Claire Dean
Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!
Which U.S. Airlines Go To Peru?
Written by:Claire Dean
Published: 2023-02-01
Peru is one of the most sought-after destinations to travel in South America. The Country of the Incas is recognized for its prevailing cultural expression, natural wonders, and historical attractions which fills it with countless adventures and mysteries for all ages and tastes. From the lush Peruvian jungle to the towering Andean mountains and the spellbinding coastal side, the Peruvian lands are a whole new world. For those looking to indulge their desire for meeting new places and disconnect from routine, Peru is the best destination. It offers different experiences for all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking to relax your mind, look for spiritual guidance, exploring mountainous trails, or uncover the mysteries of Peru’s ancient civilizations, here you’ll find a new adventure in every corner. But how can you get to Peru? Here is some useful information about international flights to Peru and more specifically from the U.S. to Peru.
New York´s JFK
How to get to Peru
The easiest way to get to Peru from the US is by international flight, fares can range from $300 USD to 1,500 USD (one way). Likewise, direct flights are also possible from several cities in the US, such as Atlanta, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, and Dallas fort-worth. In other cases, flights may have connections in Mexico, Colombia, or other countries in Latin America, as well as cities within the US.
There are many airlines that fly to Peru, among the most popular are: Avianca, LATAM, Canada Air, Jetblue, Copa Airlines, InterJet, Spirit Airlines, Aeromexico, and United Airlines. They all have connections with the Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima.
With the exception of Continental’s frequent nonstop service from Newark to Lima ($900–1500 return), nearly all flights to Peru from the US go via Miami, Houston, or Atlanta. Delta, Continental, and American Airlines are the traditional carriers serving Peru from the US. Most airlines can book connecting flights to Miami, Houston, or Atlanta from a range of cities throughout the US. A number of airlines fly Miami-to-Lima, including American, Copa and Latam; the fare is usually $1000–1500 return. Fares from New York (via Miami) cost no more than fares from Miami.
There are a huge variety of tours and packages on offer from the US and Canada to Peru, starting from around $1500 for a two- to three-day package and ranging up to $4000–5000. You’ll also find a number of packages that include Peru on their itineraries as part of a longer South American tour.
It is worth noting for your arrival airport, that there are 5 international airports in Peru, though they have limited flight departures per week and for certain cities within South America. Therefore, Lima remains the principal airport into Peru and the starting point for most travelers who come to explore this magnificent country.
Miami Airport
Peru Entry Requirements for US Citizens
Throughout all our years of working in the travel industry, we’ve come across the same question many times. Do US citizens need a visa for Peru? The answer is no, a tourist visa is not among the entry requirements for citizens of the North American country. However, what the immigration office does require is having at least a 6-month validity remaining in your passport along with two empty pages for the entry/exit stamp.
According to the US State Department, evidence of return or onward travel is required. Keep in mind that the length of your stay in Peru will be determined by the immigration officer upon entry and may vary from 30 to 183 days.
However, if you’re planning to stay longer than your stipulated time, you must request an extension through the Peruvian immigration office. If you overstay, some penalties will be applied.
Personal items that can be brought into Peru tax- and duty-free.
U.S.Passport
Allowed Items to Bring into the Country
- Clothes for personal use
- Suitcases, bags and backpacks containing personal belongings
- Toiletry for personal use
- Other personal items and jewelry for personal use
- Books, magazines, newspapers and documents for personal use
- Medication, supplements and medical devices that can be brought into Peru tax- and duty-free
- Medication for personal use only (except medication containing narcotics, which may be restricted or prohibited in Peru)
- Vitamins and dietary supplements for personal use only
- Aids and appliances for personal mobilization and medical control (wheelchair, walkers, crutches, blood pressure / glucose meter, nebulizers, thermometer, etc.)
- Even though medical marijuana was legalized in Peru in 2017, your medical marijuana prescription from another country won’t be accepted in Peru. So, a big no to bringing cannabis leaves, stems and flowers into Peru. A grey area is still cannabis derivatives such as CDB Oil or even Hemp powder, even though both are readily available in Peru and most probably no-one will care when entering the country with small amounts for personal use.
- Electric and electronic devices incl. accessories that can be brought into Peru tax- and duty-free
- 2 cellphones (1 cellphone for minors age 7 to 18)
- 1 laptop
- 1 tablet or 1 digital organizer
- 2 conventional or digital cameras
- 1 video camera or camcorder (portable and not for professional use)
- 1 radio or audio player/recorder (portable and not for professional use)
- 1 CD / DVD player (portable)
- 1 video game device (portable) incl. 10 games
- 2 external hard disc drives and 4 USB sticks
- 4 memory cards for the digital camera, video camera / camcorder or video game device brought into the country at the same time
- 4 USB sticks
- 10 rolls of film for the camera and 10 cassettes for the video camera / camcorder brought into the country at the same time
- 20 CDs or DVDs
- 1 portable calculator
- 2 electric hair dryers or hair straighteners
- 1 electric shaver
- Drones (have to be declared; please read below under "Restricted items")
Suitcases
Other items that can be brought into Peru tax- and duty-free
- 1 (set of) sporting equipment for personal use
- 1 musical instrument (portable)
- Other articles for personal use or consumption or gifts with a total value of up to US$500. In case of electric and electronic devices not mentioned above, tools or other personal equipment, only one item each is allowed to bring into Peru tax- and duty-free when the total value won’t exceed US$500
- Bringing Money into Peru
- Amounts of more than US$ 10,000 or the equivalent in any other currency have to be declared when entering or leaving Peru.
- Entering or leaving the country with amounts over US$ 30,000 or the equivalent in any other currency is prohibited.
- So, if you carry more than US$ 10,000, download the app "Bienvenido al Perú" available on Android and iOS and follow the instructions. Best have some proof of the origin of the money.
- If you opt to not declare amounts over US$ 10,000 and are caught, expect to pay a 30% fine on the amount you carry with you, If you are caught with amounts over US$ 30,000 expect that amounts over the US$ 30,000 are confiscated and you are fined 30% on the rest.
Traveling with Guitar
Prohibited Items
Then there are items you just aren’t allowed to bring into the country. If you are caught with them, they will be seized and you may be fined or worse.
These include, but aren't limited to:
- Drugs, narcotics and medication containing narcotics
- Fireworks
- Used clothes and shoes due to amount and value not considered for personal use
- Any beverage named “Pisco” not produced in Peru
- Used car spare parts
- Some pesticides and other chemicals