Peru stands as a destination brimming with natural splendour and ancient wonders, yet for travellers from the UK, the journey there presents a formidable challenge marked by distance and logistical hurdles. With London and Lima separated by over 6,300 miles, the quest for a comfortable and efficient route has become a pressing concern for many, including reader Diane Pugh, who seeks advice on whether upgrading to premium economy is advisable for such a gruelling trip.
The Lost Direct Route and Premium Economy Dilemma
Until British Airways discontinued its nonstop service from London Gatwick to Lima, the decision to upgrade was relatively straightforward. On a 13-hour flight, passengers could weigh the cost of extra legroom and wider seats, typically priced at £600-£700 more each way than basic economy. This translates to roughly £50 per hour, a sum that travel expert Simon Calder suggests might be better spent on immersive experiences within South America itself. He notes that business class, often five times pricier than economy, remains out of reach for most budget-conscious travellers.
Navigating Post-Pandemic Flight Options
The Covid-19 pandemic led to the permanent cancellation of several key routes, including the Gatwick-Lima link and Latam's short-lived Heathrow service. This has left UK travellers grappling with limited choices, as geography complicates journeys to South America. Unlike destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, which boasts numerous convenient hubs, reaching Lima necessitates a long Atlantic crossing with no straightforward alternatives.
Evaluating Connection Hubs for Peru
Madrid emerges as the most obvious hub, offering onward flights via Iberia and Latam. However, Calder advises against it due to the airport's poor reputation, suggesting it only for those willing to incorporate a Madrid city break into their itinerary. A stopover of at least 24 hours can reduce air passenger duty by £81 to £196, depending on the ticket class.
Air France-KLM provides connections through Paris CDG and Amsterdam, but this adds extra flying time without bringing travellers closer to Lima, further extending an already lengthy journey. Miami is largely ruled out because it increases the distance by over 700 miles and requires an Esta permit and US Customs clearance, even for mere transfers.
The Ideal Hub: Caracas and Current Realities
In normal circumstances, Caracas would be the top contender, as it lies close to the most direct route, adding less than 50 miles to the trip. A nonstop flight from London would cover 4,656 miles in under 10 hours, making it an agreeable gateway to western South America, Panama, and Costa Rica. However, political and operational issues have suspended this option for now.
Bogota: The Best Available Choice
Currently, Bogota stands as the most viable hub, despite being about 90 minutes further away than Caracas. Avianca, Colombia's national airline, operates nightly flights from Heathrow, though it lacks premium economy and arrives at a harsh 3.45am with limited immediate connections. The return journey benefits from more agreeable timings and a faster Atlantic crossing due to jet streams.
A significant advantage of Bogota is its direct link to Cuzco, the base camp for Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, streamlining travel for those heading to Peru's iconic sites.
Future Prospects and Innovative Routes
Looking ahead, the Canary Islands hold potential as a transformative hub, thanks to strong ethnic ties with Latin America, particularly Venezuela, often called "the eighth island." A route from Tenerife or Las Palmas to South America could revolutionise travel, allowing UK tourists to enjoy a short flight to the islands, a brief holiday, and then an onward daytime journey. Calder speculates that long-range aircraft like the Airbus A321 might one day facilitate such links, a prospect he eagerly anticipates.
For now, travellers aiming to explore Peru's ancient cities and breathtaking landscapes are best advised to opt for the Colombian connection via Bogota, balancing practicality with the promise of adventure in this distant yet enticing land.
