What’s the best way to explore Peru? By plane or train?

Have a question? Ask our expert Simon Calder

Take in stunning views by rail (marktucan/iStock)

Q I am planning to explore Peru for three weeks in April 2020 over Easter. First, when will I be able to book flights to and from Lima? Second, should I travel by land or air within Peru?

Name withheld

A The usual booking horizon for airlines is two weeks short of 12 months (the idea being that it would be foolish to be selling tickets for, say, 1 April flights in two different years, with all the confusion that would entail). Many airlines will start putting their April 2020 schedules on sale in the middle of April 2019 – but usually only a day at a time, with 1 April 2020 going on sale on 16 April 2019, and another date opening up for each successive day. This way of doing things creates a problem for travellers who want to book a complete itinerary. The outbound flight will go on sale well before the inbound. But even for a relatively busy time like Easter, steep fare increases are unlikely during the three-week gap between when you can book the outbound flight and the inbound leg.