Please help me find cheap fares -- Peru travel tips

[peruytu]

Ok i'll be heading to Peru this coming July for the Copa America.. and searching through online ticket vendors (orbitz, priceline, travelocity, expedia, etc..) I havent been able to find a really cheap one. Last time I went to Peru was in 2000 where my round-trip tickets were $490 and that was around in March. Now i'm looking through the sites and I can't find anything less than $700! Please I need your help with some leads or anything that can get me cheap tickets. I want to buy now in advance so I dont have to worry later on.

I'll be departing from La Guardia or Kennedy (NYC) and will be going to Lima, Peru from July 2, 3, 4, or 5 through July 26. I dont want to fly anything that starts with Lan (personal preference) and Avianca (i'm already scared of flying as it is!). I'd prefer an American airline or anything that can get me there with one connection and/or no connections. I know i'm being very picky about these things but i'm sure there's somebody out there that can lead me to something good.. and I hope thats the case. Thanks in advance! =)

Peru y tu?

[Saltenya94]

Originally posted by peruytu
[..] I know i'm being very picky about these things [...]

Yeppp sometimes being picky is in your best interest.. sometimes it's not....

well i'm no travel agent but... well being how it's "tourist" season in July... you'll be lucky if you find anything cheaper.... had you tried for March again... I'm suspecting you could have found something for maybe $500s

You know I know this may sound crazy but you might want to check in a 'living and breathin' travel agency...' especially the mom-and pop places...

and by that DON"T Go to Downtown/manhattan(sp?) BUISNESS orientated Travel Agency's you'll pay with your teetth..

no aim at the ((poorer)) suburbs... go to your phone book... and call each one... the ones that don't have fancy ads will be pricey but you never know so it's best to check those out, too....

the more desperate the travel agency... the better chance you have of twistin' there arm for cheaper tickets ... like all things business... you can tell how much you'll pay as 'the customer' by the desperation in thier voice 'the sellers'

Tell them that you're looking around for the cheapest fares... and that you got time (since you do) often times ppl pay crazy rates b/c they're in a rush or left it for the last minute.

if You have more than 1 person flyin' than chances are you might get a descent discount (like 2-4 ppl)

But if it's just you ... I don't know.
also "Consider" getting a non-refundable ticket... now these our chearper - but if something happens... you're screwed... why you can't even sell it to your neigbhor how stupid hunh?

Also I know this may sound crazy, too...

BUT, consider maybe taking a flight from Miami, FL to Peru.... how so? By taking the cheapest greyhound (U have to order at least 1 wk in advance for cheper fares - if you do it even sooner than i "THINK" they're cheaper."

It might be more convienent/cheaper...
$70-100 (??? )Greyhound NYC to Miami
$???? who knows? Miami to Peru.

I know more work... but you might shave some $$$ - or maybe you might spend some more $$$ (and it might not even be worth it)

Just trying to give you some ideas.

[peruytu]

Thanks for the reply Saltenya. =)

Going down to Miami is out of the question... even though my brother lives there, I really don't want to make any unnecessary trips that will take away time that I could use in Peru.

As far as the travel agencies, I do plan to go to them.. especially the little "mom-and-pop" joints you're talking about. I'm sure they can find something for me.

I'll let you know what I find. In the mean time, anybody else out there with any leads? Thanks again.

Peru y tu?

[Garcia]

We just got back from Peru last month.

We had a group rate, so your price may be affected.

We used Costa Mar Travel, I'd guess using a toll-free number. They found a group rate and non-stop flights from the NYC metro area.

That would mean, Continential airlines is a good choice. They have a base in Newark, a short trip for you. Look into calling directly to them or online.

I am not talking about Aero Continente, but Continential, the US carrier. Try those "name your price" or discounted ticket websites like travelocity, if not to see the best prices, to at least see the flights out of the NYC area, non-stop to Peru. Keep in mind, a "direct flight" is not the same as a non-stop flight. A direct flight pretty much sells as a non-stop with a sometimes not advertized stop. It is considered direct because you may be using the same aircraft or has a short, quick turnaround.

I was planning on going in July, but have a group going in mid June. We have a youth jazz band in Columbus, Ohio that is going to Peru for 5 concerts in 6 days, and I will be helping them get around. A similar jazz band from Peru was in Columbus a couple of years ago and this is the return favor.

I was asked to go because there are few times when both my "homes" have such direct contact and interchages of culture. I wanted to help this work out becasue I wanted both my people to be well preresented.

My birthday is in late June, the 29th, and had planned to be there for that and the first few matches of Copa America, and even a trip to Cuzco, but all that seems in the air, as I couldn't really see a way to get out of work twice (three times if you include the trip in Janurary) in one year. I couldn't stay in Peru for a month, like I used to do when I was younger, without responsibilities.

Let's keep in touch here because this could all change. I wouldn't mind seeing if we could get another group for la Copa, and thus get a cheaper rate.

Other things to keep in mind.
If you get the cheapest rate, the ticket will have the highest restrictions. To make any sort of change, will either cost you or be impossible.
Also, these airlines are busiest in the (USA) summer. This is when the people take vacations, and Copa America itself may cause tix to go up in price.

They usually say that 21 days in advance purchase will get you the bast rate, but with these online deals (from the very airline websites), the discounted tix websites or from a travel agent could net you a deal...if you check them often, weekly I guess, or set up email alerts for specials. This is where talking to a travel agent would help. They don't raise the prices to make money, but even if you don't book a flight with them, they could keep tabs on the deals and call you if any changes to prices come around.

This also works well with them when you could simply ask about general (annual) trends in travel to Peru during the month of July. I would guess that December is the greatest time of travel, but the USA summer could cause a rise in travel, and what affect on prices it has, I couldn't tell you.

Use all these free resources. They are free and they all want your business. Free, at least until they make the sale.

Let me know what you see out there. There are a few of us, and at least two more from your NYC metro area planning to go in July. If it looks good, I may just take a trip.

That is when we try to get together down there and grab a few chelas. Good luck.

[efernandez9]

no lil mon and pop travel agents please!


look for a wholesaler that buys in bulk any season and get the discounted rates.....

Look for discounted rates with TACA, will stop 2times in central america but is worth

are you a student
are you in college? continental has some great discounts form them... try the travel agent in campus, my cousin just did that from Nebraska and got a deal to colombia over xmas to jan10th

I will post some ph#s later

for now try 800 282 8932 ask for jakie or Patricia, chk wholesale rates with taca to peru, via salvador or Honduras.

[Garcia]

The key is to ask questions and read the fine print.

One more thing we all need to remember.
Getting out of Peru is difficult. It takes much time to get through all the lines at the airport, and I would guess, the Copa will bring even more travel delays.

Remember to keep about $25 (American) for the Exit Tax all international passengers have to pay to leave Peru. After you check in for your flight, you have to go make another line to pay the tax to the Govt. They don't seem to take credit cards.
Don't drink all your money away. ;)

Bank exchange rates are lower, especially at the airport itself, than the street $ Dollar buyers. But, the convience of being at the airport and some added security could be a plus.

Don't allow anyone to help you with your bags, unless you really need it. Some people have been known to ask to help and steal you luggage!

VISA card is the card most used in Peru. Some stores only take "nationally based" credit cards, but I only encountered that at one store. I used my Visa just about everywhere that accepted it. Some stores or restaurants have credit card logos on the door, but then say they don't accept them, so ask first.

Travelers checks are not a good idea. Unless you plan to exchange them (at some cost) at banks or exchange houses, they are pretty much worthless in Peru. Nobody will take them.

Cash, Nuevo Soles, are your best bet.

I have noticed that ATMs are everywhere and you could get cash at pretty much all of them. Check the logos on the machines. I'd check or ask your bank if they have a listing of ATM in Peru. Fees may vary. I pay $1.50 for each time I take money out at Peruvian ATMs. Ask your bank.

In fact, I used to use WesternUnion or other money transfer places, but they charged too much. I sent an ATM card to a family member (via DHL, just tell them, that it is not activated, even though it is), whom I trust, and when I need to send money to Peru, they just ask, they take it out, as if they where me at the ATM and it costs me only a buck fifty! You can withdraw either Soles or Dollares.

I have also taken cash out from a bank in Peru that has a Visa logo. Show your card and your passport, and you can (at least could) get cash. ATMs still seem the easiest. Be sure to be careful, take your card out of the machine and remember your password.

Cross reference this information with the Copa America thread in the CONMEBOL forum, too.

[peruytu]

Thanks for the useful tips Garcia!

[efernandez9]

Originally posted by peruytu
Thanks for the useful tips Garcia!

for ATM usage ask your local bank, what banks in Peru (cite city) have relations to them

I use that in colombia last december and It works for good exchange rates and many locations, very sfe booths for ATM machines... In main malls and commercial areas.

[chaski]

Originally posted by Garcia
Remember to keep about $25 (American) for the Exit Tax all international passengers have to pay to leave Peru. After you check in for your flight, you have to go make another line to pay the tax to the Govt. You also have to pay departure taxes for national flights, e.g. Lima-Arequipa, though its not very much, like 12 soles.
I used my Visa just about everywhere that accepted it. Some stores or restaurants have credit card logos on the door, but then say they don't accept them, so ask first.There are some hotels that charge more if you use a credit card than if you pay in cash.

I have also taken cash out from a bank in Peru that has a Visa logo. Show your card and your passport, and you can (at least could) get cash. Was this a cash withdrawal from checking (like cash on an ATM card) , or a cash advance on a VISA credit card?

[chaski]

Originally posted by efernandez9
for ATM usage ask your local bank, what banks in Peru (cite city) have relations to them This is good advice. My ATM card only works at some bank ATMs in Peru.

Also, while there are many ATMs in Lima, they are not as common in smaller cities. In Puno there are only 2 or 3 ATMs, and my card only works in one of them. And sometimes that ATM is down. :(

[Garcia]

Originally posted by chaski
You also have to pay departure taxes for national flights, e.g. Lima-Arequipa, though its not very much, like 12 soles. True. I totally forgot that many people are going to different cities in Peru for this tournament.
There are some hotels that charge more if you use a credit card than if you pay in cash. True. In fact, if you find a place that sells something, you work a deal, you had better pay cash. No deals if you pay credit.

One thing about american dolars.

Go to the back and get clean and crisp bills. In Peru, just about anyone who exchanges or accepts american money will not accept "ugly" money. No "find George" stamps or writing at all. Even if it looks too old or has bent dog ear ends, they will not take it. That money is considered no good.

Was this a cash withdrawal from checking (like cash on an ATM card) , or a cash advance on a VISA credit card? Cash advance on a credit card.

[The Double]

Originally posted by Garcia


One more thing we all need to remember.
Getting out of Peru is difficult.


I hate the Peruvian airport. And I can't even blame the government because a bunch of German guys run it now.

[guri]

You can also try in Jackson Heights, Queens - Roosevelt Avenue between 65th and 85th Streets - Walk around and check out all the travel agencies - Try also 37th Avenue (1 or 2 blocks away) - San Francisco Travel is on Roosevelt Avenue, I dont remember the intersection (around 70th Street) They always have the cheapest fares there. Or try a town with a big peruvian population, I think Port Chester, NY has a lot of peruvians -(Try El Gaucho Inca while you are there, good peruvian and uruguayan cuisine, good looking peruvian waitresses as an added bonus) - Good Luck

[peruytu]

Originally posted by guri
You can also try in Jackson Heights, Queens - Roosevelt Avenue between 65th and 85th Streets - Walk around and check out all the travel agencies - Try also 37th Avenue (1 or 2 blocks away) - San Francisco Travel is on Roosevelt Avenue, I dont remember the intersection (around 70th Street) They always have the cheapest fares there. Or try a town with a big peruvian population, I think Port Chester, NY has a lot of peruvians -(Try El Gaucho Inca while you are there, good peruvian and uruguayan cuisine, good looking peruvian waitresses as an added bonus) - Good Luck

I was just on Roosevelt this past weekend... my aunt and uncle took to me this colombian restaurant, and i must admit, they were really good... I think the name was Mario's Pollo or something like that.. great food. Anyhow, yeah I was walking along Roosevelt and I couldnt believe the amount of travel agencies! Every block had at least 3 of them (and two colombian restaurants per block). Ill probably go back there this weekend and take your advice and check out the various travel agencies... especially since now I have two uncles traveling with me to Peru.
Two weekends ago I went to Port Chester to eat at this Peruvian restaurant called El Misti. Not the greatest of foods but I only go there for their Lomo Saltado.. their best dish IMO. Going down there I passed through that restaurant you mentioned, El Gaucho Inca... just gave it a glance but thats about it. Actually, I wasnt too sure about trying that place because it looked too nice from outside.. and usually those places that look too nice usually dont have the greatest of foods but now that you said otherwise, I may have to try it, thanks! =)

Peru y tu?