If you are planning to travel to Peru soon, you have certainly made an excellent choice! While choosing a country for your next vacation destination is exciting, it is important to prepare and organize yourself well in order to make the most of your trip. In this article, we provide some advice to help you in this process.
When to Leave?
There is no real bad time to go to Peru as it is a beautiful place all year round. Depending on what you want to see, do, or the region where you go, some dates are more suitable than others.
The winter period (May – September) is the driest season in Peru, and therefore the best time of year to travel. The summer period (December – March) is warmer of course, but is also the wet season, with frequent heavy showers. It is always important to remember to check the temperatures throughout the year in the area you are visiting so you can decide on the best time for your preferences and expectations.
Keep in mind that the winter period, although beautiful with perfect weather, is also the busy season! In addition, the months of July and August are the most expensive and should be avoided if you have the opportunity.
When to Book?
Giving a specific time frame is challenging since it depends on the airline of your choosing and the location of your final destination. However, there is a general pattern that can be seen: in order to get the greatest deal, you must book between three and eleven months in advance.
As a result, we advise that you start your search at least three months before the day you intend to go. We also advise that you set up alerts on airline comparison websites so that you will be informed in the event of a price decrease or special promotion.
Avoid School Vacations
No matter what time of year you visit—dry or wet—avoid traveling during school breaks if you aren’t taking your kids because demand is always high. Even if you book far in advance, costs for the popular Christmas and February vacations remain high.
Peru is a well-liked travel destination, particularly for Americans. You can easily cut expenditures on transportation and lodging by carefully selecting the dates of your vacation. In particular, we advise avoiding the Easter break and Spring Break (late February to mid-April) (last week of April). It is also advised to steer clear of the months of July and August because they coincide with the rainy season and an especially oppressive heat wave.
Flying to Peru
Make your Reservations Early
Either book in advance or wait until the last minute to get the greatest deal on your airfare and lodging. In order to reserve your seat and have time to compare, we advise making your reservation many months in advance. You may also be able to take advantage of attractive pricing by making a last-minute reservation, although this is very demand-dependent and very unpredictable.
Set up Alerts from Flight Comparison Sites
You will have the option to set up price reduction or promotion alerts if you decide to do so in advance. If you do this, you’ll be informed right away when the cost of the tickets reaches a level you may tolerate. Keep in mind to check prices from different airlines; while the variations may not always be substantial, you will be able to save a significant amount of money.
Your Journey
When flying from Australia to Peru, you can depart from either Melbourne or Sydney’s International Airports. There are many airlines that fly to Peru, among the most popular are: Delta, LATAM, Air Canada, Qantas Airlines, and United airlines. They all have connections with the Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima.
There are no direct flights to Peru from Australia, but as mentioned earlier, Sydney and Melbourne are the best places to fly from. That being said, it is important to think about organizing your trip to the airport, especially if you do not live super close to either of those cities. If you have decided to take your car, it is crucial to book Melbourne Airport parking in advance in order to benefit from an affordable rate. Prices vary according to supply and demand, and the cheapest parking lots fill up quickly.
Airfare is often the largest expense along with your lodging costs. According to statistics from past years, the average cost of a plane ticket to Peru is about $5,545. However, this price varies more or less depending on the period of your trip, your destination city and the airline you have chosen. Do not hesitate to compare prices from all of the options available to you. Finally, start your research early, the best time to buy a plane ticket from Australia to Peru is estimated to be between 4 and 5 months before your departure.
Parking at the Airport
This is an expense often overlooked by vacationers, yet parking at the airport can be quite expensive. By booking in advance and comparing official prices with those of private providers, you can easily find cheap airport parking. On the other hand, if you have to park at the official parking lot at the last minute, it could cost you up to 2 times the price of a reserved parking spot.
Book your Accommodation
Demand can be high, and prices tend to increase as availability decreases, so it is important that you remember to book your accommodations well in advance as well.
When it comes to the type of accommodation you want, you have several options.
It’s crucial to keep in mind to reserve your lodging well in advance because demand can be high and prices often rise as supply reduces. You have a variety of choices when it comes to the type of accommodation you prefer. A youth hostel or camping is perhaps your most cost-effective choice if you’re going to be on the road and seeing Peru on a short budget. There, nevertheless, you won’t always experience the utmost comfort or seclusion. Hotels are a possibility, but keep in mind that they are not always inexpensive in Peru. To get the best deal, compare hotels and read reviews.
You have a variety of options for where to stay in Peru. There are many hotels and lodges available at competitive rates. However, renting a house is the most cost-effective option if you are traveling in a group or with your family. Additionally, you’ll have more freedom to save money on food by cooking your own meals as a result. There are over 5,000 listings on Airbnb in Peru, so it shouldn’t be difficult for you to find the home or apartment of your desires.
Getting Around Peru
Booking a rental car is essential to get the most out of your vacation in Peru. Before making your choice, consider comparing prices at local agencies rather than rushing to the big brands. Indeed, you will quickly notice that prices per day can vary from simple to double depending on the provider. The only drawback is that these agencies generally have fewer physical premises, so if you are leaving from another airport than the one you arrived from, make sure that you can return your vehicle there.
Use Public Transportation
Most cities in Peru have a good public transportation system. Choosing to travel by bus instead of renting a car will save you a lot of money. Taxis and a Combi, a unique mode of transportation in Peru, are the two main ways to get around in cities. Combis are small, frequently sticker-decorated buses that move quickly between predetermined locations in the city.
Eat Local
If you decide to eat out, choose local establishments that serve traditional Peruvian food. You will find much lower prices and have the opportunity to experience what Peruvian cuisine is known for. Also, take advantage of the fresh local fruits that you will find in the markets.
Payment in Peru
Nuevo Peruvian Soles and US Dollars are widely accepted all throughout Peru. Most banks will charge you additional fees for onsite payments and withdrawals. Ask your bank about the best solution for you. In any case, avoid changing your money at your hotel or in exchange offices, as you will very rarely get a good rate there.
Organize your Activities
Peru is also known for its wonderful hikes. Below, we discuss some of the most incredible hikes in Peru. Hopefully this will help you decide which one to choose!
Inca Trail 4 Days: The Inca trail trek takes you through the Andean Mountains and you end up at the famous Machu Picchu. This is an unforgettable hike and should be number one on your list.
Lares Trek: The Lares Trek is an incredible adventure that takes you to the remote Quechua villages where you can interact with locals. This hike can help you appreciate their unique and traditional lifestyle.
Salkantay Trek: Lastly, the Salkantay Trek takes you through the picturesque mountains, jungles, valleys, and villages on your way to Machu Picchu. You can explore the diverse landscapes of the Andes mountains while learning about Inca history and local culture.
Check out Bamba Travel and look for a multi-tour pass or group trips in Peru. Below is a list of some of the most beautiful places to visit in Peru:
- Paracas National Reserve
- Chachapoyas
- Chan Chan
- Huascaran National Park
- Huacachina
- Mancora
- Iquitos
- Lima
- Colca Canyon
Don't Splurge on Souvenirs
As in most major tourist destinations, you will have no trouble finding souvenirs around the main tourist attractions. We recommend that you do not rush to these souvenir stores, as you will surely find similar and more affordable items in the markets or in the city centers.
Now you are fully prepared for your next adventure to Peru! Safe travels!
Guest post written by Sarah Sheedy
The author of this article is Sarah Sheedy and she works for Flyparks.com.au. Flyparks is an online comparison site for airport parking that helps customers find budget options at airports across Australia and New Zealand.