Advice Sought: When to book Peru?
 

Thanks in advance--

I'm planning a 10 day trip to Peru at the beginning of August: LAX>LIM>PEM>CUZ>LAX.

I checked prices a couple of days ago and it was around $1100 for the itinerary, now it's $1275, with the only direct flight PEM>CUZ. This is based on searching sidestep and kayak, as well as LAN directly.

Should I take this as a sign to book ASAP or will there be some fluctuation in the coming weeks? Should I hold out for something better?

Thanks!

No replies? Did I violate FlyerTalk protocol?

If it helps to break it down, I am looking at about $780 for the LAX-LIM r/t, and $450 for the internal flights (LIM>PEM>CUZ>LIM).

Thanks!

I think the reason no one answered is that no one knows.
If you haven't tried it, look at Lessno.com - I have seen some cheap fares there.

No you did not violate any protocol :D but you might have better luck posting on the South American forum.

As for airfares, not sure you will get any great deals these days, AA, DL, LAN, Copa and TACA (these last two normally will have a bit cheaper fares) all have flights to LIM.

Main thing is to be flexible with your dates, avoid staying over 30 days, and try multiple web sites, ie Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz etc. As for flying on to Cusco TACA and Star Peru also have flights from Lima so you might check those prices.

You might be better flying in on either AA or LAN and using the One World Visit South America Air Pass. You must purchase it prior to departing the USA.

Hope this helps
SAM

For a trip coming up in < 2 months. ~1200 is probably as good as you are going to get unless there are some last minute sales.

The 'sales' UA is running Europe are running $1000-1300 RT and Europe is consistently a cheaper destination than S. America (more competition).

There may be some fluctuation, but I would be very surprised if you could find a ticket for < $1000 to LIM at any point this summer. I priced a ticket to LIM for some specific dates about a month from now and it came in at close to $3k.

Thanks, samftla & WillTravel.
I called American about their One World Visit Pass, and it would make the internal flights considerably cheaper... unfortunately, we have to fly AA or LAN to Peru which is considerably more expensive! Great tip though, I'd never heard of the One World program.

Please continue to follow this thread in the FT South America Forum.
Thanks..
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

I do not have your travel dates but I was finding some fares on LAN in August for under $1100, as long as your dates can be a bit flexible. Have you checked their web site? Be sure and click Find the best price on alternative dates

Good luck
SAM

Thanks, SAM, sadly my dates aren't flexible.

It's not the LAX to LIM itinerary that is $1000+, that's the total cost including internal travel.

trips to south american in the summer (winter in Lima) are usually expensive as they are around the Christmas Holiday season. Kids are out of school, many people come to the US for vacation and many people originally from latin America go back home for vacations.
I doubt you will find anything cheaper LAX to LIM 2-3 months away and you are not flexible.
as far as internal flights, in Latin America (except maybe Brazil), these are expensive because of lack of competition and limited flights. In Argentina one roundtrip flight goes for $300+ unless you are a local resident. Foreigners usually pay higher fares.
If you are not flexible, buy the flights.