Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [458]
Airports & Airlines
Located in the port city of Callao, Lima’s Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez (airline code LIM; 01-517-3100; www.lap.com.pe; Callao) completed a four-year remodel in 2009 that has left the main terminals sparkling (and chock-full of services). It is a major hub, serviced by flights from North, Central and South America, and two regular direct flights from Europe (Madrid and Amsterdam). Check the airport website or call 01-511-6055 for updated departure and arrival schedules for domestic and international flights. Click here for details of airport services and Click here for transportation options to/from the airport. Cuzco (Click here) has the only other airport with international service, to La Paz, Bolivia.
AIRLINES FLYING TO/FROM PERU
The phone numbers and addresses listed here are for airline offices in Lima; add 01 if calling from outside the capital.
If you plan to visit an office, call before you go or check a phone directory under ‘Líneas Aéreas,’ as they change addresses frequently.
Aerolineas Argentinas (airline code ARG; 513-6565; www.aerolineas.com.ar/ar/pe/)
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THINGS CHANGE…
The information in this chapter is particularly vulnerable to change. Check directly with the airline or a travel agent to make sure you understand how a fare (and ticket you may buy) works and be aware of the security requirements for international travel. Shop carefully. The details given in this chapter should be regarded as pointers and are not a substitute for your own careful, up-to-date research.
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INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE TAX
Lima’s departure tax for international flights is US$31. Pay the tax in cash (dollars or nuevos soles) at the check-in counter before proceeding to departure gates. Note: some airlines include this fee in your ticket price.
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Aeroméxico (airline code AMX; 705-1111; www.aeromexico.com)
Aeropostal (airline code LAV; 444-1199; www.aeropostal.com)
Air Canada (airline code ACA; 626-0900; www.aircanada.com)
Air France (airline code AFR; 213-0200; www.airfrance.com)
Alitalia (airline code AZA; 241-1026; www.alitalia.it)
American Airlines (airline code AAL; 211-7000; www.aa.com)
Avianca (airline code AVA; 440-4104; www.avianca.com)
British Airways (airline code BAW; 411-7801; www.britishairways.com)
Continental Airlines (airline code COA; 712-9230; www.continental.com)
Copa Airlines (airline code CMP; 610-0808; www.copaair.com)
Delta Airlines (airline code DAL; 211-9211; www.delta.com)
Iberia (airline code IBE; 411-7800; www.iberia.com.pe)
KLM (airline code KLM; 213-0200; www.klm.com)
LAN (airline code LPE; 213-8200; www.lan.com)
TACA (airline code TAI; 511-8222; www.taca.com)
Tickets
From most places in the world, South America can be a relatively costly destination. The high season for air travel to and within Peru is late May to early September, as well as around major holidays (Click here). Lower fares may sometimes be offered outside peak periods.
Contacting a travel agent that specializes in Latin American destinations and shopping around for competing online fares can turn up cheaper tickets. Students with international student ID cards (ISIC is one widely recognized card) and anyone aged under 26 can often get discounts with budget or specialty travel agencies. A good option to check out is STA Travel (www.statravel.com), which has offices around the globe. (Bonus points: it’s also a supporter of the Planeterra foundation’s project for street kids in Cuzco.)
Tickets bought in Peru are subject to a 19% tax. It is essential that you reconfirm all flights 72 hours in advance, either on the telephone or online, or you may get bumped off the flight. If you are traveling in remote areas, have a reputable travel agent do this for you.
INTERCONTINENTAL FLIGHTS
Some of the best deals for travelers visiting many countries on different continents are round-the-world tickets. Itineraries from the USA, Europe or Australasia typically require at