jet) | 4h 30m | 9+ seats remain
Connection SAL San Salvador, El Salvador
1h 05m
Avianca Aerovias – Flight 6754 5h 25m
Take-off Wed 3:05p SAL San Salvador, El Salvador
Landing Wed 7:30p LAX Los Angeles, CA
Coach | Fare code: SZA28TG9 | Airbus A321-100/200 (Narrow-body Jet) | 5h 25m | 9+ seats remain
Connection LAX Los Angeles, CA
2h 20m
Alaska Airlines – Flight 2078 1h 19m
Take-off Wed 9:50p LAX Los Angeles, CA
Landing Wed 11:09p SJC San Jose, CA
Coach | Fare code: K14JN5 | De Havilland Canada DHC-8-400 Dash 8Q (Turbo-prop Plane) | 1h 19m | 7 seats remain

Wonder if AA will match?

Wonder if AA will match?

I doubt it, but would be nice. Like others said I am sure this will be gone before tonight.

Just bought this fare with the intention of it replacing my LAX-LIM-IPC-LIM-LAX pre-devaluation BAEC booking.

I've got to decide within the next 24 hours whether my wife and I can afford to be out of the country for 16 days (as with our original itinerary). If so, we intend to hike the Inca Trail and visit Easter Island. If not, we'll cancel the bulk of our BA itinerary and go with this super-awesome fare, foregoing IPC and enjoying a bit more time in Lima/Cuzco.

Time to think a bit...but it's a good problem to have.

i thought i read that US air is a partner

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/aboutus/alliances/codeshare.html

how many miles is this?

how many miles is this?

http://www.webflyer.com/travel/mileage_calculator/getmileage.php?city=lax&city=lim&city=&city=&city=&city=&bonus=0&bonus_use_min=0&class_bonus=0&class_bonus_use_min=0&promo_bonus=0&promo_bonus_use_min=0&min=0&min_type=m&ticket_price=

sigh if this was only in June or July........

i thought i read that US air is a partner

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/aboutus/alliances/codeshare.html

But do you see them in the "earn miles" page:

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/earnmiles/airlines.html

i thought i read that US air is a partner

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/aboutus/alliances/codeshare.html

Yes, but TACA is not listed as mileage earning yet on US.

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/dividendmiles/earnmiles/airlines.html

I'd be a lot more interested if that were the case. Even though locating BOS-LAX should be plenty cheap in September-November, I'm passing on this for now. It will just take too long to get to LIM and I don't have any current major desire to go to LIM that would make me put up with that. TACA's onward fares to other destinations I'd be interested in aren't quite good enough. SCL for under $700 total from BOS most likely is tempting though.

It looks like SAL-LIM is 4hr20min on a regional jet.

Taca Intl Air – Flight 51
Operated by American Airlines 4h 20m
Take-off Wed 7:42p SAL San Salvador, El Salvador
Landing Thu 1:02a LIM Lima, Peru
Coach | Fare code: SZA28TG9 | Embraer 190 (Narrow-body Jet) | 4h 20m | 9+ seats remain

It looks like SAL-LIM is 4hr20min on a regional jet.

Taca Intl Air – Flight 51
Operated by American Airlines 4h 20m
Take-off Wed 7:42p SAL San Salvador, El Salvador
Landing Thu 1:02a LIM Lima, Peru
Coach | Fare code: SZA28TG9 | Embraer 190 (Narrow-body Jet) | 4h 20m | 9+ seats remain

Should be some Airbus A320 options in there. I flew an E-190 Saturday, fine for my hour long flight, could probably do 2 in it, but 4 would feel like a long time unless the seat next to me was open.

I'd jump on this if I could get AV metal the whole way and credit to AV/TA LifeMiles but I have no particular desire to experience the flight operations of the Training Academy of Central America.

GRU is showing up for $497 (plus visa costs). Cuzco is $355, which isn't bad because LIM-CUZ flights alone are showing up for $171.

Anyone else having credit card issues @ taca.com? I keep getting a decline, but there is no reason for it. Tried 3 different cards :confused:

Cuzco is $355Great price. How do you build in a LIM stop over @ taca.com? I tried multi-city and it came to $1000+:(

In the middle of selecting flights, the price went up from $239 to $288 on Vayama. Anyone else still seeing it for $239. The same flight still shows up as $239 on Orbitz.

Great price. How do you build in a LIM stop over @ taca.com? I tried multi-city and it came to $1000+:(

I tried to price a multi-city on taca.com with similar results. I just ended up using travelocity.

I tried multi-city and it came to $1000+:(
Same problem. I'm trying a BOG stop using multicity on taca.com. $1000+

I tried to price a multi-city on taca.com with similar results. I just ended up using travelocity.I also got 1000+ for multi city on travelocity. How did you do it?

I also got 1000+ for multi city on travelocity. How did you do it?


Use orbitz. I just tried a multi stop to SAL and it was only $283 for the whole thing.

Anyone else having credit card issues @ taca.com? I keep getting a decline, but there is no reason for it. Tried 3 different cards :confused:Thank you (NOT) American Express. For MY PROTECTION they declined the purchase. :mad: After telling them they are interfering with my 'time sensitive' airline ticket purchase.....they have assured me the charge will now go thru ^

Connection time: is 45 minutes at San Jose a risky connection time?

I also got 1000+ for multi city on travelocity. How did you do it?

My stopover was in SAL. I think these are the fare rules:

1 FREE STOPOVER PERMITTED ON THE PRICING UNIT EITHER
OUTBOUND OR INBOUND IN LAX/HOU/MSY/MIA/DFW.
NOTE -
APPLIES ONLY IF APPLICABLE TO ROUTING.
-----
THE HIGHER FARE SHALL BE CHARGED IF THE PASSENGER
MAKES A STOPOVER AT AN INTERMEDIATE POINT FOR
WHICH A HIGHER FARE IS PUBLISHED.

Is CUZ dead? I'm getting $540 on ITA.

Use orbitz. I just tried a multi stop to SAL and it was only $283 for the whole thing.I will try. I wanted LAX-CUZ with a stop over in Lima. For now, I purchased LAX-LIM. I hope the taca.com refund process does work if I get the more complicated itinerary to price out.

LAX-SAL-LIM-CUZ and back is pricing at $540. S fares for LAX-SAL-LIM and V fares for LIM-CUZ.

Looks like it's just back to back ticketing, since LIM-CUZ is on LAN, not TACA.

Is CUZ dead? I'm getting $540 on ITA.

ITA isn't pricing the flights to CUZ correctly. You can get it on taca.com starting at around $358.

LIM-CUZ flights alone are showing up for $171.Where did you see that? On ITA I see $333 :confused:

does this thing even earn miles?

Thanks guys! All booked for Nov 27 to Dec 2. $236.60 with 1 connection each way.

I took TACA last year for a flight in FC and it definitely got me United miles, but admittedly this was pre 3/3, so who knows now. It's not a great airline, but for that price, what do you want?

Thanks for the Avios tip above--very useful, and very good availability on LAN Peru flights. I just convinced 3 friends to grab the $239 fare with me, and then I booked our round-trips from Lima to Cuzco with Avios points (4500 + $8 per one-way). Oh man what a deal :)

No aisle seats at this price? The orbitz seat selector only displays center and window and on about 8 rows.

Hm... booked throught orbitz and got hit by a $2 special charge on my credit card. What's with that? It's a completely separate charge.

For some reason I got SCL even cheaper, $368 perhaps by spelling it out as a multicity, with LIM as the break. sep 2, 3, 11 and 12.

When is the GRU avail?

Would REALLY like to do LAX-CUZ, but the itin below looks PAINFUL -- esp the outbound :( I can't seem to build a cheap multi city itin for LAX-CUZ s/over in Lima, or LAX-LIM s/over in Cuzco. Now have to decide whether to keep the LAX-LIM I purchased. If the extra LIM-CUZ fare is $333 per person, I don't like the math ;)

Los Angeles to Cuszo
Departure: 01:35 Los Angeles, USA - Los Angeles International, terminal 2
Arrival: 09:35 San Jose, Costa Rica - Juan Santamaria, terminal M Note: includes 1 technical stop(s)
Airline: Lacsa LR641
Aircraft: Airbus Industrie A320-100/200 Operated by LINEAS AEREAS COSTARRICENSES - LACSA

Change of plane required. Time between flights : 0:55.

Departure: 10:30 San Jose, Costa Rica - Juan Santamaria, terminal M
Arrival: 15:15 Lima, Peru - J Chavez International
Airline: Taca Intl Airlines TA33
Aircraft: Airbus Industrie A320-100/200 Operated by TRANS AMERICAN AIRLINES - TACA PERU

Change of plane required. Time between flights : 14:25.

Departure: 05:40 Lima, Peru - J Chavez International
Arrival: 07:05 Cuzco, Peru - Velazco Astete
Airline: Taca Intl Airlines TA7
Aircraft: Airbus Industrie A319 Operated by TRANS AMERICAN AIRLINES - TACA PERU


Cuzco to Los Angeles
Departure: 07:35 Cuzco, Peru - Velazco Astete
Arrival: 09:00 Lima, Peru - J Chavez International
Airline: Taca Intl Airlines TA8
Aircraft: Airbus Industrie A319 Operated by TRANS AMERICAN AIRLINES - TACA PERU

Change of plane required. Time between flights : 5:15.

Departure: 14:15 Lima, Peru - J Chavez International
Arrival: 16:53 San Jose, Costa Rica - Juan Santamaria, terminal M
Airline: Taca Intl Airlines TA32
Aircraft: Airbus Industrie A320-100/200 Operated by TRANS AMERICAN AIRLINES - TACA PERU

Change of plane required. Time between flights : 0:45.

Departure: 17:38 San Jose, Costa Rica - Juan Santamaria, terminal M
Arrival: 00:15 +1 day(s) Los Angeles, USA - Los Angeles International, terminal 2 Note: includes 1 technical stop(s)
Airline: Lacsa LR640
Aircraft: Airbus Industrie A320-100/200 Operated by LINEAS AEREAS COSTARRICENSES - LACSA

For some reason I got SCL even cheaper, $368 perhaps by spelling it out as a multicity, with LIM as the break. sep 2, 3, 11 and 12.

When is the GRU avail?on taca.com or another site?

Is 40 min connection too tight between CUZ-LIM and LIM-SAL? Anyone familiar with LIM airport? I probably will have no bag, only carry-on. Thanks

on taca.com or another site?
expedia, shows on ita

Anyone know if this is still going on? adding $178 to the fare doesn't really make this a great fare.


http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/peru/1299347-taca-gringo-tax-peru.html

No aisle seats at this price? The orbitz seat selector only displays center and window and on about 8 rows.


NVM. Orbitz wouldn't let me pick aisle seats so I just asked for aisle with no specific seats and got them.

I was trying to book another flight with a stopover in Costa Rica to attend a wedding on November 2nd but can't get it it to price this low no matter what web site I use. Any advice?

Would ideally like 10/31 lax-sju 11/5 sju-lim and anytime lim-lax

I was trying to book another flight with a stopover in Costa Rica to attend a wedding on November 2nd but can't get it it to price this low no matter what web site I use. Any advice?

Would ideally like 10/31 lax-sju 11/5 sju-lim and anytime lim-lax

SJU = San Juan, Puerto Rico

SJO = San Jose, Costa Rica

change your search to SJO and you might find the price you are looking for ;)

I was trying to book another flight with a stopover in Costa Rica to attend a wedding on November 2nd but can't get it it to price this low no matter what web site I use. Any advice?

Would ideally like 10/31 lax-sju 11/5 sju-lim and anytime lim-lax

do you want SJU or SJO?

I was trying to book another flight with a stopover in Costa Rica to attend a wedding on November 2nd but can't get it it to price this low no matter what web site I use. Any advice?

Would ideally like 10/31 lax-sju 11/5 sju-lim and anytime lim-lax

San Jose, Costa Rica is SJO

Anyone know if this is still going on? adding $178 to the fare doesn't really make this a great fare.


http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/peru/1299347-taca-gringo-tax-peru.htmlHmmm. Wonder if THAT is what taca.com is implying by requiring you to check a box about agreeing to pay all taxes associated with the ticket....

Deleted...

Hmmm. Wonder if THAT is what taca.com is implying by requiring you to check a box about agreeing to pay all taxes associated with the ticket....

If they try to pull that, I'm going to contest the charge with my CC company. It's against the law in the US now. The airlines are required to display the full fare, including all taxes.

seeing in nov. good deal for all metal.

SJU = San Juan, Puerto Rico

SJO = San Jose, Costa Rica

change your search to SJO and you might find the price you are looking for ;)

Lol sorry guys mistyped here but not in my searches. I still dont see anything under $300 even with the right airport code.

Looking at a schedule with 1 hr layovers in SJO and SAL (LAX-SJO-LIM; LIM-SAL-LAX). Is this enough time for these airports?

Thanks for your help!

Looking at a schedule with 1 hr layovers in SJO and SAL (LAX-SJO-LIM; LIM-SAL-LAX). Is this enough time for these airports?

These are not big airports. 1 hour will give you plenty of time to stop at Duty Free and change planes. Some darn good prices at SAL :D

EmailKid

Just an fyi when I booked my ticket via vayama I was given no seat selection options (or I missed it). Called ta and the agent put me in an aisle seat in the first 5 rows on all 4 flights. Very friendly agent even waited on hold for me! Love it!

seems to be a lot of odd hour arrivals/deps esp going to SCL, would prefer some of each one's

Great find - thank you! Snagged two LAX-LIM for 11/22 to 11/28 for $238.50 pp ^

ANy booking engine mixing and matching taca & lacsa

taca = lacsa Same metal.

EmailKid

Because that is Taca codeshare parter. My ticket is Taca airlines. But, codeshare is Avianca. I am confused that same airlines?

Anybody know that?

This is still showing in ITA. Man I wish I didn't live on the opposite coast from LAX. Lima and (especially) Cusco are great though. Those who picked up tickets will enjoy themselves.

So, is it likely that TACA will be in *A by Sept-Nov? Would it credit 100% to UA?

How about to Agean?


Still can't get the stopover in BOG to work. Tried ITA, Vayama, Orbitz, taca.com. I may just book LAX-LIM-BOG-LAX as a round trip and not take the BOG-LAX, since I really want to get to ORD.

Any ideas?

So, is it likely that TACA will be in *A by Sept-Nov? Would it credit 100% to UA?

How about to Agean?


A3 does not list it on it's earning page so far. Miles&More is 50% as well.

When is the GRU avail?

??? +1

According to this page, they do:
http://www.taca.com/eng/syi/ter/terserpla.asp?id=64

4. Guaranteed fares
At the Carrier, we offer a range of fares, providing customers a choice according to their particular needs and requirements. When inquiring about fares on www.taca.com, our U.S. telephone reservation system or U.S. ticketing locations, customers will be offered the lowest available fare based on their desired travel dates, flights, and class of service. When you book and ticket a reservation through Taca’s U.S. ticketing locations, Taca’s U.S. telephone reservations line or Taca’s U.S. web site, www.taca.com, we will allow you to cancel the ticketed reservation without penalty and receive a full refund provided that you cancel the reservation within 24 hours of purchase and the reservation is made one week or more prior to the scheduled flight departure date.

different? information here: http://res.taca.com/et/eng/cus/fdb/fdbconformain.asp?id=35

I made my reservation at TACA.COM and I can no longer travel. Do I need to cancel the reservation?

Yes, its necessary for you to cancel the reservation. You'll receive a credit for future travel less a cancellation fee, or a refund for the unused ticket depending on the Fare Family you purchased.

Not positive, don't think it is contradictory. Like many airlines, within 24 hours you qualify for a refund. After that, you can cancel for a future credit. Sounds like the same situation.

Not positive, don't think it is contradictory. Like many airlines, within 24 hours you qualify for a refund. After that, you can cancel for a future credit. Sounds like the same situation.

yeah, i guess contradictory was the wrong word...i'll just book anyways for my tentative dates, hope i dont have to cancel.

Not positive, don't think it is contradictory. Like many airlines, within 24 hours you qualify for a refund. After that, you can cancel for a future credit. Sounds like the same situation.

From my confirmation email:

For bookings made and purchased seven (7) days or more before the scheduled flight departure at any TACA sales point in the U.S., through the TACA telephone booking system in the U.S., or the TACA website in the U.S., Taca.com, you can cancel your purchase within 24 hours after your reservation without incurring any penalty and receive a full refund.

Regrettably, decided with the wife to use our already-booked BA award tix. Will call and cancel this booking, but will wait to see if it dies first before I call.

Will call and cancel this booking, but will wait to see if it dies first before I call.I am considering doing the same, within the 24 hour window.

Because that is Taca codeshare parter. My ticket is Taca airlines. But, codeshare is Avianca. I am confused that same airlines?

Anybody know that?

No, these are not the same airlines.

EmailKid

So, is it likely that TACA will be in *A by Sept-Nov? Would it credit 100% to UA?

How about to Agean?


Still can't get the stopover in BOG to work. Tried ITA, Vayama, Orbitz, taca.com. I may just book LAX-LIM-BOG-LAX as a round trip and not take the BOG-LAX, since I really want to get to ORD.

Any ideas?

http://www.united.com/web/en-US/Content/contact/mileageplus/RequestMileageCredit.aspx#creditrequest

If you click "View Star Alliance Partners", Avianca/TACA are listed here. Could just be a mistake though.

who do you guys recommend booking through? Only taca, expedia, and cheapoair have the flights i want. Orbitz doesnt.

I may need to cancel the flight, so I think that puts cheapoair out of the running.

should i buy insurance since the reviews i've seen make it seem like taca is prone to overbooking?

and $150 RT lim-cus =(

Dang, first really good fare out of LAX that interests me but timing is off by a month :mad:

So... where are the matches? :D

Haven't seen a fare like this since before Mexicana went into bankruptcy. My wife needs more alpaca socks so I better head down for a week in November.

The fares are still up but does anyone see any multi city remaining? I tried a few selections coming up with double fares.

Angeleno228, weren't you the one who posted this deal back in 2008? What are you doing, checking LAX-Peru every day? I am disappointed in you, though: back then this fare included LIM-CUZ-LIM!

You're awesome, thanks all over again, we're going October 18. Still have some Soles from that trip. Looking forward to eating the fantastic grilled chicken dinner in Cusco for $3.

So... where are the matches? :D
heh, there are many airlines that offer the same base fare ... it looks like someone at TA just forgot to add in the fuel surcharges. ;)

heh, there are many airlines that offer the same base fare ... it looks like someone at TA just forgot to add in the fuel surcharges. ;)

does TA stand for taca airlines?

So we can get UA miles. That's a bonus, I didn't think we could. I looked them up and they are a partner. I was just going to get Taca points but I rather have UA miles.

Flying home on a DL flight as we speak with wi-fi and came across this deal.

I love FT:cool:

Booked 11/1- 11/7 LAX-LIM w/ connections in SAL on each way (only 1 connection w/ 11 hrs travel time each way)

Not even sure what FFP these will book into yet and I rushed to book just to lock it in. Looks like one leg is on Trans American Tacu peru (SAL-LIM) so will need to research this some more.

bought the orbitz travel insurance (best to CYA) for $30 so all in was $255 RT .

Not bad for a Nov. mini vacation and the miles will be gravy. Finding some cheap lodging is my next endeavor!

The fares are still up but does anyone see any multi city remaining? I tried a few selections coming up with double fares.I tried many options on different sites and never got a good price. Good luck!

So we can get UA miles. That's a bonus, I didn't think we could. I looked them up and they are a partner. I was just going to get Taca points but I rather have UA miles.

Can you only get UA miles by booking through orbitz, travelocity, etc. and not taca.com?

Quick question: any deals from SFO to Guatemala with this? I have some friends from there. Thanks.

I used Kayak to find and then booked via Orbitz

Forget the miles. If you haven't done Machu (at least twice) this is a no brainer. IMO LIM is also a very underrated city. Thus, I grabbed 3 seats 10/11 - 10/24. I wanted to do it over Turkey Day but got out voted. Better weather in Nov, but less flack from family if we go in Oct :p

Angeleno228, weren't you the one who posted this deal back in 2008? What are you doing, checking LAX-Peru every day? I am disappointed in you, though: back then this fare included LIM-CUZ-LIM!

You're awesome, thanks all over again, we're going October 18. Still have some Soles from that trip. Looking forward to eating the fantastic grilled chicken dinner in Cusco for $3.

yeah that was me :D have fun!!

Thanks, OP! What a deal. I snagged a RT from Oct 23 through Oct 28.

Forget the miles. If you haven't done Machu (at least twice) this is a no brainer. IMO LIM is also a very underrated city. Thus, I grabbed 3 seats 10/11 - 10/24. I wanted to do it over Turkey Day but got out voted. Better weather in Nov, but less flack from family if we go in Oct :p

First post... sounds like a good trip coming up :)

I'm seeing prices between LAX and Santiago Chile (SCL) in the low to mid $400's for the months of September, October, and November. Same airlines as Lima, and the routing is via Lima (so two stops).

Found on Kayak, but booking on Orbitz, Cheaptickets and Airfare.com.

There is a reciprocity fee of $140 that must be paid upon arrival to Chile

It looks like it's being pulled now.

I'm seeing prices between LAX and Santiago Chile (SCL) in the low to mid $400's for the months of September, October, and November. Same airlines as Lima, and the routing is via Lima (so two stops).

Found on Kayak, but booking on Orbitz, Cheaptickets and Airfare.com.

There is a reciprocity fee of $140 that must be paid upon arrival to Chile

lax-lim-scl
scl-lax?

Deal is dying, possibly dead, literally in the last 20-30 minute since I've been working on it. Had to cancel the ones I booked last night, playing around with new dates, poof gone

Yup, its gone. There will be some more deals for travel before December. There was LAN last year and American before that.

I managed to score this deal $234RI on Cheaptickets.com 11/13-11/21 just in the last few minutes.

Would TACA not honor it given it's a mistake fare?

Thanks!

plenty dates still available via cheapoair:

http://www.fly.com/FlyWidgets/LowFareCalendar.aspx?Origin=LAX&Destination=LIM&StartDate=09/01/2012&EndDate=12/31/2012&amt=239&cur=USD

Yup... completely dead now directly on taca website. Least expensive coming up at $750. Congrats to those who got in on this, I did! :p

Sept20-23... visiting some friends for a weekend trip. Love me some Lima!!!!

Seems dead completely. The person I was waiting on to go with me couldn't pull the trigger on time... :(

It looks like it's being pulled now.

Lima rates seem to have been pulled, but there are still some 'interesting' fares to other location in SA available which were originally based upon this fare....

Man, not a single match. Boo.

Did anyone manage to book that didn't arrive/depart LIM at an ungodly hour and doesn't require an overnight before/after in LAX for positioning?

are you guys checking the fly.com link i posted above? i'm still seeing $239 for any date departure with wed/thurs return.

are you guys checking the fly.com link i posted above? i'm still seeing $239 for any date departure with wed/thurs return.

Doesn't actually book...just shows a fare, but when you go to buy, it's not available.

Doesn't actually book...just shows a fare, but when you go to buy, it's not available.

oh, sorry for the false hope!

oh, sorry for the false hope!

No worries - thanks for trying! ^^

Yeah it seems to be dead
Damm:mad:

Lima rates seem to have been pulled, but there are still some 'interesting' fares to other location in SA available which were originally based upon this fare....

Like where and at what price?

Yeah it seems to be dead
Damm:mad:On cheapoair, it goes all the way to the CC page without raising the price. Maybe still bookable there :confused:

Meanwhile, I have to figure out how expensive the LIM-CUZ-LIM tkt would be and how complicted it is so I can decide within the 24 hours about keeping the LAX-LIM itin I have....

Like where and at what price?

Now gone also - the SCL price I now see was mentioned above was still live for a little while after the otehrs, but I never pulled the trigger :o

On cheapoair, it goes all the way to the CC page without raising the price. Maybe still bookable there :confused:

Meanwhile, I have to figure out how expensive the LIM-CUZ-LIM tkt would be and how complicted it is so I can decide within the 24 hours about keeping the LAX-LIM itin I have....

it looks like $150 RT or less, if you book through LAN, starperu might be a little bit less, i forget.

let us know if you find something cheaper. besides the 24hr bus ride haha.

On cheapoair, it goes all the way to the CC page without raising the price. Maybe still bookable there :confused:

Nope - it won't confirm a ticket.

I booked on TACA and need to cancel, their phone line wait times are ridiculously long. Waited > 45 min last night and 30 min this morning and was still not connected. I had to go so I hanged up both times... anyone else experiencing similar long wait times?

Man, not a single match. Boo.

Did anyone manage to book that didn't arrive/depart LIM at an ungodly hour and doesn't require an overnight before/after in LAX for positioning?OUTBOUND LAX departure I chose was 1:30 am, so getting to the airport @ midnight (that sounded better to me than arriving at 5 am for the 7 am departure). Arrives @ 3:15 pm (LIM). One connection. RETURN flight departs @ 10:30 am, arrives LAX @ 7:30 pm.

QUESTION: LIM-CUZ tkts....is it better to book in advance or is it okay to wait till closer to the dates? Are cheap fares hard to get?

I booked on TACA and need to cancel, their phone line wait times are ridiculously long. Waited > 45 min last night and 30 min this morning and was still not connected. I had to go so I hanged up both times... anyone else experiencing similar long wait times?

thats what i was afraid of...you better hang on the line otherwise you're going to miss your 24hr window

I booked on TACA and need to cancel, their phone line wait times are ridiculously long. Waited > 45 min last night and 30 min this morning and was still not connected. I had to go so I hanged up both times... anyone else experiencing similar long wait times?Their website had a CHAT button, did you try that maybe?

I booked on TACA and need to cancel, their phone line wait times are ridiculously long. Waited > 45 min last night and 30 min this morning and was still not connected. I had to go so I hanged up both times... anyone else experiencing similar long wait times?

You have to call their refunds department at 1-877-428-4477. I just called in to cancel mine. The wait time was only a couple minutes. They said I'll get a full refund (no fees), but it takes 15-20 business days :td:

You have to call their refunds department at 1-877-428-4477. I just called in to cancel mine. The wait time was only a couple minutes. They said I'll get a full refund (no fees), but it takes 15-20 business days :td:Focus on the POSITIVE -- short wait time and full refund ^

Not as good of a deal obviously, but might be helpful for some east coast people…

Delta is showing availability for $376-$391 from Miami to Lima (through ATL) for many days in Sept – Nov (and a few in Aug & Dec).

OUTBOUND LAX departure I chose was 1:30 am, so getting to the airport @ midnight (that sounded better to me than arriving at 5 am for the 7 am departure). Arrives @ 3:15 pm (LIM). One connection. RETURN flight departs @ 10:30 am, arrives LAX @ 7:30 pm.

QUESTION: LIM-CUZ tkts....is it better to book in advance or is it okay to wait till closer to the dates? Are cheap fares hard to get?

i'm leaving at 2:35am on 9/7 and arriving at 3:15pm. i wouldve booked that 1:30 flight too if it was available. same return flight on the 16th, giving me enough time to rest before work on monday.

OUTBOUND LAX departure I chose was 1:30 am, so getting to the airport @ midnight (that sounded better to me than arriving at 5 am for the 7 am departure). Arrives @ 3:15 pm (LIM). One connection. RETURN flight departs @ 10:30 am, arrives LAX @ 7:30 pm.

QUESTION: LIM-CUZ tkts....is it better to book in advance or is it okay to wait till closer to the dates? Are cheap fares hard to get?

In my research it is better to book CUZ in advance. It is always a popular flight, can fill up early, with lots of people transfering from international flites. You dont want to get stuck with only a few days to pick from or a high fare.

Star Peru, a small airline, a lot of times has the cheapest fare, but only a few flites a day. I was fine with their flite.

thats what i was afraid of...you better hang on the line otherwise you're going to miss your 24hr window

Just got it cancelled

Their website had a CHAT button, did you try that maybe?

Those people only spoke Spanish

You have to call their refunds department at 1-877-428-4477. I just called in to cancel mine. The wait time was only a couple minutes. They said I'll get a full refund (no fees), but it takes 15-20 business days :td:

Bingo! Thanks for the phone number.

My call got picked up right away and another few minutes to process the cancellation. The first agent some government fees are only refunded if cancellation is made on the same day of purchase... then I was transferred to another agent who actually processed the refund said I would be getting full refund... I guess I'll wait and see.

Bingo! Thanks for the phone number.

Glad it worked!

As a sidenote, I tried using chat first. They spoke english, but they said they weren't able to cancel the ticket. I think you have to call in.

In my research it is better to book CUZ in advance. It is always a popular flight, can fill up early, with lots of people transfering from international flites. You dont want to get stuck with only a few days to pick from or a high fare.

Star Peru, a small airline, a lot of times has the cheapest fare, but only a few flites a day. I was fine with their flite.Thanks for the info ^ I looked at them last night. Will see what their availability is. Does any program offer CHEAP award tix between LIM-CUZ? I noted someone above used BA, I don't have that (darn).

Indeed the 877-428-4477 number is the only number worth calling. Tried their general customer service number first, but was eventually given the 877 number (after much confusion on their CSR's part -- who told me that 24 hours in San Salvador is apparently different from 24 hours in Los Angeles).

The bad news is that the refund system is down, so there's no rush to call it if you've still got a few hours left in your 24-hour window. But they did make a note in my file that I at least attempted to cancel it within the 24-hour period.

Not super-stressed about it, because I actually COULD travel on my days, just prefer not to.

my gf is having second thoughts about this trip, her coworker has been there and told her its scary and not worth it (this coming from a 40 yr old mexican man) and another lady is telling her about that kissing bug haha...she really wants to see machu but isn't sure if the entire trip is worth just the 1 day there.

i dont really care if we go or not. what do you guys think? is the crime overblown?

my gf is having second thoughts about this trip, her coworker has been there and told her its scary and not worth it (this coming from a 40 yr old mexican man) and another lady is telling her about that kissing bug haha...she really wants to see machu but isn't sure if the entire trip is worth just the 1 day there.

i dont really care if we go or not. what do you guys think? is the crime overblown?ONE day there :confused: How short of a trip did you book???

ONE day there :confused: How short of a trip did you book???

i havent done much research yet...there are places to stay in/near machu pichu? i figured it was a day trip type of thing from cuzco. AFAIK, the inca trails are all booked.

the entire trip is 8-9 days.

the entire trip is 8-9 days.
OK, got it :)
AFAIK, the inca trails are all booked.How did you find that out?

OK, got it :)
How did you find that out?

sorry, i meant they're all booked for september, when i would be going.

http://www.tourinperu.com/news/2011/07/04/officialinkatrail-permits-availability2011-2012-machupicchuper/

Man, not a single match. Boo.

Did anyone manage to book that didn't arrive/depart LIM at an ungodly hour and doesn't require an overnight before/after in LAX for positioning?

I ended up booking this itin:

Tue 11/27 - LAX-SAL, 11:10am - 6:05pm
Tue 11/27 - SAL-LIM, 7:42pm - 1:02am
Sun 12/02 - LIM-SJO, 2:15pm - 4:53pm
Sun 12/02 - SJO-LAX, 6:45pm - 11:10pm

Pretty happy with all of my flight times and that it's only 1 connection!

sorry, i meant they're all booked for september, when i would be going.

http://www.tourinperu.com/news/2011/07/04/officialinkatrail-permits-availability2011-2012-machupicchuper/Thanks for posting that -- it would apply to my trip too :( So that limits you to day trips? I had been worried about flts to CUZ, so I hadn't even looked at this yet :eek:

I have sept 28-oct 3 LAX-CUZ with a stopover in Lima. I'm trying to figure out what to do there.

What can you do in Lima after 9pm?

Also, I assume Macchu Picchu is a one-day trip. What else to do in Cuzco?

Thanks for posting that -- it would apply to my trip too :( So that limits you to day trips? I had been worried about flts to CUZ, so I hadn't even looked at this yet :eek:

well i thought flights to CUZ were 150, but the gringo tax applies, so its actually 150+178.

the busses are 70 each way, but they're overnight (21 hours), so you dont have to pay for a room and theres supposedly a lot to see on the road.

cruzdelsur.com.pe

I have sept 28-oct 3 LAX-CUZ with a stopover in Lima. I'm trying to figure out what to do there.

What can you do in Lima after 9pm?

Also, I assume Macchu Picchu is a one-day trip. What else to do in Cuzco?

from what i've read, you can get robbed and kidnapped easier after 9pm lol

Booked yesterday - going over Thanksgiving!

I would like to give early thanks for this deal! :D

well i thought flights to CUZ were 150, but the gringo tax applies, so its actually 150+178. Meaning if you buy the cheap tkt on Star Peru they will surcharge you the tax? :(

Meaning if you buy the cheap tkt on Star Peru they will surcharge you the tax? :(

yeah, i believe it's a gov't imposed tax.

edit: found a way around the gringo tax, a little bit of work

http://slickdeals.net/f/4702058-150-roundtrip-Lima-Cuzco?p=50747736#post50747736



this trip seems like its going to be a headache to plan. i think i might just cancel the trip

i havent done much research yet...there are places to stay in/near machu pichu? i figured it was a day trip type of thing from cuzco. AFAIK, the inca trails are all booked.

the entire trip is 8-9 days.

There's a nice-looking Starwood joint in the Sacred Valley, with it's own railroad stop and some decent Cash&Points options.

this trip seems like its going to be a headache to plan. i think i might just cancel the tripALLOT of other decisions to make before the 24 hr refund window expires. I'm in the same boat.

Am I one of the few who got decent flights times out of LAX w/ 1 connection (1 hr layover each way)?

Granted I booked a 6 day vacation....

Am I one of the few who got decent flights times out of LAX w/ 1 connection (1 hr layover each way)?I got the same ^

I booked 17-26 September.

I booked 17-26 September.
Booked 1-10 September, on the fence still....

i got the 1 hour layovers too. 7th-16th

looks like starperu has $70+tax=$95 RT to cuzco. select flights, looks like mornings only. but ive checked a few flights that say they're available but next page says not.

No hay recargos para extranjeros

no surcharges for foreigners!

looks like starperu has $70+tax=$95 RT to cuzco. My dates are $150 rt.
no surcharges for foreigners!That's good news :)

I ended up booking this itin:

Tue 11/27 - LAX-SAL, 11:10am - 6:05pm
Tue 11/27 - SAL-LIM, 7:42pm - 1:02am
Sun 12/02 - LIM-SJO, 2:15pm - 4:53pm
Sun 12/02 - SJO-LAX, 6:45pm - 11:10pm

Pretty happy with all of my flight times and that it's only 1 connection!

I had really good flights the first 2 times I booked last night, but had to cancel due to adding a friend after 11pm... I did my best to avoid the 1am arrival in Lima (the one your had). I arrive at 8:23pm. Since this is my first time to Peru, and I don't speak the language... Arriving at 1am, I'm not sure there is a good way to get to the hotel/guest house... the money exchange may not be open, etc.

I also avoided SJO (Costa Rica) on my return cuz I'm not sure if I have to go through immigration and pay for a visa... (I've been there twice already). I thought seriously about doing a stopover in SAL (El Salvador) for a day or 2, but decided I should relax in my original plan instead...which, after a few hours more of research today, was correct. I barely have enough time to see the most popular sights in Peru!

If my guess is correct, many of you also have a 5 hour (2pm to 7:40pm) layover in SAL. what can we do for 5.5 hours? I only know they speak Spanish, have some volcanos near the coast, and they take US dollars... :-)

if anybody comes up with a good itinerary, please post it

I also avoided SJO (Costa Rica) on my return cuz I'm not sure if I have to go through immigration and pay for a visa...

i dont think you'd need a visa, since you're staying in the airport.

I also avoided SJO (Costa Rica) on my return cuz I'm not sure if I have to go through immigration and pay for a visa... (I've been there twice already). I thought seriously about doing a stopover in SAL (El Salvador) for a day or 2, but decided I should relax in my original plan instead...which, after a few hours more of research today, was correct. I barely have enough time to see the most popular sights in Peru!

Why? Americans don't need a visa to visit CR.

Well, the 'one day' tour of Machu Picchu looks grueling -- 4 hour train ride each way :eek:

http://www.waykitrek.net/machupicchu_1day.html

Why? Americans don't need a visa to visit CR.

Sorry, its not a visa fee. It is called the "exit fee", which you have to pay at the airport when you check in to your flight. It is $28. I remember paying for it the last 2 time I visit Costa Rica. You may be right that transiting passengers don't have to pay, but since the flight through SAL isn't much worst, I took that instead..

[Update]: I did some reading... the "internet" told me that if you stay in the departure terminal, you don't have to pay the fee. This means that you must have your departing boarding pass printed before arriving in SJO. Also, your luggage should be checked through to your final destination. I also read that (less degree of certainty) if your stay in Costa Rica is less than 12 hours, you can exit the airport to go have a smoke, or lunch or an expensive taxi ride, then return for your flight. However, you'll need proof that you stayed for less than 12 hours.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1093.html

According this page (US State department), you're suppose to have proof of Yellow fever vaccination if coming into Costa Rica from several south american countries, including Peru. However, I'm not sure if you need that if you're transiting....

Why? Americans don't need a visa to visit CR.

I think he might be referring to the $28 USD departure tax Costa Rica imposes.

this is dead, right?

I booked 17-26 September.

I have one booked for 9/1 to 9/9

this is dead, right?

yep, this one is dead. but I think some other destination in SA are still available based off this fare...or at least they were a couple hours ago. I'm too lazy to check right now :p

If you booked on taca.com, how do you get seat assignments? Have to call? Would hate to wait till check in....

If you booked on taca.com, how do you get seat assignments? Have to call? Would hate to wait till check in....

have to wait till check in

Can I select my seat?

Yes, you may do so by using Online Check-in 24 hours before your flight departure. While checking in, you can select the available seat of your preference.

http://res.taca.com/et/eng/cus/fdb/fdbconformain.asp?id=35

It's not bad at all I did it last November and you leave in the morning at 6 am and come back by 4 pm train it is doable and enjoyable if you are short of time it is wonderful place to visit

thanks for OP, I'm going over Thanksgiving for 9 days.
Any suggestions for itinerary? what to see and where to go? I only know machu picchu, any other recommendation?
Is 9 days too long, shall I take a flight to Santiago/Chile for a few days?

thanks for any tips.

yep, this one is dead. but I think some other destination in SA are still available based off this fare...or at least they were a couple hours ago. I'm too lazy to check right now :p

thanks, searched some other destinations in SA, but nothing really outstanding.
Safe trip for the ones who made it in time. Enjoy!

thanks for OP, I'm going over Thanksgiving for 9 days.
Any suggestions for itinerary? what to see and where to go? I only know machu picchu, any other recommendation?
Is 9 days too long, shall I take a flight to Santiago/Chile for a few days?

thanks for any tips.Please visit the PERU forum for tons of info and suggestions ^ http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/peru-710/

Well, the 'one day' tour of Machu Picchu looks grueling -- 4 hour train ride each way :eek:

I did this one-day tour and it wasn't grueling at all - just a long day. The train left Cuzco around 6 AM, we got to Aguas Calientes around 10 AM and then a few minutes on the bus up to MP. Spent a couple of hours on the mountain, got back to the village, had a nice late lunch at one of the many restaurants, got back on the train a dozed off. Really, it was easy and fun.

Only thing, I checked perurail.com last night and it didn't show trains out of Cuzco, only out of Poroy. Could it be that they stopped going out of Cuzco and you have to get to Poroy to board it? That would make it a bit less convenient, although there are busses between Cuzco and Poroy.

Also, once in Cuzco, you can go into the many tour operators around the square and sign up for a van trip to MP the next day. They make all the arrangements for you to get you from your hotel, take you as far as the road goes, then the train, MP and back.

Any suggestions on what to do/see for a day and half in LIM? Is that enough time for any meaningful sightseeing?

Thanks.

looks like starperu has $70+tax=$95 RT to cuzco. select flights, looks like mornings only. but ive checked a few flights that say they're available but next page says not.

no surcharges for foreigners!

Thanks, indelible! Booked LIM-CUZ-LIM for two for $95.57 each all-in. Appears to include even the airport daparture tax (HW)! Oct 20-22.

Any suggestions on what to do/see for a day and half in LIM? Is that enough time for any meaningful sightseeing?

Thanks.There are lots of helpful threads in the Peru forum -- I'll be spending lotsa hours over there...
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/peru-710/

Any suggestions on what to do/see for a day and half in LIM?

Larco Museum (http://www.museolarco.org/iep_er.shtml)

...

Here are some photos (https://plus.google.com/photos/115733053626063916028/albums/5256465206664107249) from the last time Angeleno228 made us go to Peru for pennies. Maybe that will give you the assurance that it's so worth your while. :)

Here are some photos (https://plus.google.com/photos/115733053626063916028/albums/5256465206664107249) from the last time Angeleno228 made us go to Peru for pennies. Maybe that will give you the assurance that it's so worth your while. :)

reminds me of spain

reminds me of spain

Indeed there are some photos there from the torture cellar of the museum of the Spanish Inquisition in Lima.

If anyone wants to post to my thread, please feel free :)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milesbuzz/1353523-award-options-intra-peru.html

still cant freaking decide whether to go or not. :confused:

arrive 9/7 Lima 3pm
next morning 9/8, fly to cuzco
return to lima 9/15, morning
9/16 leave

is that good? thats 1.5 days in lima, 8 days to do cuzco, machu, Ollantaytambo, aguas calientes, pisac?, and maybe another place else?

still cant freaking decide whether to go or not. :confused:

arrive 9/7 Lima 3pm
next morning 9/8, fly to cuzco
return to lima 9/15, morning
9/16 leave

is that good? thats 1.5 days in lima, 8 days to do cuzco, machu, Ollantaytambo, pisac?, and maybe another place else?

I just wish I had as much vacation time as you do! I can only manage 1.5 days in LIM. Anybody done Machu in a day??

Can't believe I did not notice this last night as I am thinking my MR for this year. Late for several hours today :(

I just wish I had as much vacation time as you do! I can only manage 1.5 days in LIM. Anybody done Machu in a day??

i only have a 4 day work-week, so i only have to take off 4 days to get a 10 day vacation.

i think machu is usually a 1 day thing for most travellers. 2 days would be reserved for cuzco, and the other days are up in the air.

Is this dead or am I an idiot?
Be kind! :p
But really, I've been searching an hour - vayama, orbtiz, taca... $900+.
?

Is this dead or am I an idiot?
Be kind! :p
But really, I've been searching an hour - vayama, orbtiz, taca... $900+.
?

dead since this morning

I, too, only have 38 hours in LIM, coming in at 8:23pm 9/1 and leaving at 10:30a on 9/3, so I think no Machu Picchu for me:(

dead since this morning

See... It's morning for me and that's how this always happens. I better quit traveling so I can catch one of these fares.

I, too, only have 38 hours in LIM, coming in at 8:23pm 9/1 and leaving at 10:30a on 9/3, so I think no Machu Picchu for me:(

I think it would be do-able if you got on a LIM-CUZ flight the evening of 9/1, did a one-day tour of Machu the next day, fly out of CUZ in the evening for LIM, overnight in LIM, and fly home the next morning 9/3. Certainly an aggressive schedule though!

See... It's morning for me and that's how this always happens. I better quit traveling so I can catch one of these fares.

you dont have the quit traveling.......... just be online more often during the day

you dont have the quit traveling.......... just be online more often during the day

You mean, stay up all night. :p

Still bookable but no longer a MR. Cheapoair.com offers the following:
10SEP LAX-SAL-LIM
25SEP LIM-SAL-LAX
$288.64

I originally bought Labor Day week but started looking at doing the Inca Trail (a bucket list item for me) and realized that all the permits in September were already booked up, so now I'm doing Oct 6-14. I'll be booking CUZ connecting flights shortly, but I avoided the 1am arrival and 4am departures, so it shouldn't be too difficult. I also have to book my connecting flights between LAX and SLC. If anyone is interested in trekking with me, let me know.

Muchas Gracias OP!

I think it would be do-able if you got on a LIM-CUZ flight the evening of 9/1, did a one-day tour of Machu the next day, fly out of CUZ in the evening for LIM, overnight in LIM, and fly home the next morning 9/3. Certainly an aggressive schedule though!

I certainly can put the LIM-CUZ-LIM trip in, but it will be rushing a lot. Therefore, I rather enjoy what LIM has to offer and come back next time, maybe with my wife for Machu Picchu.

I, too, only have 38 hours in LIM, coming in at 8:23pm 9/1 and leaving at 10:30a on 9/3, so I think no Machu Picchu for me:(Your whole trip is only 4 days?
Still bookable but no longer a MR. Cheapoair.com offers the following:
10SEP LAX-SAL-LIM
25SEP LIM-SAL-LAX
$288.64Did you BOOK it? Several hours ago I saw it available on cheapoair but someone said it wasn't bookable. Why wouldn't that still be a MR? It's only $45 more....

Did you BOOK it? Several hours ago I saw it available on cheapoair but someone said it wasn't bookable. Why wouldn't that still be a MR? It's only $45 more....

Did not book but went as far as credit card screen. Could not get it starting at cheapoair. Had to start with fly.com, then click through from there.
I don't look at a 2-week stay being a MR, but that's just me. ;)

I don't look at a 2-week stay being a MR, but that's just me. ;)Ahhhh, getting technical ;)

[QUOTE=ALadyNCal;18704806]Your whole trip is only 4 days? QUOTE]

3 days to be exact, I dont have any vacation any more and this will be on Sat, Sun and Monday( labor day):D

Had an odd situation come up when trying to book this last night. Was going through Taca's site directly and clicked "confirm reservation". Apparently, the site then opens up a separate window to a payment page to complete payment. But as that page was loading my computer restarted.

Luckily, I wrote down the reservation # and when I went back to check my reservation #, all my info. and itinerary was still there, "Confirmed"! But the strange thing is, I never completed payment. Does anyone know how this situation is handled? Did I just get a free flight to Peru? Is my reservation just going to get cancelled or should I call them to complete payment?

i think machu is usually a 1 day thing for most travellers. 2 days would be reserved for cuzco, and the other days are up in the air.

Two full days in Cuzco are enough; MP and Aguas Calientes are one day; Ollantaytambo and Pisac can be one day on a van tour. You have three extra days so consider going on a two-day jungle tour in Puerto Maldonado (non-stop flight from Cuzco), or a flight to Puno for Lake Titicaca (caution: 14,000 feet) and return on a tour bus to Cuzco - great site-seeing stops along the way and a Peruvian buffet lunch.

planning headache, i think im just going to cancel my tickets:o

First of all, thank you OP for the post! I bought it, but I have to refund it because of schedule conflict.

I have done an extremely short trip to LIM/CUZ last time and my trip were as follow:
Day 1: Arrive LIM late at night. Overnight in LIM.
Day 2: Take the first flight on TACA out to CUZ and joined my pre-booked tour of the Sacred Valley, all the way down to Ollantaytambo and took the train from there to AC. Overnight in AC.
Day 3: Hike Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Took the evening train back to Ollantaytambo and then a bus service back to Cuzco. Overnight in Cuzco.
Day 4: Explore Cuzco
Day 5: Flight to LIM, overnight in LIM
Day 6: Flew back to the US.

First of all, thank you OP for the post! I bought it, but I have to refund it because of schedule conflict.

I have done an extremely short trip to LIM/CUZ last time and my trip were as follow:
Day 1: Arrive LIM late at night. Overnight in LIM.
Day 2: Take the first flight on TACA out to CUZ and joined my pre-booked tour of the Sacred Valley, all the way down to Ollantaytambo and took the train from there to AC. Overnight in AC.
Day 3: Hike Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Took the evening train back to Ollantaytambo and then a bus service back to Cuzco. Overnight in Cuzco.
Day 4: Explore Cuzco
Day 5: Flight to LIM, overnight in LIM
Day 6: Flew back to the US.

call immediately, taca gave me horse .... that i'm 1 hour late in calling (10:30 at the time of the call). i know for a fact i didn't make the reservation until 11:30.

have to wait till tomorrow for the dispute department to open for my cc company since they'll have the time stamp on that purchase.

The fare is now $1,291 !!... amazing

planning headache, i think im just going to cancel my tickets:oI stressed about that all day yesterday up until the last minute and decided NOT to cancel. Did you cancel?

I stressed about that all day yesterday up until the last minute and decided NOT to cancel. Did you cancel?

tried to...will have to see what the CC company can do for me.

tried to...will have to see what the CC company can do for me.Sorry, now I see your previous post. Good luck w/the refund.

I never completed payment. Does anyone know how this situation is handled? Did I just get a free flight to Peru? Is my reservation just going to get cancelled or should I call them to complete payment?

Had a similar situation several years ago with BA, though was unaware of a booking snafu until checking in. Agent said we never paid and then took our payment at ticket counter for original booked fare.

Good luck w/the refund.

Good luck, indeed. I've been trying to cancel for 24 hours now, and their "refund system is still down."

well it looks like we're going.

probably going to follow this itinerary, i have 1 day more than they did though:

http://jayluikart.com/2010/08/28/our-peru-trip-october-2009

well it looks like we're going.

probably going to follow this itinerary, i have 1 day more than they did though:

http://jayluikart.com/2010/08/28/our-peru-trip-october-2009

wow I may have to follow this itinerary or at least steal a couple of ideas :D

http://i910.photobucket.com/albums/ac307/themrpickles/taca.jpg

well it looks like we're going.

probably going to follow this itinerary, i have 1 day more than they did though:

http://jayluikart.com/2010/08/28/our-peru-trip-october-2009I will check out that itin. Altho this is a 13 day itin, I think I am going to pull some ideas from it. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17870568-post18.html

Did you DECIDE to go or were you outside of the 24 hours when you called?

Has anyone found a seating chart for taca? Has anyone called in to try to get seat assignments?

Oh, Mr. Pickles. You made my day with that one. Last time I flew them, I thin I got the upgrade, since my surounding seatmates were not goats or chickens

I will check out that itin. Altho this is a 13 day itin, I think I am going to pull some ideas from it. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17870568-post18.html

Did you DECIDE to go or were you outside of the 24 hours when you called?

Has anyone found a seating chart for taca? Has anyone called in to try to get seat assignments?

I did. But I booked through cheap tickets, while adding 3 days in El Salvador for $35 a person.

My route is LAX-SAL-LIM-SAL-LAX. I got seats for all but LAX-SAL.

I did. But I booked through cheap tickets, while adding 3 days in El Salvador for $35 a person.

My route is LAX-SAL-LIM-SAL-LAX. I got seats for all but LAX-SAL.

Just for future reference is El Salvador safe?

Just for future reference is El Salvador safe?

War has been over for 20 years. Gangs kill gang members. East side of city is kinda dangerous.

Mostly your normal safety precautions when traveling to South and Central America.

my friends and i were able to grab this deal!

we're going over thanksgiving for 8 days and we're actually crazy enough to think we can pack in a lima-cusco-puertomaldonado-puno-lima and come out alive.

thinking of following this itin:

DAY 01: LIMA Arrival in Lima, meet assistance, and transfer to your selected hotel for overnight.

DAY 02: LIMA – PUERTO MALDONADO – POSADA AMAZONAS Upon arrival, meet and greet, and transfer to our office in Puerto Maldonado.Depending on the arrival time of the plane we have a boxed lunch aboard the boats so that you can eat it while you’re traveling or have lunch at the Posada Amazonas once we get there. On our way we might see a variety of bird species typical of the river or forest edge.Our afternoon activity will be at the canopy tower. Overnight at the Lodge.

DAY 03: POSADA AMAZONAS You get up at dawn to visit the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake. Departure after an early breakfast. From the Posada Amazonas, a 15-minute boat ride and a 30-minute walk take you to the lake shore. Then you have a long, easy canoe ride around the lake. You return to the lodge's trails in time for a visit to a small parakeet clay lick.Back again to the lodge for lunch before embarking on your afternoon outing: a visit to the Community's Ethno-botanical Center.Back to the Posada Amazonas for dinner. After enjoying our popular happy hour and good company, you might want to go for an optional night walk to look for amphibians and insects. Overnight.

DAY 04: POSADA AMAZONAS – PUERTO MALDONADO – CUSCO After an early breakfast you return to Puerto Maldonado for your flight to Cusco.Meet and greet at Cusco airport and transfer to your selected hotel.In the afternoon: City tour of Cusco and its nearby ruins: Kenko, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the Sacsayhuaman fortress. Return to the hotel and Overnight.

DAY 05: CUSCO – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO After breakfast, transfer to the train station where you will board the Vistadome train for an exiting journey to Macchu Picchu, the majestic "Lost City of the Incas". Arrive in Aguas Calientes and take shuttle bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu, where your guide will give you a tour.Buffet lunch in a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.In the afternoon return to Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 06: CUSCO – PUNO Transfer to the bus station to take a bus to Puno. On route, you will visit Pucara, the Raqchi ruins, and the colonial church of Andahuaylillas. Lunch included in a typical restaurant in Sicuani.Arrival in Puno and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 07: PUNO – LIMA In the morning we begin our adventure to the floating islands of the Uros, inhabited by fishermen and hunters. The residents of the Uros use the cattail, a type of rush, which grows in the lake, to create the conditions that ensure the islands stay afloat. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport. En route, you will visit the famous Chullpas of Sillustani, 12 m /40ft high stone cylinder burial chambers used by the Aymaras to bury their important leaders. Arrival in Lima and transfer to your selected hotel and overnight.

DAY 08: LIMA In the morning guided city tour of the Historic Center of Lima and the Modern Lima suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro. At proper time transfer to the airport to take your international flight.

i'm still thinking on how we can do this on our own. every time i search star peru for flights the prices keep on changing.. esp when searching for diff quantities of tickets.

anybody else out there crazy like us? or is this absolutely impossible to do?

Does anyone know the fare code? I looked at my itin at taca.com and it only says 'economy'.... I'm trying to determine if I'll get 50% or 100% miles on UA. Even on this chart, there are FOUR versions of economy :confused:

http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/Marketing/CustComm/Promotions/Pages/AirlinePartnerDetails.aspx?ItemId=441

For anyone that is considering flying to Cusco and going straight to Machu Picchu.

Cusco is at 3300 meters and Machu Picchu at 2700 meters. You really DO need at least a day to acclimatize, otherwise you are going to be out of breath the whole time.

Does anyone know the fare code? I looked at my itin at taca.com and it only says 'economy'.... I'm trying to determine if I'll get 50% or 100% miles on UA. Even on this chart, there are FOUR versions of economy :confused:

http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/Marketing/CustComm/Promotions/Pages/AirlinePartnerDetails.aspx?ItemId=441

mine was S fare (which is probably the same as yours). earns 50% on UA.

mine was S fare (which is probably the same as yours). earns 50% on UA.Where did you see it? Is it on your receipt anywhere?

my friends and i were able to grab this deal!

we're going over thanksgiving for 8 days and we're actually crazy enough to think we can pack in a lima-cusco-puertomaldonado-puno-lima and come out alive.

thinking of following this itin:

DAY 01: LIMA Arrival in Lima, meet assistance, and transfer to your selected hotel for overnight.

DAY 02: LIMA – PUERTO MALDONADO – POSADA AMAZONAS Upon arrival, meet and greet, and transfer to our office in Puerto Maldonado.Depending on the arrival time of the plane we have a boxed lunch aboard the boats so that you can eat it while you’re traveling or have lunch at the Posada Amazonas once we get there. On our way we might see a variety of bird species typical of the river or forest edge.Our afternoon activity will be at the canopy tower. Overnight at the Lodge.

DAY 03: POSADA AMAZONAS You get up at dawn to visit the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake. Departure after an early breakfast. From the Posada Amazonas, a 15-minute boat ride and a 30-minute walk take you to the lake shore. Then you have a long, easy canoe ride around the lake. You return to the lodge's trails in time for a visit to a small parakeet clay lick.Back again to the lodge for lunch before embarking on your afternoon outing: a visit to the Community's Ethno-botanical Center.Back to the Posada Amazonas for dinner. After enjoying our popular happy hour and good company, you might want to go for an optional night walk to look for amphibians and insects. Overnight.

DAY 04: POSADA AMAZONAS – PUERTO MALDONADO – CUSCO After an early breakfast you return to Puerto Maldonado for your flight to Cusco.Meet and greet at Cusco airport and transfer to your selected hotel.In the afternoon: City tour of Cusco and its nearby ruins: Kenko, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the Sacsayhuaman fortress. Return to the hotel and Overnight.

DAY 05: CUSCO – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO After breakfast, transfer to the train station where you will board the Vistadome train for an exiting journey to Macchu Picchu, the majestic "Lost City of the Incas". Arrive in Aguas Calientes and take shuttle bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu, where your guide will give you a tour.Buffet lunch in a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.In the afternoon return to Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 06: CUSCO – PUNO Transfer to the bus station to take a bus to Puno. On route, you will visit Pucara, the Raqchi ruins, and the colonial church of Andahuaylillas. Lunch included in a typical restaurant in Sicuani.Arrival in Puno and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 07: PUNO – LIMA In the morning we begin our adventure to the floating islands of the Uros, inhabited by fishermen and hunters. The residents of the Uros use the cattail, a type of rush, which grows in the lake, to create the conditions that ensure the islands stay afloat. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport. En route, you will visit the famous Chullpas of Sillustani, 12 m /40ft high stone cylinder burial chambers used by the Aymaras to bury their important leaders. Arrival in Lima and transfer to your selected hotel and overnight.

DAY 08: LIMA In the morning guided city tour of the Historic Center of Lima and the Modern Lima suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro. At proper time transfer to the airport to take your international flight.

i'm still thinking on how we can do this on our own. every time i search star peru for flights the prices keep on changing.. esp when searching for diff quantities of tickets.

anybody else out there crazy like us? or is this absolutely impossible to do?

Rather than try to cram in Puerto Maldonado, I would overnight at Machu Picchu and devote at least a day to the Sacred Valley (en route between Machu Picchu and Cusco, in either direction, depending on how it fit your schedule). My theory is that you can visit the rainforest elsewhere, some other time, but there's only one Sacred Valley.

You could also skip Puno, instead. (On second thought, I'd skip Puno before I skipped Puerto Maldonado.) Parts of Lake Titicaca are nice, but Puno itself is a total dump. And Lake Titicaca can be rough to to on a rushed itinerary, because of the elevation.

In the Sacred Valley, definitely hit Ollanta, Moray, and the salt pans near Maras. Those are three of the four destinations on the standard tourist circuit; you can do all three in the same day. The fourth destination (Pisac) is out of the way (compared to the first three, which can all be done on the way between Cusco and Machu Picchu), and I think it's kind of overrated.

The Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes isn't worth it, BTW. Pick whichever train works best for your schedule.

Does anyone know the fare code? I looked at my itin at taca.com and it only says 'economy'.... I'm trying to determine if I'll get 50% or 100% miles on UA. Even on this chart, there are FOUR versions of economy :confused:

http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/Marketing/CustComm/Promotions/Pages/AirlinePartnerDetails.aspx?ItemId=441It looks like the outbound is via LACSA. Do those segments earn UA miles :confused:

Where did you see it? Is it on your receipt anywhere?

I remember seeing it when I was booking, but I can't seem to find it on my receipt or when looking at checkmytrip

Rather than try to cram in Puerto Maldonado, I would overnight at Machu Picchu and devote at least a day to the Sacred Valley (en route between Machu Picchu and Cusco, in either direction, depending on how it fit your schedule). My theory is that you can visit the rainforest elsewhere, some other time, but there's only one Sacred Valley.

You could also skip Puno, instead. (On second thought, I'd skip Puno before I skipped Puerto Maldonado.) Parts of Lake Titicaca are nice, but Puno itself is a total dump. And Lake Titicaca can be rough to to on a rushed itinerary, because of the elevation.

In the Sacred Valley, definitely hit Ollanta, Moray, and the salt pans near Maras. Those are three of the four destinations on the standard tourist circuit; you can do all three in the same day. The fourth destination (Pisac) is out of the way (compared to the first three, which can all be done on the way between Cusco and Machu Picchu), and I think it's kind of overrated.

The Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes isn't worth it, BTW. Pick whichever train works best for your schedule.

thanks for the tip! yup, after further discussion w my friends. we have decided to skip puerto maldonado. and agree about sacred valley. so we'll be spending more time in the cusco area and hit up puno IF we have more time.

I remember seeing it when I was booking, but I can't seem to find it on my receipt or when looking at checkmytripHmmm. Providing the fare class 'is' available for miles, how do you follow up and get them if you can't even prove which fare your tkt is :rolleyes: It is not listed on my receipt and it is not listed when I log in to view my itin....

Only have a day and half in LIM and want to do see Machu Picchu to cross it off my list.

I get in to LIM on a Saturday afternoon at 3:15PM. I can schedule the first flight out on LAN the next day, leaving around 5:00AM and getting to Cuzco a little more than a hour later. That gives me the whole day to do Machu Picchu, spend the night in Cuzco. Take the first flight out LAN to LIM the next day, arriving at 8AM in time to catch the 10:30AM flight on TACA back to the States. I could catch the second flight out of Cuzco to LIM and probably still make the TACA flight.

Would it be foolish for me to attempt this? The timing of all the flights would have to be (almost) flawless. Realistic?

Looking for a reality check here.

Thanks.

...Take the first flight out LAN to LIM the next day, arriving at 8AM in time to catch the 10:30AM flight on TACA back to the States...

If this were all on one ticket, ie CUZ-LIM-US as a ticketed connection, and assuming that you could afford to be delayed up to an extra day if misconnected, then yes. But ticketed separately, you might not get much sympathy from TACA if your LAN flight is weather-delayed out of CUZ (which happens frequently enough) to the extent that you don't make your booked flight out of LIM.

Here is a good news. Taca airlines joined Star Alliance now.

If you want to earn miles to Asiana Airlines(OZ), you can earn 100% miles for S class.

UA only earn for 50% miles.

I called to change my seat selections. The CSR put me into the "premium" seats according to the Orbitz seat checker. Is this somehow going to bite me in the end? Will they ask for a upcharge fee when I go check in?

how do you add a UA FF# to the reservation after it was booked on orbitz.com ?? I don't see a way to add it on orbitz

I recommend you leave LIM on Saturday and fly immediately to Cusco that evening if you can. I ended up using a tour company, but also investigated Perurail. You have to take a bus from Cusco to the train and then get back. You need 2 overnights in Cusco ahead and after. The hotels there are used to it and will even hold luggage. The info I found from Perurail is (for Oct 2008, but it will give you an idea):
6:00am bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo then catch train at 8:00 to MP arriving at 9:22am.
Return_ express train leaving MP at 16:50 arrving in Ollantaytambo at 18:13 then bus to Cusco at 18:30 arriving at 20:00pm
Back then it was US$284 for 2. So you can definitely do it, but need to be in Cusco the night before. PM me if you have more questions.
Joyce

Only have a day and half in LIM and want to do see Machu Picchu to cross it off my list.

I get in to LIM on a Saturday afternoon at 3:15PM. I can schedule the first flight out on LAN the next day, leaving around 5:00AM and getting to Cuzco a little more than a hour later. That gives me the whole day to do Machu Picchu, spend the night in Cuzco. Take the first flight out LAN to LIM the next day, arriving at 8AM in time to catch the 10:30AM flight on TACA back to the States. I could catch the second flight out of Cuzco to LIM and probably still make the TACA flight.

Would it be foolish for me to attempt this? The timing of all the flights would have to be (almost) flawless. Realistic?

Looking for a reality check here.

Thanks.

Anybody have been there? I will go on Oct 15th via SAL. I do not think i can go CUZ, because i have a short money, separate ticket, weather etc. I only stay there for 3 days. Thursday will return to LAX.