Overview
Peru is South America's headline act for many UK travellers, home to Machu Picchu, the Inca heartland around Cusco and the Amazon rainforest. Most journeys begin in the capital Lima, a coastal city with a celebrated food scene that serves as the country's main gateway. Comparing fares in one place makes planning a trip of this scale far simpler.
Best time to fly to Peru
Peru's most reliable weather in the Andes and Amazon falls in the dry season from May to September — the best window for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, though also the busiest. The shoulder months of April and October can offer a good balance of decent weather and easier fares. The price charts on this page show the cheapest dates for your route.
Main gateway cities & airports
The main gateway is Lima Jorge Chávez (LIM), which handles nearly all international arrivals. From there, domestic flights connect to Cusco (CUZ) for Machu Picchu, Arequipa (AQP) in the south and Iquitos (IQT) for the Amazon.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Peru, so all journeys involve a connection. Popular routings include Iberia and British Airways (via Madrid), KLM (via Amsterdam), Air France (via Paris), Latam and US carriers (via cities such as Miami). Total journey times from London are typically around 15–18 hours depending on the layover. Comparing carriers for your exact dates is the surest way to secure the best value.
Popular places to visit in Peru
- Machu Picchu: the iconic Inca citadel high in the Andes
- Cusco & the Sacred Valley: the historic Inca capital and its ruins
- Lima: world-class cuisine and clifftop views over the Pacific
- Lake Titicaca: the world's highest navigable lake and its reed islands
- The Amazon around Iquitos: rainforest lodges and river wildlife
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Peru
- Book two to four months ahead for this long-haul route.
- Travel in the shoulder months to balance weather and price.
- Compare different connecting hubs — the routing can change the fare.
- Be flexible with dates; midweek departures are often cheaper.
Travel essentials
- Visa: UK travellers do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days
- Currency: the Peruvian sol (PEN)
- When to book: check the price charts on this page for the cheapest days
