It’s time to pick back up on your Spanish lessons because Delta just announced one of their most exciting new routes all year to a stunning Latin American city.
Whether you’re into vibrant culture, fascinating architecture, sensational cuisine, or looking to sprawl out on a beach lounger, you can check off all the boxes in Delta’s latest destination.
There are now 9 U.S. airports offering nonstop service to Peru’s largest metropolis, travelers commonly used as a springboard to other phenomenal destinations such as Machu Picchu for those up for the trek.
Better yet, there’s actually extremely exciting news coming out of Peru regarding formerly closed-off ruins that may take some shine away from Machu Picchu now that the fascinating site is open to the public and far easier to reach.
No matter if you’re flying into Lima as your mainstay or gateway, Utahns should be jumping for joy with the state’s first-ever nonstop route to South America slated for daily service beginning December 4, 2025 (seasonally).
Huge News For Salt Lake City Travelers
Ever been to Salt Lake City? There’s not a lot going on in this place where the buffalo roam. Being pretty is one thing, but finding things to do is another — all the more reason to scratch your travel itch and embrace adventure.
Salt Lake City (SLC) is a major hub for Delta Air Lines, making it even more impactful for the Mountain West for those looking to explore beyond what they’re accustomed to.
As SLC’s first-ever route to South America, Utahns are eager to explore this new territory, far removed from the city’s imposing temples and strict laws that once stifled the fun in such a beautiful place.
Lima makes for an excellent starting point to South America both geographically, culturally, and safety-wise, despite a fairly recent travel advisory update (Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution).
Whether Lima is your connection to other Latin American wonders or your urban playground to explore, it’s not only a worthy destination in its own right, but one of the continent’s most connected cities with short flights to Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, and other Peruvian getaways.
If I didn’t already have my trip booked to Lima via Mexico this winter, I’d be stoked for this new route as a resident West Coaster with limited international flight options out of San Diego (with the exception of Copa’s groundbreaking new route to Panama).
Experience Summer During Winter
Delta couldn’t have timed this route better for a variety of reasons, but let’s start with the obvious.
Utah is a rare destination where hordes of tourists flock here for winter, though mainly to Park City to hit the slopes.
One look at the towering snow-capped mountains and it’s easy to see why Utahns leave their majestic state while skiers visit in droves.
Fortunately, Peru’s summer season runs from December to March, making Lima all the more enticing to stick around for sun-drenched beach days and splendid weather, perusing timeless marvels and bustling plazas.
While you shouldn’t expect Cancun-level shores, Lima does offer scenic beaches lining the coast, most notably Miraflores, where tourists and locals alike rave about it on TripAdvisor with over 15,000 reviews propping up an impressive 4.6 rating.
Only 18 minutes from Lima’s Main Square, it’s one of the city’s most accessible beaches and just happens to be one of the most vibrant with bright blue water along rows of upscale hotels and buzzing bars.
Move Over, Machu Picchu! Welcome To Peñico
Have Machu Picchu on your list? Well, I hope you know what you’re signing up for.
Whether it be the treacherous hike or budget-busting train ride, you might opt to swap for Peru’s nearly 4000 year-old ruins that were just opened to the public after 8 years of study and restoration.
The site of Peñico served as a crucial urban center and trading hub in ancient times, connecting a range of communities from the Pacific coast, the Andean highlands, and even the Amazon.
Located 120 miles from Lima, it’s actually much easier to reach than Machu Picchu, many hours away by train, plane, or bumpy mountainous bus ride.
It’s estimated the site itself dates back to 1,800 and 1,500 BC and has been called an extension of another site often overshadowed by Machu Picchu, known as Caral.
For comparison, Machu Picchu is just roughly 600 years old. The latter makes for a better postcard, but you’ll feel like you’re time traveling to incalculable bygone eras visiting Peñico — plus, some bragging rights being one of the first to visit.
Fly Nonstop To Lima From These 9 U.S. Airports
According to Flight Connections, Americans can now fly nonstop to Lima from these 9 U.S. airports:
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Houston (IAH)
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Miami (MIA)
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
- Newark (EWR)
- New York (JFK)
- Salt Lake City (SLC)
Travel Tip: Before jetting off, make sure you dot your I’s and cross your T’s with all necessary entry requirements through Travel Off Path’s new entry requirement checker!
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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