Flights to Peru

Most international flights to Peru will land at the Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima. There are, however, four other international airports in the country, which serve Cusco, Arequipa, Iquitos, and Piura. In addition to these, there are regional airports, some of which have scheduled flights to Peru's outer regions, and some of which offer private, unscheduled flights only. The Jorge Chavez airport is Peru's main airport, and serves as a hub for many different airlines. It has been named Best airport in South America, and also holds the title for having the Best Airport lounge in the world. Unfortunately, the latter title refers to its Sumaq VIP lounge, exclusively for first and business class passengers. From Lima, it is easy to get a regional flight to almost any area of the country.

Peru Weather

The altitude and weather varies greatly from the arid coastal desert, to the mid-country Andean mountains, to the tropical Amazon jungle on the east side of the mountains. If your Peru flights land directly in Cuzco, allow yourself time to get used to both the climate and the altitude before exploring. Weather is either wet or dry depending on the season, and temperature is generally dependent on the altitude of your destination. Most tourists come from June to August, the cool dry season in the highlands, which is both best and busiest for hiking to Macchu Picchu and other outdoor sports.

Getting Around Peru

When your flight to Peru lands, you can get around the area quite easily, or you can make it into an adventure! Sign up for one of the many guided tours of the areas you want to visit and travel in comfort with a guide speaking your language, or venture out into the world of Peru's public transportation. Public transportation in Peru can take almost any form: from the peki-peki canoes that travel the Amazon basin, to the standard bus and trams to travel within and between cities. But be aware that accidents on bus routes are quite common. If you plan on renting a car, you will be better off flying between destinations and renting when you arrive due to the long distances involved.

Peru Attractions

The country of Peru has a rich history. With everything it has to offer, from eco-tourism, to museums, to archaeological sites, it is difficult to narrow down "must see" items! Below are a few suggestions:

• Machu Picchu, a wonder of the world located outside of Cuzco, full of stone trails and canals.
• Museo de Arte de Lima, exhibiting collections from pre-Columbian artifacts, to colonial furniture, to traveling exhibits of modern art.
• Museo de Arqueologia de la Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, the archeological museum in La Liberdad features Temple of the Moon artifacts and lovely pieces of Moche and Chimu pottery.
• Porcon Farm, a rural cooperative that offers an agro-tourism program in the northern highlands of Cajamarca.
• Nazca Lines, geoglyphs on the arid plateau near the town of Nazca, only recognizable from the air.